Kerala - God's Own Country - has emerged as the top tourist destination in India, after recording 20% growth in tourist influx and registering 25% rise in revenue last year. Its last year revenue touched the mark of Rs 11,500 crore which is more than the national average figure, said Kerala Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. Owing to its amazing natural beauty and greenery, Kerala has topped the tourism charts of the country.
Balakrishnan further said that while giving administrative sanctions for any tourism venture in Kerala, conservation of nature is the top most priority. Speaking at the occasion of inauguration of 'Vismaya' water theme amusement park, Balakrishnan expressed that such parks play a vital role in attracting more tourists to the state. Moreover, the boom in tourism sector has caused generation of 12 lakh jobs in Kerala.
The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) is also planning to establish budget hotels to lure the people in the lower income category. In the next few years, the Bekal Fort in Kasaragod district and the five-kilometer long Muzhappilangad drive near Kannur Beach would be developed as major tourist destinations, said Balakrishnan.
