Kerala to grant industrial status to tourism sector, says Minister P C Vishnunadh

Wayanad: Steps have been taken by the government to grant industrial status to the tourism sector in Kerala, State Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh said on Tuesday.

The minister was speaking after inaugurating the 'Brand Wayanad' project, implemented by the Tourism Department as part of the state government's 100-day action plan, at an event held in Vythiri.

Vishnunadh also inaugurated the Life Experience Trails projects led by the Responsible Tourism Mission Society.

The objective of the 'Brand Wayanad' project is to present the hill district to the world by combining its natural beauty, agriculture, adventure activities, farm and heritage tourism areas, places of historical importance, food diversity, arts and crafts, the minister said in a statement.

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He stated that the 'Brand Wayanad' initiative extends to tourism development across Malappuram and Kozhikode districts, adding that targeted measures will be introduced to boost the appeal of tourism activities throughout the Malabar region.

As part of developing the tourism circuit, by connecting Wayanad with Kodagu and Mysuru districts in neighbouring Karnataka, Kerala's art festival and still life representing its culture will be presented during the Dussehra celebrations, the minister said.

He further said that the state's festival, Onam, will be turned into a big event modelled after the Hornbill Festival in the Northeast and the Mysore Dussehra.

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As part of the Brand Wayanad project, various programs will also be organised in Delhi by December, Vishnunadh said.

Under the Life Experience Trails project, the Thirunelli Trail and the Coffee Trail, including Chekadi, have been started in the district and they have potential for experiential tourism, he said.

The minister added that Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) institutions will be modernised and restructured to make them economically viable. (PTI)