Realising that tourism has today emerged as a global economic activityand is an effective instrument in generating employment
, earningrevenue and foreign exchange, the Department of Tourism ofKeralaGovernment is bracing itself to hasten the blossoming of God’sOwn Country(as it is branded for its sheer natural beauty )into atopranking global tourist
destination in a couple of years.The user-friendly official website of Tourism Ministry of Kerala,isavailable in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian versions.Itgives comprehensive travel information which can be accessed Districtwise or destination wise as beaches, hills, pilgrim centre,backwatersetc. The section is replete with all necessary details on locations,places of interest, accommodation, package tours, event calendar, tourplanners, currency conversion, maps,
guidelines, visa requirements anduseful travel tips.The Unique zone section talks of what one can experience in Keralainterms of ethnic cuisine; ritual art forms like the resplendentKathakali, vibrant kalaripayatu; relaxing houseboats; Ayurvedic massageas rejuvenation therapy; and its hi tech efficient medicaltreatment,which has made Kerala an internationally popular healthdestination.The Business section has a lot of offers for prospectiveentrepreneurs with guidelines on tourism related innovative projectsinspiring publicparticipation in promotion of government approvedprojects and the assistance extended by the Tourism ministry. There is a media section too, for official announcements, statistics,success stories, futureplans, newsletter;besides the gorgeous coconutgroves in the picture gallery and appealing boatman’s songs in audiogallery,and majestic elephant parade in the video clips. The vastexpanse of bloomingNeelakurinji on undulating hillslopes, theshimmering hues of the setting sun in the placid backwaters, -all of itmakes Kerala as a‘must see’destination .No wonder increasing number of tourists( 3.5 lakh foreigntourists in2005) are flocking to this little state which has vowed to optimize itstourism potential in a sustainable manner while determined to preserveits unique culture and heritage.