ALAPPUZHA: The tourism season in Alappuzha will begin with the arrival of a group of 320 French chartered tourists here on Wednesday morning.

At a press conference here, Joji Mathew and Cijo Alex, directors of Rainbow Cruises, houseboat operators who are the hosts, said the tourists brought in by tour operators TMR France would spend a day here enjoying the beauty of the backwaters before leaving for Jordan.

Mr. Joji said it was the first time in the history of the State that such a large group of chartered tourists was arriving to explore a single destination.

The TMR group was bringing the tourists here as a part of its package `around the world in 21 days', he said. The group would visit 21different countries during the trip, he said.

"It is significant that the tourists who arrive in the country for a single day have selected the backwaters of Alappuzha as the destination this time," he said.

He said the tourists would arrive in Alappuzha by 8 a.m. from Kochi and would be given a traditional welcome. They would explore the backwaters of Alappuzha and Kuttanad and return to the town by noon. Mr. Joji said a snake boat race would be held at Punnamada Lake for the tourists.

He said the Tourism Department and the district administration promised all help for the programme.

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