New Delhi: The state government will soon give approval to 12 more tourism projects under the ‘Destination Challenge’ with the aim of making every panchayat a tourist spot. The procedures for approving new projects in five districts are said to be in the final stages. The government has already approved 36 projects till December 2023.

The tourism department launched the 'Destination Challenge' project in June 2022. The project is for developing potential tourism destinations in Kerala in collaboration with local self-government institutions. The project envisages the development of at least one tourist destination under each local body through the local self-government institution concerned. 

The tourism department will bear 60 percent (up to 50 lakhs) of the project and the local governing bodies need to foot the remaining (40 percent). Local bodies are allowed to pool funds through various means including private participation. The income generated from the completed projects will go to the local bodies. 

Officials of the tourism department said that the project will promote hyperlocal tourism as well as reduce congestion in the major centres.