Unlocking Paradise: Experts Reveal Enormous Tourism Potential of Kerala’s Plantation Sector at Travel Mart

Kerala Travel Mart Experts Highlight Untapped Tourism Potential in Plantation Sector

Kochi, Sep 28: At the 12th Kerala Travel Mart, industry experts underscored the immense untapped potential of Kerala’s plantation sector in driving the state’s tourism industry to new heights. The state’s plantation area spans approximately 712,000 hectares, which experts view as a hidden asset capable of significantly boosting tourism if leveraged properly.

Jose Dominic, founding president of the Kerala Travel Mart Society and head of CGH Earth, referred to the plantations as a “gold mine” for the hospitality sector. He suggested that enabling tourism promoters to invest in plantations could transform the industry. He also emphasized the potential for converting existing plantation buildings into tourist accommodations and related infrastructure.

KTM Society President Jose Pradeep echoed Dominic’s views, stating that Kerala’s lush plantation regions are ideal for tourism development. He noted that while some plantation owners currently offer homestay-based tourism activities, a more unified system managed by the state’s Plantation Directorate could maximize the sector’s potential.

Highlighting the existence of heritage bungalows and scenic beauty within the plantations, Pradeep insisted that leveraging these assets could substantially benefit Kerala’s hospitality industry. Tourism entrepreneur Suja Arun added that capitalizing on even a small fraction of the plantation sector’s potential could have a substantial impact. She advocated for a more supportive government stance to unlock a diverse range of tourism products and services from the sector.

Vaisali Boosana, a senior manager at Briar Tea Bungalow, praised Kerala’s progressive approach toward the plantation sector. She contrasted it with Tamil Nadu, where strict regulations hinder maintenance and development of estate bungalows. Boosana asserted that investing in Kerala’s plantation sector is lucrative, with Briar’s bungalows in the state being popular tourist destinations.

Overall, the consensus at the Kerala Travel Mart was clear: with strategic investments and supportive policies, Kerala’s plantation sector could become a cornerstone of its tourism strategy.

— IANS

Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/09/28/plantation-sector-has-huge-tourism-potential-for-state-experts-at-kerala-travel-mart/
Category : NATIONAL,News Alert
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