Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has earmarked Rs 700 cr for the tourism sector under the Nava Kerala project to rebuild the state after the recent floods, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendan said on Friday. A detailed plan for the utilisation of the amount is being prepared, he said.
Stressing the importance of tourism as one of the priority areas of the government, the minister said Rs 300-crore river cruise project in Malabar region has got a central assistance of Rs 98 crore. “The state government has earmarked Rs 65 crore for the project.”
A survey will be conducted seeking possibility of job opportunities through tourism in the flood-hit areas of the state, the minister said. “Students of Kerala Institute Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) will conduct the survey. It will help bring more people to the tourism sector,” he told reporters at the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM).
“The government conducted a “Readiness Survey” from September 1 to know if we are ready for receiving tourists. The report published on September 15 revealed that 80 per cent of tourism areas were back on track”, he said.
Connectivity in all areas, including Pathanamthitta and the hill station of Gavi, has been restored on a war-footing. Lauding KTM for focusing Malabar in the September 27-30 event, the minister said the government is thinking of modifying certain laws for better tourism practices in the state.
Kerala Tourism Secretary Rani George, Director P. Bala Kiran and office-bearers of KTM Society were also present during the press conference.
