Category: Kerala

Papanasham at Varkala figures among world’s 100 best beaches in Lonely Planet travel book

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb. 8 In a huge endorsement of Kerala’s lively beach tourism, Papanasham Beach, Varkala, a stunning seaside getaway, has been featured among the 100 best beaches in the world in the prestigious Lonely Planet’s “Best Beaches: 100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches’ guide book. Located in Thiruvananthapuram district, Papanasham Beach, also known as Varkala beach, overlooks the Arabian Sea, and its silvery stretches of sand and the serene ambience make it a favourite tourist destination. Fringed by coconut palms, blessed with an unending stretch of blue waters, and endowed with an idyllic serenity, the beach has earned the ... Read more

Kerala set a global model in sustainable tourism: Minister

National Tourism Day theme aligns with Kerala’s tourism goals, says Shri Riyas   Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 25: Noting that Kerala’s tourism goals align perfectly with the theme of National Tourism Day 2024, Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas today said the state has set an enduring global model in sustainable and inclusive tourism by emerging as a widely acclaimed experiential tourism hub. National Tourism Day is celebrated on January 25 every year to build awareness of the country’s economic benefits from tourism. This year’s theme is ‘Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories.’ “This year’s theme goes well with Kerala’s recent initiatives and ... Read more

TIM projects to be completed in time-bound manner: Minister Riyas

Facilitation centre to be set up to fast track projects Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 11: All projects presented at the recent Tourism Investors Meet (TIM) organised by the Kerala Tourism Department in association with the industry will be completed in a time-bound manner through a single-window system. A facilitation centre will start functioning at the Department of Tourism by January 25 to fast track the project and a web portal by February 10 for the purpose, Kerala Tourism Minister Shri Mohamed Riyas said while presiding over a review meeting here. The tourism department has shortlisted projects by 19 new investors for fast-track ... Read more

New office bearers for ATTOI

  Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 09: In a significant development for the travel and tourism sector, Mr. Subhash Ghosh has been appointed as the President and Mr. Jihad Husain as Secretary and Mr. Benny Thomas as treasurer of the Association of Tourism Trade Organisations, India (ATTOI). The announcement was made during the organization’s annual general meeting held on 05th January 2023, marking a new chapter in the leadership of one of the most influential bodies in the Indian tourism industry. [gallery size=”medium” ids=”48091,48090,48095″] Mr. Subhash Ghosh brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the tourism sector, ... Read more

The logo of KITTS Alumni (KITTSA) unveiled by Shri Muhammad Riyaz, Minister for PWD and Tourism

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 09: The logo of KITTS Alumni (KITTSA) was unveiled on January 9, 2024, at the Government Guest House in Thiruvananthapuram by Shri. P.A. Muhammad Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Public Works Department. The event was attended by K. Biju IAS, Secretary, Tourism; Dr. M.R. Dileep, Director, KITTS; M.D. Shijil, BRDC, and others. KITTSA Office Bearers: President: Shri. Prashant Vasudevan (Former Deputy Director, Kerala Tourism) Secretary: D. Manoj Kumar (Thenmala Eco Tourism Promotion Society) Vice President: Mrs. Susan Mathew Joint Secretary: Shri. Lal Saty Treasurer: Kumari Varsha Gopan KITTS, established in 1988, has made significant contributions to the professional development ... Read more

Kerala to bring out ‘Mission 2030’ master plan for tourism in 2024: Minister

Shri Riyas addresses tourism seminar at Keraleeyam Thiruvananthapuram, Nov. 05: Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas today said the government will come up with a comprehensive master plan, ‘Mission 2030,’ for tourism sector next year. Addressing a seminar on tourism held here as part of Keraleeyam, Shri Riyas said the master plan will lay down policies and suggestions on matters including increasing tourism’s  contribution to state’s GDP from the current 12 percent to 20 percent. Regarding dry day, a decision will be taken after discussions with the Excise Minister, he said. Noting that Kerala Tourism’s major focus in 2024 ... Read more

Kerala to host four day global RT Summit from Feb 25 Tourism Minister to inaugurate the meet at Kumarakom

Kerala is all set to host a four  day global Responsible Tourism (RT) summit from February 25, showcasing the state’s remarkable achievements in evolving an internationally-acclaimed sustainable tourism model over the last one-and-a-half decade and strengthening it further by coalescing the emerging trends and demands. Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas will formally inaugurate the conclave, being organised by Kerala Tourism in association with State RT Mission, on February 26 at Lake Song Resort, Kumarakom, at 9 am. The deliberations of the summit will start with a ‘Speakers Meet’ on February 25. Minister for Cooperation and Registration Shri VN ... Read more

