Kerala highlights tourist attractions in road show

Kerala has become one of the most preferred destinations for Saudis, especially those traveling with families.
"The southern Indian state offers excellent connectivity and, what's more, the strong presence in Saudi Arabia of Indians hailing from the state has contributed to the popularity of the state, which is dotted with resorts, starred hotels and Ayurvedic spa and other wellness centers," Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai told a press conference on the sidelines of a road show by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation at Jeddah Marriott Hotel on Sunday night. Local travel agents, tour operators and airline representatives were among those present. A contingent of 14 establishments involved in travel tours and the hospitality industry presented their products and services at the road show, which was headed by T.K. Manoj Kumar, secretary for tourism for the Government of Kerala.
Going by increasing visitor numbers from the Kingdom, the consul general said, Kerala remained one of the most preferred destinations for Saudis.
The consul general, however, pointed out that the marketing of local tourism leaves much to be desired. "If marketed well, Kerala and the rest of India can attract many more tourists than what they get now," he said and called for the provision of halal meat in restaurants, prayer mats and markers pointing to the Kaaba in each hotel room for Saudis and other Muslim visitors.
Kidwai said travelers to Kerala or any part of India will have no difficulty in getting visas. The consulate issued 12,000 visas to residents of western Saudi Arabia last year and this number is set to increase to 15,000 this year. He urged Saudis to apply online for visas, which can be issued within three days.
“Saudi visitors, especially those with families, travel to Kerala for 15 to 20 days at a stretch and they also need exclusive attention from the hospitality industry," he told the contingent.
"We are an established tourist destination in India," Kumar said. “Kerala is a veritable haven for travelers seeking the healing touch of Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old system of medicine, and the soothing magic of a houseboat journey through sun dappled waters. The state gets annually 735,000 overseas visitors, including 32,000 from Saudi Arabia. Kerala's domestic arrivals have reached 9.2 million," Kumar said.
The contingent included representatives from Chalukya Grace Tours of Thiruvananthapuram, Comfort Holidays of Kochi, Discover Kerala Holidays of Thiruvananthapuram, Eastend Hospitality of Kottayam, Gateway Malabar Holidays of Kozhikode, new Indriya five-star resort of Cherai, Intersight Tours and Travels of Kochi, Jayasree Travels & Tours Company of Thiruvananthapuram, Kadavu Resort near Calicut, Lake Palace of Alappuzha, Punarnava Ayurvedic treatment services of Kochi, Spiceland Holidays & Entertainments of Kochi and the Great India Tour Company of Kochi.