Kerala Budget earmarks Rs 372 cr for tourism; Rs 82 cr for marketing; Rs 132 cr for infra development
Photo Courtesy: Prasanna Venkatesh
The Kerala Budget presented in the Assembly today by Finance Minister Thomas Issac has earmarked Rs 372 crore for the Kerala Tourism. Out of the total budget allocated for tourism, Rs 82 crore will be earmarked for tourism marketing.
“The most important aspect regarding the growth of tourism industry is effective marketing. Entrepreneurship has increased because of the marketing efforts carried out under the leadership of the government. We need to strengthen the tourism marketing considering the damages of Nipah and the devastating floods and harthals have made on the industry,” said the minister presenting the budget.
More money will be allocated to marketing activities after submitting proper project plans to the government, he said.
Rs 132 crore is earmarked for the infrastructure development in tourism centres. “New project for Muzhuppilangadu tourism development will be launched this year. KIIFB is considering the Akkulam tourism project,” the minister said. The budget also allocates Rs 12 crore for District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPC) and Rs 8 crore for Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC). KTDC will also be given management partnership of tourism destinations.
The new scheme to start this year is the Kerala Tourism Entrepreneurship. Educated people who raise new ides, projects and suggestions to solve issues will be given monetary assistance through this fund. Rs 4 crore is allocated for protecting buildings which hold touristic opportunities and related facilities will be provided for private entrepreneurs.