Aggressive Marketing has to be done to increase tourist inflow
The South Kerala Hotelier’ s Forum( SKHF) an umbrella organization of the hospitality sector in South Kerala, held their monthly meeting on July 8th at SP Grand Days, Thiruvananthapuram. The meeting was presided by D. Chandrasenan Nair. E. K. Bharat Bhushan IAS, Suman Billa IAS, S. Harikishore IAS, SKHF Secretary General M. R. Narayanan and Chairman of ATE Group of companies E. M. Najeeb addressed the gathering. Presiding over the meeting, D. Chandrasenan Nair said effective garbage disposal has to be undertaken by the government in the Vizhinjam – Kovalam – Thiruvananthapuram stretch. He also told the members that SKHF has to do its part for the flood-hit people.
The Secretary General of SKHF said aggressive marketing has to be done to increase tourist inflow to Kerala. He viewed a collective effort is necessary for addressing the issues pertaining to the hospitality sector. Chief Secretary E. K. Bharat Bhushan recommended standardization of tourism products. He voiced the necessity of preservation of zones wit regulations. He commended on the spirit of private enterprises for leading the marketing of Kerala tourism.
Tourism Secretary Suman Billa said lower rate of taxation for the hospitality sector during monsoon should be checked. He stated promotional activities for Kerala tourism should be held in other countries extensively. He said new airlines could be contacted to increase connectivity to the state. Tourism Director S. Harikishore urged that diversifying the markets would bring people from different walks of life to Kerala.
He viewed Kerala could be promoted in the OPEC countries and Israel as a Sea destination. He stated that the distribution of biogas plants to households in Kovalam is underway.
E. M. Najeeb said a lasting solution for waste management is necessary. He stated that garbage disposal could be made efficient if efforts are taken. He sighted the example of effective biomedical waste disposal by IMA at Palghat. Vivanta by Taj GM Mathew Thomas gave the Vote of Thanks. An open discussion by the members present on various topics was also held at the meeting. www. metromartdaily. com July 2013 39