Digital platforms are going to be the key tool in increasing the growth in the tourism sector, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran has said.
Speaking after inaugurating the second edition of the International Conference on Tourism Technology (ICTT) here on Friday, he said the government was looking towards doubling the number of domestic tourists and 50 per cent increase in foreign arrivals by 2021.
The numbers of tourists had been constantly going up in the State. Hence the industry needed to evolve in accordance with the changes in global market, the Minister said. He said that Kerala Tourism had been exploring new media as a key platform and had witnessed the reach and response to it.
Terming the ICTT as “the gateway to improve the social media presence,’’ he said, it would enhance the tourism sector.
Highlighting the State's plans, the Minister said the new liquor policy, which allowed bar licences for Three Star and upward category, would boost the tourism related to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
“Though, the availability of liquor is not the sole reason for choosing a venue for an event, it is part of urban lifestyle,” he said.
The ICTT, organised by Association of Tourism Trade Organisation (ATTOI) with the support from Kerala Tourism, is the only conference of its kind in the country focusing on the most pertinent aspects of building businesses on technology platforms.
Hibi Eden, MLA; V. Venu, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism; and P. Bala Kiran, Director, Department of Tourism; participated.
“The initiative of ‘Responsible Tourism’ is a much-appreciated effort as it gives local flavour to tourism, Mr. Eden said.
Dr. Venu launched the twitter campaign #Kerala #IndiaForBeginners on the sidelines of the event, while Mr. Kiran launched the Facebook campaign during the inaugural ceremony.
ATTOI president P.K. Anish Kumar welcomed the gathering.
