Rs 362 crore for tourism; seven tourism corridors

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rs 362.15 crore has been earmarked for the tourism sector in this year's budget. Kovalam, Alappuzha, Kuttanad, Kumarakom, Kollam, Ashtamudi, Beypore, Bekal, Munnar etc. will be developed as world-class tourism centres. 50 crores have been earmarked for the development of seven tourism corridors namely Coastal Corridor, Coastal Highway Corridor, Waterway-Canal Corridor, National Highway Corridor and Railway Corridor.

A network of no-frill airstrips will be established for inter-district flights. The government has allocated Rs 20 crores to the PPP company for this purpose. A feasibility study will be conducted in Idukki, Wayanad and Kasaragod in the first phase.

Other announcements

• Rs 19.30 crore for KITS, State Institute of Hospitality Management, Food Crafts Institute
• 81 crore for international tourism promotion
• 8 crores for regional cultural programs, including Thrissur Pooram
• 7 crores for Kerala Travel Mart in 2024
• 2 crores for Kochi Muziris Biennale
• 10 crore for electricity subsidy
• 3.70 crore for caravan tourism subsidy
• Revolving Fund- 3 crores
• 135.62 crore for facilities at tourism centres
• 10 crore to establish Kappad History Museum
• 10 crore for public-private oceanarium in Kollam
• 22 crore for the renovation of Guest House, Yatri Niwas, Kerala House
• 9.50 crore for Responsible Tourism Mission
• 17 crore for Muziris, Alappuzha, Thalassery and Heritage projects
• 12 crore for Champions Boat League