KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday presented the State Tourism Awards for 2014-15 underlining the need for integrating Kerala’s heritage and culture with the tourism sector. at Iringal Sargaalaya Crafts Village. “International and domestic tourists should get the experience of Kerala products, heritage and culture. This can be achieved only by connecting Kerala’s traditional industries with Tourism”, said Mr Vijayan while delivering the inaugural address of the Sargaalayaa International Arts and Crafts Festival at Iringal here.
He also said that the revamped Kozhikode airport and the Kannur Airport, which will start its functioning soon, will boost tourism in Malabar. A high-power committee under the chairmanship of Tourism Principal Secretary Dr Venu V picked 27 winners under three categories. Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran, who presided over the event, said the state tourism sector’s target was 4 lakh jobs in next five years.
“With many innovative initiatives, Kerala has already grabbed space on the world tourism map. The government is planning to identify and develop 79 new destinations in the state apart from creating more model tourism villages. This will be with the help of the cooperative sector,” said Mr Surendran. Marvel Tours won the award for best in-bound tour operator. Crowne Plaza, Kochi, bagged the top award for five star deluxe hotel, while Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel and Spa bagged the best five star hotel award.
Mr K Dasan, MLA, welcomed. Dr Venu and Tourism Director U V Jose was dignitaries. The Sargaalaya Iringal International Crafts Festival is hosted by Saegaalaya Kerala Arts and Crafts Village, Iringal, an initiative of Tourism Department. The fifth edition of the expo displays handcrafting skills of artisans, including national award winners along with the items handcrafted by them. Variety programmes, including Kashmiri Rauf dance, are line up for the expo.
