Introduce Trade Tourism

With the view of drawing in more tourists to the state, the traditional industries of Kerala should be revived along with supporting medical tourism, said Cherian Philip, Chairman of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation while inaugurating the Kerala.com Tourism Festival held recently at Kochi.

He said Kerala spices attracted traders from around the world centuries back. Once the traditional industries of the state is revived, the interest of traders from around the world could also be revived which inturn would support the industries and also bring in more revenue to the state exchequer. He said that trade tourism is a focus area of the present government and ayurveda, herbal cosmetics, traditional coir and handloom products, cashew and seafood were areas for development.
Cherian Philip said that the government would conduct a Kerala Shopping Festival in November this year and the venue would probably be Kochi. Dubai Shopping Festival held annually is a grand success and the government wanted to follow its line. The Malabar Shopping Festival has proved to be a great success and shopping festival once implemented would have the same result.

He revealed that the government has plans to set up a permanent trade centre to showcase products from the state. Once completed it would turn out to be a major tourist attraction. The works of the proposed marina is expected to commence by May and is expected to be completed in 18 months. He said that the private entrepreneurs were playing a major role in the tourism front and the government is committed to extend all sorts of support. ••