Tourism Min invites global tourism sector to Kerala; India Tourism Mart kick starts in Delhi

Union Tourism Minister Alphons K J today invited the global tourism stakeholders to visit Kerala supporting the flood-hit state. “Though it was hit by one of the worst floods in the century, Kerala is emerging from the deluge at an amazing pace,” he said inaugurating the India Tourism Mart in New Delhi today.

“The tourism centers and hotels in Kerala have been fully opened after the floods. I’m inviting you to visit this beautiful place,” he said addressing the gathering. “If Kerala will submit a detailed project on the renovation of Pamba river, the central government will take all the necessary positive steps,” he added.

India does not discriminate tourists based on their sexual orientation and everyone is welcome to come to the country, said K J Alphons. The minister was responding to a question about the government’s view on promoting LGBT tourism in the country in the backdrop of the Supreme Court decriminalising homosexuality and Thailand promoting itself as a safe destination for the community. “Our tourism is for all. We do not discriminate against sexual preferences of anyone. Everybody is welcome here, absolutely everyone. We believe in tourism for all,” said Alphons.

Every year, the Ministry of Tourism will conduct India Tourism Mart and Paryatan Parv on the same dates as of this year. FAITH will be the permanent partner of the event, the minister said. When the media team asked the minister whether it was right to choose this time for the Travel Mart, the minister said that since December-January months are tourist season in Delhi, there will be no rooms available for free to conduct such a fait at that time.