Kerala’s first caravan park will open on February 25 in Vagamon

The Caravan Tourism project starts with the idea of ​​how people can arrange a safe journey when they cannot go out or travel. Every traveler wants safe travel, accommodation, and food during this time. The Caravan Tourism Project is great hope and opportunity for people who have been unable to travel for a long time and had to stay at home. Houseboats came to Kerala in the 1980s. It was a new product in the tourism sector. Houseboats are still the main attraction of Kerala tourism. Due to various reasons, it was not possible to bring a new product later ... Read more

Action plan for the development of Thekkady Tourism Center: PA Mohammad Riyaz

Thekkady is one of the important tourist destinations in the state. The area, which is visited by many people on a daily basis, is planning comprehensive development activities and innovative programs to attract tourists. As part of this, a high-level meeting was convened to evaluate the activities of Thekkady Tourism Center. It was decided at the meeting to prepare an action plan for comprehensive development activities. The Director of Tourism has been appointed for this purpose. The meeting decided to look into the possibility of developing the park. The meeting reviewed practical steps in the areas of FAM trip, training ... Read more

Insurance coverage for travelers at 60 Eco-Tourism destinations in Kerala

The decision to provide insurance cover to travelers visiting 60 eco-tourism centers of the State Forest Department. This is the first such move in the state. The scheme is for one year in association with the United India Insurance Company. The forest department will pay Rs 225 per person per year to the insurance company. In case of accidental death at eco-tourism centers, the assistance of Rs. 5 lakhs and in case of mutilation Rs. 2.5 lakhs will be provided. The coverage is only for those who buy tickets and visit eco-tourism centers. There is no protection against the loss ... Read more

Uncertainty in the tourism sector at Sunday’s lockdown

Restrictions similar to the lockdown on Sundays are a setback for the tourism sector. The government has not clarified what the restrictions on the tourism sector will be. Despite reports are circulating on social media that pre-booked tours will not be disrupted, neither the DTPC nor the tourism department has officially clarified. Tourists mostly visit on Sundays. Many people come to Alappuzha for houseboat trips by booking in advance. No notice has been given to houseboat owners or tour operators on how to work on Sunday. So they are worried about what to say to those who booked. Currently, only ... Read more

“Fam 2 Malabar 500” Now the world will explore Malabar

Malabar is a land of great potential for tourism. It still needs to attract tourists from all over the world. This will nurture the tourism potential not only of Malabar but of Kerala as a whole. According to the internationally renowned Lonely Planet, Malabar is one of the 10 unexplored places in the world. The Department of Tourism is introducing a unique marketing scheme called “Fam 2 Malabar 500” to bring Malabar to national and international attention and to place Malabar in the packages of domestic and foreign tour operators. It will be attended by over 500 tour operators in ... Read more

Government approves Agasthyarkoodam trekking; Insurance coverage is mandatory for travelers

The government has given conditional permission for the Agasthyarkoodam season 2022 trekking. Earlier, it was reported that people would be trafficked from January 14 to February 26. It had been announced that online booking will also start on January 13th for this. Meanwhile, online bookings were postponed due to fears of Omicron. However, the government has given the go-ahead to tourists with conditions but has not decided when the online booking will start and when the tourists will be admitted. Tickets can be booked online by visiting the Forest Department website www.forest.kerala.gov.in or https://serviceonline.gov.in/. Terms In view of the Covid ... Read more

Ice & Snow World Visual show at Shankumugham

After the devastation caused by the covid and the sea, Shankhumukham in Thiruvananthapuram is once again a favorite destination of tourists. People are now flocking to Tsunami Park to experience the spectacle of Ice & Snow World, which was launched under the auspices of the District Tourism Promotion Council. Attractive for children and adults alike, the exhibition is reminiscent of snow-covered destination tourism. Artificial snow, icebergs, children’s playground, igloo hut, beautiful lighting furniture, and laser display provide a great visual experience. The show runs daily from 4 pm to 10 pm. Ice & Snow World is available from 11 a.m. ... Read more

The ‘B2B’ meet of leading tour operators in the country has been launched in Kovalam to promote tourism centers in Kerala

Leading tour operators of the country gathered in Kovalam on Friday to prepare useful packages to promote major tourism destinations in the state and to strengthen cooperation with tourism partners. The three-day campaign is jointly organized by the South Kerala Hoteliers Forum (SKHF) and the Kochi-based Tourism Professionals Club (TPC) with the support of Kerala Tourism. This includes Destination Promotion, B2B Meet, and visits to major tourist attractions in Kovalam, Poovar, and Varkala. The B2B Meet of Kerala Tour Operators with Industrial Partners was held on January 7 at 4 pm at the KTDC Samudra Resort, Kovalam. More than 120 ... Read more