Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

`Government to ensure safety of tourists'

Staff Reporter

STRIKING THE RIGHT NOTE: Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan interacting with tourists at the Kanakakunnu Palace on Wednesday night after the inauguration of Kerala Tourism's `Rhapsody of Rains.' — Photo: S. Gopakumar

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Government would ensure safety of tourists visiting Kerala by creating such ambience where they can move around freely during any part of the day, Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said.

Inaugurating Kerala Tourism's `Rhapsody of Rains,' the weeklong dance and music festival to promote monsoon tourism, at Kanakakunnu palace here on Wednesday, Mr. Balakrishnan said Government would also ensure that cleanliness is maintained in all destinations and roads leading to tourist spots.

"Tourism has a major role to play in the development of the State in the coming years. Although the State has immense tourism potential, it has not been tapped properly. The Government expects an investment of Rs. 1,000 crores in the tourism sector this year," he said.

With such investment anticipated, an estimated 50,000 jobs can be created in the tourism sector.

The Government would ensure that those who come to invest in the tourism sector do not face any hurdles. The Government is for promoting investment and for the development of the tourism sector, he said.

With the launch of aggressive marketing in the major metros and dance and music festivals in the capital to attract tourists to the State during the monsoon, the Tourism Minister said the State has now become a 365-day destination for tourists.

"We hope to attract tourists in large numbers from the northern States and from abroad during the monsoon. Henceforth, there will be no off-season in the State," he added.

The Government would come up with projects to promote adventure, eco and health tourism in the State.

V. Sivankutty, MLA, presided over the function.

Director of Tourism B. Suman spoke.

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