Kerala Tourism's total revenue, both direct and indirect, touched the Rs 21,125 crore mark in 2012 compared to Rs 19,037 crore the year before. Kerala saw 7.94 lakh
foreign tourists arrive in God's own country in 2012 as compared to 7.33 lakh in 2011. Compared to 93.88 lakh domestic tourists in 2011, 1.01 crore domestic tourists visited Kerala in 2012.
foreign tourists arrive in God's own country in 2012 as compared to 7.33 lakh in 2011. Compared to 93.88 lakh domestic tourists in 2011, 1.01 crore domestic tourists visited Kerala in 2012.
The Foreign exchange earnings also went up from Rs 4,221.99 crore in 2011 to Rs. 4,548 crore in 2012. The iconic rise of Kerala as a global destination continued in the past year as Kerala consolidated its position on the world tourism map with fantastic strides in all aspects of tourism.
A lot of credit goes to digital revolution, wherein Kerala has projected itself very well onto the social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. The synergy developed between tour operators, property owners, travel agencies and search engines like Google and connectivity solutions like Wi-Fi and mobile internet have resulted in a massive upsurge in foreign interest in Kerala through the world of internet.
Every search in Google related to Kerala or tourism in Kerala displays links related to the Kerala tourism website and advertisements of the same. As a result of the concentrated efforts, the Kerala Tourism website has emerged as a strong platform for promoting the destination.
Every search in Google related to Kerala or tourism in Kerala displays links related to the Kerala tourism website and advertisements of the same. As a result of the concentrated efforts, the Kerala Tourism website has emerged as a strong platform for promoting the destination.
The land of Kerala is also blessed by the Western Ghats sumptuously. About 40% of its ranges lie in Kerala. Among the 44 rivers of Kerala 41 originate from the Western Ghats. Recognition came the way of this silent guardian when 39 of her serial sites made it to the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Among the 39 serial sites selected by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), 19 are in Kerala. The inscribed sites include the Silent Valley Park, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar, Peppara, Chinnar and Aralam Wildlife sanctuaries, which are some of the preferred ecotourism destinations in the State.
Among the 39 serial sites selected by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), 19 are in Kerala. The inscribed sites include the Silent Valley Park, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar, Peppara, Chinnar and Aralam Wildlife sanctuaries, which are some of the preferred ecotourism destinations in the State.
The Western Ghats, one of the eight biodiversity hotspots in the world, known for its abundant medicinal plant reserve, will also be the focus of Kerala Tourism's new Ayurveda campaign. "Kerala is naturally blessed to be the flag-bearer of Ayurveda because of the rich ecosystem available within the Western Ghats," Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar said at a cultural show organised in the city on Tuesday.
