Kerala to innovate new schemes in tourism sector: Minister

Pathanamthitta, May 3(UNI) Kerala Home and Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balaksrishnan today said the Tourism Department was formulating innovative schemes to attract tourists, both domestic and foreign.

Inaugurating an accommodation block attached to the Thiruvalla 'Sathram' of District Tourism Promotion Council, he said it was planned to start an eco-tourism project at Sabarimala if the Forest Department allotted land.

Moreover, facilitation centres would also be set up in the district for the benefit of Ayyappa devotees.

Last year alone 5.5 lakh tourists from abroad and 65 lakh from other states visited Kerala, he said the revenue accurued from tourism stood at Rs 11,500 crore.

Claiming the State claimed the tenth place in national tourism, the Minister said tourism in the state would be encouraged with the active involvement of local people.

Stating that backwater tourism would be promoted with due stress on protection of eco-system, he said tourism should not be the privilege of the rich.

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