Kerala aims to double tourist inflow to Bekal

The Kerala tourism department is targeting to almost double the inflow of tourists to Bekal, the sea-based tourism spot developed by Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Limited (BRDC), from the present 320,000 to 600,000 by 2015.

Inaugurating the flagship ‘Know Bekal’ promotional campaign at Bekal near Kasargode on Friday, chief minister Oommen Chandy said tourism, coastal transport and national waterways were the three biggest hopes of Kerala’s economy. Bekal, which is in a position to support all the three, is therefore at a huge advantage, he added.

“Bekal, as a destination, is largely unexplored and pristine,” said tourism minister AP Anil Kumar.

The Kerala government is planning to make Bekal as the second-biggest backwater tourism hot-spot in Kerala, after Alappuzha. Plans are also on the cards to build an airstrip, revamp the railway station to improve connectivity, and create facilities for adventure tourism, including water and aero sports.

A familiarisation tour for travel professionals and stakeholder sessions to discuss tourism strategies marked the start of the ‘Know Bekal’ campaign.

“Information kiosks will be set up at major destinations and airports, including Mangalore. Bekal will be actively represented at international trade and tourism fairs,” said Rani George, director, tourism.