CHENNAI: The graceful moves of traditional Kathakali dancers caught the attention of participants at the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation's (KTDC) partnership meet here in the city on Thursday evening. As part of KTDCs promotional activities, such meets are conducted in various cities, bringing together tour operators, travel agencies and property owners with the aim of promoting tourism in the state. The upsurge in both foreign and domestic tourism to Kerala in the past few years suggest that no convincing is required. In 2010, the number of domestic tourists was 75 lakhs; whereas in 2011, it was 95 lakhs. Foreign tourist arrival increased by 11 per cent. The Tamarind string of budget hotels by KTDC which were introduced last year have received good patronage.Speaking to City Express along the sidelines of the partnership meet, Anil VS, representative of Kerala Tourism in Chennai, said, "The latest strategy of Kerala Tourism is introducing responsible tourism. With the help of the local communities and local bodies, we are promoting each and every tourism destination. The main focus is to provide facilities without any ecological harm, and with maximum positive and minimum negative impact of tourism." Kumarakom was the first place where this was introduced and has now been implemented in popular tourist destinations like Wayanad, Thekkady and Kovalam.The next strategy is that of sustainable tourism, he said. "This is also meant mainly for the local community to benefit. We are allowing the tourists to stay with the local people, mainly a home stay kind of thing. This has been done in Kumblangi, a fishing village near Cochin," said Anil. The objective is to give the visitors a taste of what life in a typical Keralite home is like.Other initiatives include promoting new places like Gavi, near Sabarimalai, for adventure sports. New off-season and seasonal packages have also been introduced by KTDC.Targetting NRIs and Keralites staying in different parts of the country, a scheme called "Bring Home a Friend" has been introduced. "When someone you know visits Kerala through one of the credible travel agents, and state that they have been referred through you, they can obtain a discount. The next time you visit, you will be able to use reward points gained from your referrals to get discounts," said Anil.More information on credible travel agencies and places to visit is available on www.keralatourism.org.
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