The Kerala Tourism has managed to register a consistent rise in both international and domestic tourist arrivals with new initiatives in 2013-14.
Speaking at a Press conference here on Tuesday, Kerala Tourism Information Officer Muralidharan said foreign tourist arrivals went up from 7,94,696 in 2012 to 8,58,143 during the 12-month period from January 2013 registering an increase of 8.12 per cent. The domestic tourist arrivals also registered a 7.75 per cent variation with the arrivals going up from 1,00,76,854 in 2012 to 1,08,57,811 in 2013.
The total revenue, both direct and indirect, from the tourism sector touched Rs 22,926 crore compared to Rs 21,125 crore in 2012. The foreign exchange earnings received by the tourism industry in the State went up from Rs 4,571.69 crore in 2012 to Rs 5.560.77 crore in 2013, he said.
The Kerala Government has rolled out two new initiatives, Seaplane Project and Project Muziris, in order to enhance the travel experience and add to its array of attractions. A new campaign, Home of Ayurveda, was also launched to promote Ayurveda through all media, informed the Information Officer.