Kerala has retained its status as the best tourist destination among States for a second year running, says a Nielsen survey.

Rivals Rajasthan, Goa and Karnataka have been left behind for the coveted honour, a spokesman for Kerala Tourism said here.

NO-BRAINER

This comes close on the heels of God's Own Country's promotional ad film — ‘Your Moment Is Waiting' — featuring in the newest edition of Limca Book of Records.

In an affirmation of the State's tourist appeal, infrastructure and scenic grandeur, the survey says, “Kerala topping the list is no-brainer.”

The survey was conducted by Nielsen

“The survey has come as a big endorsement for Brand Kerala. It will spur us to take it forward with many more new initiatives,” Mr T.K. Manoj Kumar, Secretary — Tourism, said.

This is testimony to our sustained efforts to promote the State Kerala and its tourism infrastructure, said Mr Rani George, Director, Kerala Tourism.

WINTER DESTINATION

The survey also found Kerala as the second-best State for winter destination after Goa. Rajasthan and the Andamans occupied the third and fourth slots, respectively.

Two major factors for choosing the best winter destination, as in the previous year, were ‘scenic beauty' and ‘value for money.'

In the category of beach destinations, Kerala occupied the fourth place after Goa (South), Andamans and Goa (North). Kerala is followed by Lakshadweep, Orissa and Karnataka.

‘Sands/beaches' influenced the decision for the top choice as 88 per cent of the surveyed listed it among the important criteria and 33 per cent picked it as their chief criterion.

KOCHI FETED

Another highlight of the survey is the coastal city of Kochi emerging as the sixth-best city for tourists after Jaipur, Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad.

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