Considering the huge potential of generating employment and increasing the revenue, infrastructure development at tourist spots was given more thrust in the State budget presented on Monday.

A Tourism Promotion Board will be constituted at a cost of Rs 15 crore for exploring tourism markets from India and abroad. Musiris heritage tourism projects too will be given focus and a sum of Rs 7 crore has been set apart for this.

Thalassery heritage project has been allotted Rs 2 crore and Rs 53 crore has been allotted for developing infrastructure at tourism spots. A sum of Rs 5 crore will be used for upgrading the tourism centres like Bekkal, Wayanad, Kochi, Kumarakom and Kovalam to international standards.

As part of attracting more investment in the tourism sector, 50 new spots will be identified. A sum of Rs 3 crore will used for ‘Waste free tourism centres.’ Hop on - Hop off’ service, helicopter service from selected tourism destinations which will also be started this financial year.

For the expansion of Responsible Tourism initiative, Rs 2 crore has been earmarked. Eastern corridor Eco-circuit will be started to explore tourism development in Malabar area. A sum of Rs 10 lakh will be utilised for the Nila tourism project.

Pilgrim centres like Muruganmala, Thangalpara and Kurishumala will be included in the Vagamon tourism project.

Pilgrim tourism circuit project costing Rs 25 lakh will be implemented connecting ancient temples and holy destinations.

Munderi panchayat in Kannur district, where migratory birds are seen in large numbers, will be converted into a bird sanctuary. A sum of Rs 20 lakh has been allotted for Harippad Pilgrim Mega Tourism Project.