1 hr ago

Keralam Moves to Give Tourism Sector Industrial Status

Keralam wants tourism to be treated as an industry.

Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh said the government has taken steps toward this.

He announced Brand Wayanad, a project to show visitors what the district has to offer.

It will highlight nature, farms, adventure, history, food and local arts.

The project also covers tourism in Malappuram and Kozhikode.

Officials plan to connect Wayanad with places in neighbouring Karnataka.

Two visitor trails, the Thirunelli Trail and the Coffee Trail, have started.

The minister also said the state’s Onam festival will be developed into a bigger event.

Key facts

Project: Brand Wayanad, implemented by the Tourism Department as part of the state government’s 100-day action plan.
Inauguration: The project was inaugurated in Vythiri.
Districts included: Wayanad, Malappuram and Kozhikode.
Regional tourism link: Plans to connect Wayanad with Kodagu and Mysuru in neighbouring Karnataka.
Experience trails: The Thirunelli Trail and Coffee Trail, including Chekadi, have started.
Festival plans: The minister said Onam would be developed as a major event modelled after the Hornbill Festival and Mysore Dussehra.
KTDC: Kerala Tourism Development Corporation institutions are to be modernised and made economically viable.

theprint.in · 2 hrs ago