A culinary fest presenting ethnic food from 31 Spice Route countries would be the highlight of events that will be organised this year to spread word about Kerala’s Muziris Heritage Project that was launched by President Pranab Mukherjee in February.
The ancient port of Muziris, said to have been located in the Paravur-Kodungalloor region, is the bedrock of Spice Route – an initiative of Kerala Tourism involving 31 countries with whom the port had trade relations. The multi-nation culinary fest will be held in September at KTDC-owned Bolghatty Palace Hotel here, just before the commencement of the ninth edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) where Kerala’s tourism products will be on show. The Centre too is expected to play a key role in the fest since diplomatic missions of many countries are involved. A high-level meeting has been scheduled in New Delhi in June, officials said.
“Tourism stakeholders will thus get a chance to spread word among foreign guests about Muziris – a premium heritage product of the State,” said Abraham George, president of KTM Society.
Heritage tourism
Speaking of promotional activities on Muziris, Director of Kerala Tourism U.V. Jose said that it is the starting point for organised heritage tourism promotion in Kerala. “It is a promising high-end tourism product that is set to occupy centre stage after the State’s Ayurveda and houseboats received global acclaim. We are according the prime of place to Muziris in trade fairs,” he said. Another tourism official said that Muziris is all set to be a game changer for Kerala since tourist footfall is set to increase. “The Spice Route is spread over 31 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. Apart from tourists, historians and students too are expected to camp at Muziris to check out the dozens of historic relics in the region and its links with ancient civilisations,” he said.
The Cheraman Archaeological Museum and Activity Centre, the latest of the historic structures in Muziris region to be renovated, is slated for launch shortly. It is located near the ancient Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungalloor.
Water taxis
Currently, three hop-on, hop-off and two water taxis are engaged in ferrying visitors to different monuments. Tourism officials have been asked to speed up renovation of heritage structures that are part of the project’s second phase.
Tourism stakeholders will now get a chance to spread word among foreign guests about Muziris, a premium heritage product of the State.
Abraham George,
President,
Kerala Travel Mart
