Kerala is pressing the Centre to grant Visa-on-arrival facility for foreign tourists who land at the State's airports, according to Tourism Minister A. P. Anilkumar.
Inaugurating a seminar on tourism infrastructure in Kerala, organised by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Monday, Mr. Anilkumar said that he along with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had requested Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram to enable this facility in at least one airport in Kerala.
Elaborating on issues that are hampering tourist inflow to different destinations in the State, Mr. Anilkumar said that many tourist locales need better upkeep and steps to scientifically manage garbage. “Decentralised garbage-treatment plants are the need of the hour. Tourism spots also need better road, rail and air connectivity. Inadequate road connectivity and bad roads are hampering the flow of tourists to idyllic spots like Bekal.”
He said that the Government has an open mind on public-private participation in tourism ventures. A global village has been planned in Kochi, in connection with the annual Grand Kerala Shopping Festival.
Mr Anilkumar said that Kerala Tourism was a trendsetter in India on beginning a major marketing initiative to promote tourism. “Now, the State is facing stiff competition from neighbouring States, Goa and Gujarat, apart from countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand. We now have to market our destinations better,” he said.
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