Kerala Tourism’s signature assets were showcased before leading stakeholders of travel and tourism industry in four major cities of the United States of America. The U.S. was second among the top 10 source markets for foreign arrivals to the State in 2018. New Jersey, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles were the four American cities where Kerala Tourism held trade meets during February end to showcase its niche products and wellness tourism.
Undiminished charm
Secretary, Tourism, Rani George, who led the delegation from the State to the trade meets, said Kerala might be a long-haul destination but its touristy charm had remained undiminished for travellers from America.
There has been a consistent increase in the number of American travellers visiting Kerala. In 2018, the number of tourists from the U.S. was pegged at 96,522 compared to 75,773 in 2015. The number of total international arrivals to Kerala in 2018 was 10, 96,407.
Fourth meet
This was the fourth trade meet of Kerala Tourism in the U.S. which was aimed at attracting high-spender tourists. The number of attendees at business meets as part of the trade meets were 40 at New Jersey; 58 at Chicago; 56 at Houston; and 63 at Los Angeles, according to Kerala Tourism.
Contests
India Tourism also extended their support. As part of the trade meets, ‘Go Kerala Contest’ was conducted where Air India provided two airline tickets per city to the winners for a FAM trip to Kerala.
