Date:19/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/11/19/stories/2008111951352100.htm

Back Panel to go into effect of slowdown on tourism

Our Bureau

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov. 18 Kerala Tourism will set up a committee to study the impact of the global economic slowdown on the State’s tourism industry.

Announcing this after a meeting of tourism industry stakeholders held in the city on Monday evening, Kerala Tourism Minister Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that the Tourism Secretary will head the committee, which will meet early in December. It will examine various suggestions put forward by Kerala’s tourism industry and will come up with strategies to overcome the expected decline in tourist arrivals in the State, he added.

Banking on domestic visitors

As part of its efforts to deal with a decline in tourists, especially foreign tourists, Kerala Tourism must develop a marketing strategy oriented towards attracting more domestic tourists, Mr Balakrishnan said. Tour operators, hoteliers and other stakeholders should develop holiday packages that attract more domestic tourists, he added.

According to industry sources, the State’s tourism industry has asked the Government to reduce taxes levied on the sector and provide financial support to make Kerala a cheaper destination for tourists.