- CALL FOR A COMMON INITIATIVE

Prof K V Thomas, Minister for Tourism and Fisheries, Kerala, made an appeal for better co-ordination and relationship among the Southern States to promote tourism in an effective manner with a healthy competitive spirit.  He said that to achieve better results in terms of revenue generation and effective utilisation of the infrastructure in the southern region there was need for an action plan.  He was in Chennai to open Kerala Tourism Development Corporation's (KTDC) new information office in the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) Complex.

He also addressed the media about the latest developments in Kerala's tourism industry and the steps being taken to sustain these developments.  The Minister also said that the Kerala Government would take the lead in convening a meeting of the Chief Ministers and the Tourism Ministers of the southern States. The proposed meeting would sort out issues concerning tourism in these States and was likely to take place by December end or early January. R. Saroja, Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister, also expressed the view that TTDC would work in tandem with Kerala to promote domestic tourism in a big way.  

Padmaja Venugopal, Chairperson, KTDC spoke about KTDC's aggressive marketing initiatives and its strength including its largest chain of hotels. T Balakrishan, Secretary to Government - Tourism made a brief presentation at the media briefing and highlighted the importance of Southern States especially Tamil Nadu for tourism in Kerala.  He said Kerala was focussing on domestic tourists especially from states like Tamil Nadu.  He highlighted the fact that at present the largest number of domestic tourists to Kerala was from Tamil Nadu.  The synergy within Southern States he said, with regard to tourism was certain to bring in more revenue for the states.  Incidentally, KTDC brings in revenue of about Rs 5000 crore every year for Kerala.  If the southern states were to work together, there would not only be better utilisation of existing resources but it would also bring in more revenue he said.

A series of short films with themes like 'Water Colours by God' and 'God @ work' made by Santosh Sivan were screened for the media. A 60 second commercial highlighted the best of Kerala with stunning visuals accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats and traditional music. This film showcases Kerala's attractions - its beaches, backwaters, hill stations, Ayurveda, wildlife, art, culture and the vibrant people. The commercial took 20 days to make with a crew of over 80 and was shot at 20 locations spread across the entire state. It took 120 cans of films, three 35 mm cameras, an akila crane and a jimmy jip crane to make the commercial. The screening of these films to the Chennai media, according to Balakrishnan was part of KTDC's publicity strategy to attract tourists from Tamil Nadu. It may be recalled that hardly a few months back, KTDC had organised an even bigger publicity event highlighting various tourist packages.

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