Kerala plans to make use of airports for tourism push.

In a bid to promote tourist footfalls in Kerala, the State, which now has four international airports, is planning to create awareness among travellers about its lesser known micro destinations.

“With the inauguration of the Kannur International Airport, Kerala tourism will leverage its established destinations in North Kerala such as Bekal and Wayanad, while giving thrust to lesser known micro destinations in Kannur and Kasargode districts,” said State Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran.

To increase the arrival of tourist in the State, Kerala tourism is organising various partnership meets in 10 cities across India.

“Last year’s flood led to a decline in both domestic and international tourist arrivals during September and October. However, in December and January, the numbers started picking up again,” said BS Biju, Tourist Information Officer, Kerala.

There is a lot of scope for expansion in untapped markets such as Japan, China, Malaysia and Australia, so there will be lot of focus there, apart from the UK and the US from where most international tourists visit Kerala, Biju added.

HBL