Develop unseen locales as tourist spots: Kerala Tourism Min

Kerala has unseen marvels hidden in the light of popular destinations which could be developed as tourism hotspots, said Kadakampally Surendran, Minister for Tourism, Govt of Kerala, while inaugurating the Munnar Tourism Partnership Meet 2018 at the Le Maritime Hotel in Kochi.

He has also urged the tourism stakeholders to take good care to prevent environmental degradation  and preserve Kerala’s rich biodiversity. The minister also pointed out that it is not concrete jungles that a tourist would look for when they come to Kerala. “Local residents too must benefit from the sector, thereby furthering the cause of responsible tourism. Village tourism packages could help preserve heritage,” he added. Kadakampally has also urged the tourism stakeholders to take steps to prevent littering and limit undue reliance on plastic.

The minister also sought the help of the stakeholders to prevent overcrowding and traffic congestion in Munnar since the “neelakurinji” was set to bloom in the region. Munnar will witness an unprecedented flow of tourists from August onwards when neelakurinji blooms after 12 years.

The second Munnar Tourism Partnership Meet organised by Munnar Destination Makers (MDM) has launched an app “Explore Munnar” and a handbook which holds details such as route maps, information of hotels and resorts and the places to see in Munnar. The meet also saw the launch of a venture titled “Carry our own bag,” to encourage less reliance on plastic. With the constant efforts, the hostels in Munnar could prevent dumping of around 7 lakh plastic bottles each year just by relying on glass bottles to store water in hotel rooms.