Deccan, PTR tie up to promote tiger conservation, ecotourism

Kochi, May 3 (UNI) Deccan, India's first low-cost airline, has teamed up with the Kerala Forest Department and the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) for a unique ecotourism initiative for preserving the tiger population and bio-diversity of the reserve at Thekkady in the state.

The initiative, 'Simplify Periyar', would offer wildlife enthusiasts and leisure travellers an opportunity to stay, explore and closely experience the spectacular wildlife and natural heritage of PTR, Deccan Executive Chairman Capt G R Gopinath said in a press conference here today.

''The partnership between Deccan and PTR goes far beyond a commercial equation as we are committed to a shared vision of preserving our tiger population and natural heritage by successfully engaging local communities in tourism and improving their livelihood,'' he noted.

'Simplify Periyar' offers ten ecotourism packages, which would be launched tomorrow, whereby the travellers would be flown into Madurai or Kochi by Deccan and the PTR would drive them to the reserve and provide accommodation.

Deccan operates flights from Kochi and Madurai to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mangalore and Bangalore.

About the price of the packages, Capt Gopinath said it is being worked out and it will be available on the web in 15 days.

PTR Deputy Director Padma Mahanti said people availing the packages would be volunteering for the conservation of the park and tiger, and would have a chance to know the ecosystem in a better way.

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