Date:06/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/04/06/stories/2005040601521700.htm

Back Welcome signs in tourism sector: Minister

Our Bureau

Thiruvananthapuram , April 5

KERALA'S tourism and hospitality sector is performing well, with many hotels in the State enjoying very high occupancy during the current season, the Kerala Tourism Minister, Mr K.C. Venugopal, has said.

At a press conference in the city on Tuesday, he said tourist arrivals in Kerala have increased during the current season. Popular tourist destinations such as Kovalam, Fort Kochi, Kumarakom and Munnar will be declared special tourism zones, he added.

Steps will be taken to ensure that entry to public beaches is free, he said. Similarly, the Government will look into allegations that some resorts in Thiruvananthapuram have encroached onto public beaches.

Jammu and Kashmir will be the partner State for this year's Nishagandhi dance and music festival, which will begin on Wednesday, Mr Venugopal said. The event, to be held in the grounds of the city's Kanakakunnu Palace, will go on till April 13. Besides dance and music performances, the event will include a crafts bazaar, a food festival and an exhibition of ethnic plants and flowers.