Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that Kerala’s tourism sector has successfully overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the inauguration of Gateway Bekal Premier Five Star Resort at Malankunnu in Uduma panchayat, he highlighted the State’s achievements in tourism through government-led initiatives such as the revolving fund package, tourism employment support scheme, and tourism houseboat service scheme.
The Chief Minister said that the projects had delivered measurable results. In the first half of 2024, Kerala welcomed 1.5 crore domestic tourists, marking a 20% increase compared to previous years. He also added that ongoing projects like responsible tourism, biodiversity initiatives, the North Malabar tourism circuit, pilgrim tourism, and heritage tourism continue to attract significant attention.
In Bekal, the number of visitors has increased from 50,000 annually to over 5 lakh. The newly inaugurated five-star resort built on 32 acres with an investment of ₹150 crore is expected to further boost the region’s appeal.
Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, who presided over the resort’s inauguration, said that developing North Malabar will play a key role in boosting Kerala’s tourism growth. He added that the completion of National Highway 66 by December 2025 and the hilly highway connecting 13 districts would improve connectivity, remove travel barriers, and enhance tourism potential.
He also pointed out that Bekal would become the first region in the country to house three five-star hotels within a single panchayat.
Published – December 16, 2024 01:23 am IST
