Kerala looking at 15 pc growth in tourist arrivals in 2015

New Delhi: Kerala is expecting 15 per cent increase in the number of tourist arrivals this year as it plans a slew of activities to promote the state as a perfect tourist destination.

"We are looking at around 15 per cent rise in the total number of tourists visiting the state in 2015 on back of multiple initiatives being undertaken," Kerala Tourism Director P I Sheikh Pareeth told PTI.

In 2014, foreign tourist arrivals into Kerala stood at 9,23,366, up 7.60 per cent from 2013, while domestic tourist arrivals for the year were at about 1.17 crore, up 7.71 per cent from 2013, he added.

"Kerala Tourism has declared the 'Visit Kerala Year' and an array of activities are planned for it in India and overseas," Pareeth said.

To attract foreign visitors, campaigns will be conducted in traditional markets such as the United Kingdom, France and Germany through trade fairs and road shows. It will also explore new markets like China and Sri Lanka among others, Kerala Tourism said in a statement.

"Leveraging the increased air connectivity, a focused ayurveda and monsoon campaign will be conducted in the Middle East where 90 per cent of the Diasporas are from Kerala," it added.

"To attract domestic tourists, Kerala Tourism will conduct road shows in around 20 states/union territories and will also participate in domestic trade fairs," Pareeth said.

The other campaigns will focus on the backwaters, beaches, Spice Route revival project among others, he added.

Total revenue (including direct & indirect) from tourism stood at Rs 24,885.44 crore in 2014, the release said.