Kerala, Goa may offer joint tourism package

In a bid to attract more foreign tourists, the tourism departments of Kerala and Goa are plans to jointly offer a common tourism package.

Emphasising that the package will make sure that foreign tourists arriving in Goa would also visit Kerala and vice versa, Kerala tourism department director Alkesh Kumar Sharma said he has already initiated discussions for this tie-up with Goan tourism officials.

While preliminary round of talks are over, the next stage of discussions will involve matters benefiting both states, in the event of an agreement on the tourism package, he added. According to Sharma, Kerala will be focussing on backwater retreats and ayurvedic treatment.

He said, "Other attractions that Kerala could present for tourists visiting Goa will include hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries and ethnic tourism." The package is expected to yield great results because of easy connectivity made possible through the Konkan Railway and three international airports, he added.

Meanwhile, a Kerala tourism department press release said the Seychelles minister for tourism Ms Simone Conaramond during her recent visit to Kerala has expressed willingness to go for joint ventures in the field of health tourism, especially ayurveda.

Seychelles may consider introducing the traditional health care systems of Kerala such as ayurveda and other practices in the island nation. It would also work out the prospects of cooperation in other avenues of tourism activities with Kerala, which would result in mutual benefit and growth.

In a bid to attract and entertain the high paying tourist segment and simultaneously capitalise on the western world's fascination for Kerala specialities, the tourism authorities of the state have set their focus on the best of Kerala's traditional practices.

Revealing that initiatives are already underway to showcase the authentic and traditional charms of state, Kerala tourism minister K V Thomas said it is now palpable with many of the state's leading five star hotels, offering dishes like fish curry prepared in earthen pots, the steamed 'puttu' made of powered parboiled rice, and an array of meat and vegetable dishes cooked in different styles across the state.

According to him, tourism officials and hotel chefs are approaching grandmothers, who are potential sources in order to understand the know-how behind the preparation of many ethnic dishes.

Meanwhile, responding to an expert committee's recommendations, ayurveda centres in the state had been categorised into green leaf and olive leaf based on the facilities they offer, he added. While Ayurveda treatment is available in several countries, Kerala is focusing on a complete lifestyle package that takes advantage of its verdant landscape, climate and environment.

The package involves a change in lifestyle and diet.  Adding to the charm will be traditional dances, which are being learnt by foreign students. Many of the students have opened their dance schools overseas.

Among the tourism plans, the authorities would go for increased investment in infrastructure, special tourism zones, conservation of heritage sites like Fort Kochi, interlinking of canals with backwaters, and an eco-tourism resort that is being developed in Pathanamthitta district with restrictive entry for only high-paying tourists.

For other tourists, including domestic, the surrounding areas outside the resort will be developed with all facilities, Thomas said.