Kerala eyes 8% growth in tourist arrivals in 2016

In 2015, the foreign tourist arrivals in the state stood at 9,77,479, 5.86% gowth over 2014

Kerala is looking at an 8 per cent growth in the number of tourist arrivals this year, as it undertakes multiple initiatives to promote the state as a preferred tourist destination, said the Kerala Tourism director U V Jose to PTI.

In 2015, the foreign tourist arrivals in the state stood at 9,77,479, 5.86 per cent gowth over 2014. While, the domestic tourist arrivals for the year was over 1.24 crore, 6.59 per cent growth over 2014 figures, he added.

"To increase the number of foreign tourists, apart from the continuing focus on our core markets such as UK, France, Germany and US, we are also aiming for increased arrivals from the new emerging source markets as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Russia," Jose said.

Other countries that are being targeted are Australia, Japan and China, he added.

The government has rolled out several initiatives such as Project Muziris constituting a series of 27 museums spread across the heritage region showcasing maritime trade, lifestyle, barter system and handicrafts and the spice route revival project, Jose informed.

Another important initiative is Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which is an international exhibition of contemporary art held in Kochi, he added.

The state also plans to launch a new brand campaigns targeting high-potential markets such as Europe, Asia, Middle East, north and north east India, Kerala Tourism said.

Kerala will also be participating in international trade fairs and will also conduct road shows in various countries, Jose said.