Kerala Travel Mart delegates likely to have a heli ride

Kerala tourism is planning to introduce ‘Heli Ride’ for the tourists coming on international cruise liners at the port of call.

The discussions are on initial stage; however the authorities are likely launch it as a pilot programme at the forthcoming Kerala Travel Mart (KTM 2018) by offering the facility to the delegates. The programme should have approval from the Cochin Port and Navy and the discussion with the port officials are on by the tourism department and KTM organizers.

Kerala based helicopter operator Chipsan Aviation may be opted to operate the heli services, as they are already meeting the requirements and have started services at the Jatayu Earth’s Center at Chadayamangalam in Kollam.

Heli ride will be offered to the delegates of KTM from Willington Island helipad in Kochi to places like Alappuzha, Athirappilly-Valparai, Ernakulam, Kochi beaches ad Kochi City. Discussions are on with the heli operators to provide the best rates.

“This is not the first time we used choppers for delegates. We have used this service during KTM 2012, but there were only few takers. Currently we plan to introduce the concept to the Port officials for cruise tourism,” said Jose Pradeep, KTM Society Secretary.

An official from the aviation company said choppers can be provided as per requirements and they are awaiting approval from the concerned authorities.

During last tourist season, Cochin port has hosted around 40 international cruise ships. “The Cetnral government has been giving huge importance for cruise tourism, mainly focused in Mumbai, Mangaluru, Kochi, Goa and Chennai ports. The results will be visible within two-three years and the growth will be manifold when compared to other sectors of tourism,” said Sanjeev Kumar from Lotus DMC, one of the leading cruise companies operates in India, Srilanka and Maldives.