The government is in the process of fine-tuning a new tourism policy aimed at the comprehensive development of tourism destinations across the State and increasing the footfalls, Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran told the Assembly.
The government will give emphasis to rural tourism while taking steps to promote cultural tourism and agri-tourism. Existing forest laws are a hindrance to promoting eco-tourism and rural tourism projects, Mr. Surendran said while replying to questions in the House.
The river cruise project linking rivers in Malabar has been submitted to the Union Tourism Ministry and North Malabar had been given prominence in sanctioning tourism projects last year, Mr. Surendran said.
The Destination Management Councils set up in 40 tourist destinations will be extended to all the councils in the coming months, the Minister said. In view of the delay in completing the projects, Mr. Surendran said the government has decided to give administrative sanction to the projects only after ensuring land availability and all mandatory clearances. Projects sanctioned in 2008 are yet to be completed in many districts due to various issues.
