THIRUVANTHPURAM: Buoyed by the surge in tourist arrivals in recent times, enhanced air connectivity and the newly-introduced visa-on-arrival facility for Japanese citizens, Kerala tourism is hoping for big returns from the JATA Travel Showcase 2013, Tokyo.
Kerala tourism is participating for the first time at JATA Tourism Forum Travel Showcase 2013, by showcasing attractive travel products including the state’s USP, soul-soothing Ayurveda, at Tokyo. The JATA travel show, billed as one of the largest in Asia and having participation of large number of countries, is being held from September 12 to 15, 2013.
In 2012, the state recorded 11,500 tourist arrivals from Japan, and nearly 60 per cent growth in five years. Hoping that the Visa-on-arrival facility will attract more people from Japan to Kerala, State Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar said that ayurveda and wellness will attract visitors from Japan.
The Visa-on-Arrival service is available at select airports in India. Two of Kerala’s international airports, one in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram and the other in the commercial hub of Kochi currently allow Japanese travellers to request for a tourist visa upon their arrival.
Pointing out that Kerala has become a more accessible destination following the increased air-connectivity from Japan especially with Malayasian airlines commencing its operations to Kochi, Suman Billa, Secretary, Kerala Tourism, said, “We met officials from Singapore Airlines and Malayasian airlines and they are very keen on partnering with Kerala Tourism.” Other airlines like Silk Air, Air Asia and Tiger Airways already operate services to Kerala, while Malaysian Airlines commenced operations from the first week of September. He added that Kerala Tourism is planning road shows and familiarization trips for tour operators and travel writers from key Japan cities as a follow-up initiative.
Meanwhile, HE Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Ambassador of India to Japan, held a formal reception for the Minister and Secretary. She also visited the Kerala Tourism pavilion and expressed her pleasure over its presence at JATA for the first time. Kerala trade is represented at JATA by a six-member team including Kairali Ayurvedic Group, Spiceland Holidays, Jayasree Travels and Tours, Uday Samudra Ayurveda and Yoga Beach Resort, Poovar Island Resort, and Pioneer Personalized Holidays.
Kerala tourism luring travellers from Japan to make use of visa-on-arrival scheme
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét