First chartered flight with foreign tourists arrive at Kochi

Tourists from Australia arrive at Kochi Airport (Screen shot from video of tourism minister)

Kerala has been getting back to normal after the devastating rain and flood that has caused terrific damages to the state’s infrastructure and economy. Tourism was one among the major sectors experienced widespread damages. However, with the tireless efforts of the state tourism department and the government machinery along with the selfless support of the tourism fraternity, the state has been reinstating most of its tourism destinations to normal.

To add to the joy and confidence of the tourism sector, the first chartered flight carrying around 50 tourists from Australia has landed at the Kochi International Airport on 15th September at 6:00 PM. Tourism department has arranged a heart-warming reception for the foreign tourists, whose arrival is expected to revive the tourism industry, after the chaos of flood.

Traditional reception for the tourists arranged at the airport

The tourists are coming via Divine Voyages Private Ltd., in Delhi. “The tourists will spend three nights in Kerala,” said Prabhu Kumar, Managing Director of Devine Voyages to Tourism News Live.

“ On the first day team will roam around the major tourist attractions in Kochi like Fort Kochi, Mattancherry etc. Later, the group will visit a private farm in Ankamali, where they will engage in cookery class of indigenous food of Kerala. Next day the team will visit Alappuzha and will experience voyaging in house boats,” he added.

After Kerala, the tourists will set off to Goa and thereafter to the north Indian tourist destinations like Udaipur, Jaipur, Varanasi etc. “I am so delighted to bring the first chartered flight of foreign tourists to the state after the floods,” said Prabhu Kumar.

The state tourism department also expressed their excitement to receive the guests. “We are working tirelessly to reinstate Kerala’s position as one of the best tourism destinations in the world,” said Rani George, Tourism Secretary.

“This special tourist flight will convey the message to the world that Kerala is ready to receive tourists from all around the world,” commented P Balakiran, Director of Kerala Tourism.

There was an impression that foreign tourists are hesitant to visit Kerala and, after such negative responses, some of them have even canceled or postponed their journeys, post the floods. Arrival of the chartered flight with foreign tourists will alleviate this notion. Major tourist destinations like Munnar and Thekkady are ready to receive tourists and most of the damaged roads have been repaired or reconstructed to enable smooth transportation.