Kerala Tourism eyes Chinese market

New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) Kerala Tourism has finalised a plan to woo tourists from China as part of its measures to augment the foreign tourist arrival to the "God's Own Country." State Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today held discussions in this regard with Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni.

"Kerala has sought our cooperation to explore the potential market in China for the promotion of tourism in the state," a senior tourism official said here today, while pointing out that Ms Soni had assured all necessary cooperation.

Though Buddhist Centres are the main attraction for Chinese tourists, Kerala hopes to market its major tourism product - backwaters and beaches.

During their 30-minute-long meeting, the ministers had reviewed the process of tourism promotion in the state, including the ongoing centrally-funded projects.

The Centre has released an amount of Rs. 112 crore during the 10th Five Year Plan for 61 projects inKerala.

She asked Mr Balakrishnan to expedite the procurement of land for Institute of Hotel Management to be established at Alapuzha.

Ms Soni said Kerala could strengthen the Human Resource Development in the tourism sector as it had already made a mark in different fields of the service sector.

UNI SH SK KN1709