Kerala’s Tourism Policy 2012 was recently released by Mr.OommenChandy, the Chief Minister of Kerala. The policy aims to convert Kerala into an all-season destination and market Kerala as a visible global brand with equal focus on domestic and international markets.
According to the new policy, Ayurveda, backwaters, adventure, eco-tourism, MICE and medical tourism will be developed and promoted as special tourism products along with Responsible Tourism. The policy also ensures fast-track clearance for tourism projects with an investment of above Rs. 100 million.
Also part of the new policy are suggestions to build new accommodation units of less than 30 rooms in six northern districts – Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad. The policy also focuses on increasing the tourist arrivals in both foreign and domestic segments. The new policy targets 3 million foreign tourist arrivals and 18 million domestic tourist arrivals by 2021.