Gulf
becomes focus of Kerala tourism planners
With tourist arrivals to the country showing an upward trend,
the Gulf countries,
especially Saudi Arabia, had become the focus of tourism
planners. A 38 per cent growth had been registered in inbound
tourism from Saudi Arabia during 2010-11, with 21,500 Saudi
national visiting the country, as per India Tourism’s
official figures
Our T’puram Correspondent
The
quest of Kerala Tourism to tap new markets to increase foreign
tourists arrivals to the state and retain its position as
prime destination has made the tourism planners to look
towards the Gulf countries.
With tourist arrivals to the country showing an upward trend,
the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, had become
the focus of tourism planners. A 38 per cent growth had
been registered in inbound tourism from Saudi Arabia during
2010-11, with 21,500 Saudi nationals visiting the country,
as per India Tourism’s official figures.
Enthused by the increasing tourist arrivals from Saudi,
India, which has been highlighted as a tourism hotspot by
the World Travel and Tourism Council, has already organised
roadshows in Dammam and Riyadh to woo tourists.
Organised by the Government of India Tourist Office (GOITO),
Dubai, in collaboration with the Embassy of India, the response
to the India Tourism Roadshows was overwhelming.
About 4 of the 10 tour operators who were part of the delegation
led by the Union Tourism Secretary, Rajen Habib Khwaja,
were from Kerala.
“We got the opportunity to interact with more than
100 operators from Saudi Arabia, based in Dammam, Riyadh
and Jeddah and many are keen to promote Kerala,” said
Anish of the city-based Travel Planners who was part of
the high-level delegation.
“Far East has been the favourite destination for Saudis
and now they are looking at the new destination. Kerala
is getting very popular and we have to tap this emerging
market,” he added.
There are Saudis who regularly come for ayurveda treatments
at Kottakal Medical Tourism and Wellness Holidays have huge
potential. Kerala Tourism has also worked out a strategy
to woo Saudi nationals to the state.
“Roadshows had been planned in Dammam, Riyadh and Jeddah
in April. Outdoor display of Kerala tourism products is
to be taken up in a big way in Saudi Arabia. Kerala Tourism
advertisements in Arabic will soon appear in the Gulf,”
says Rani George, Director, Kerala Tourism.
The spin-off effect will be high if the Saudi market is
tapped. Saudis proceed on holiday from April to August which
is an off-season in Kerala.
The affluent Saudis are high on spending and the state can
look for increased revenue in terms of stay, travel and
shopping. The demand for Arabic-speaking guides and drivers
are on the increase and this will benefit Gulf returnees.
Tour operators are expecting a 100 per cent growth in tourist
arrivals from Saudi this year. The increase in repeat visitors
shows that Kerala is emerging as a favourite destination
for Saudi nationals.
