Date:20/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/20/stories/2006012002252100.htm

Back Emirates' air links to boost tourism, trade in Thiruvananthapuram

Vimala Vasan

Abu Dhabi , Jan. 19

EMIRATES' eight flights a week between Dubai and Thiruvananthapuram from February 1 will provide a major boost to the economic activity in Thiruvananthapuram.

Also, Kerala's key industries, including leisure and medical tourism, and information technology , are expected to benefit as the Dubai-based airline connects the State with a vast network of destinations in West Asia, according to a statement from the Emirates Group.

Mr M.R. Narayanan, President, Chamber of Commerce, Thiruvananthapuram, said: "The air transport links between Thiruvananthapuram and Dubai is a welcome move. Through Emirates' services our business, IT, tourism and air freight industries will have access to new markets and greater opportunities."

Tourism inflows are expected to increase as the Emirates service opens up Thiruvananthapuram to the affluent West Asian traveller. Currently, the city is visited by 9 lakh tourists per year with a growth rate of 5.5 per cent .

Emirates' 140 flights per week from 13 destinations in West Asia will provide access to scores of potential travellers keen on exploring Thiruvananthapuram's beach resorts, famous backwaters and its neighbouring hill stations and world heritage sites.

Emirates will also support the Government of Kerala in its efforts to make the State a major health tourism destination.

Kerala, one of National Geographic magazine's `50 must-see destinations', is also home to the world-famous Ayurveda treatments. Leisure travellers are encouraged to sample the State's excellent Ayurveda treatments such as Pankajakasturi, Santhigiri and Panchakarma.

Mainline medical treatments have also attracted high-end tourists from the Gulf, owing to the low-cost on such treatments coupled with the use of advanced technology.

Current estimates indicate that foreigners account for about 12 per cent of all patients in India's leading hospitals.

Mr V.K. Mathews, Chairman, International Business Solutions, Technopark, said: "We are eagerly awaiting the start of Emirates services. I believe Thiruvananthapuram's growing IT industry can take advantage of Emirates' 13-destination network in West Asia to find new markets for their local products and services."