Kerala Travel Mart opens

Kochi, Sep 21 (UNI) Tourism has achieved a remarkable growth through the integration of public and private sectors and Kerala's innovative products like ayurveda packages and house boats are attracting the captains of tourism industry world over to this God's own country.

In one of the greatest shows on tourism opened here yesterday, organised jointly by the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) and Kerala Tourism Board, tourism promoters are optimisitic that the industry has ample scope for growth.

With domestic tourism arrivals having crossed the 60-lakh mark and international arrivals standing at over five lakhs and growing at the rate of 20 per cent every year, tourism is a massive revenue generator and also provides employment to thousands in the state.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan and Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishanan said over the years Kerala has become one of the most popular destinations for the gloabl travellers. By integrating tourism with other development activities and making it beneficial to the local community, the state has set a model for sustainable growth.

KTM President E M Najeeb said Kerala had evolved as the most successful superband in the internatonal toursim scenario. Kerala's beaches, backwaters, hill stations, ayurveda, wildlife and above all the enchanting beauty of the state in the art and cultural forms have made the world recognise the state as a high quality destination. While the fifth edition of the KTM showcases new properties and new products, more small properties are being represented and efforts to bring undiscovered Kerala into limelight are also undertaken.

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