Kerala seeks ₹700-crore package from Centre for tourism development 

Kerala’s Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas has sought a ₹700-crore package from the Centre for the development of the State’s tourism. 

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi after meeting Union Minister for Tourism Rajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday, Mr Riyas said Kerala’s wish list for tourism development included a ₹100-crore scheme each for the modernisation of Kovalam, Varkala, and Kappil beaches. 

He said the State also aspired for a National Institute of Water Sports at Beypore in Kozhikode, pleasure cruise terminals in Kochi and Kollam.

He said Kerala government will organise an international wellness conclave to transform Kerala into a global destination for health tourism. Kerala hoped to invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the conclave. The government would set a date that does not conflict with the impending local body elections’ code of conduct, Mr Riyas said.  

He thanked Mr. Shekhawat for allocating six tourism projects for Kerala. “The Centre has allocated ₹376 crore for each project. It’s not a small outlay and will give a leg-up to Kerala’s tourism initiatives”, he added. 

Mr. Riyas said Mr. Shekhawat lauded Kerala for its responsible tourism initiatives and also increasing footfalls of tourists, both domestic and international. 

NH-66 development

Later in the day, Mr Riyas will accompany Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for an interaction with Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highways Nitin Gadkari. 

He said the meeting would review the development of NH-66 in Kerala. “So far, the National Highway Authority of India has completed 444 km of NH-66. Kerala is racing to complete the highway development by December. There are specific issues in certain areas, including Vadakara, that both the Centre and the State must resolve expeditiously. Currently, NHA and the State government are working in tandem to address problems in every 10 km of the NH 66”, he said.