Kerala has a huge potential to become a tourism state: Minister PA Mohammed Riyas

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister PA Mohammed Riyas said that Kerala has all the potential and ingredients to become a tourist state. He was inaugurating a conclave organized by Kerala Kaumudi at the Mascot Hotel on the theme of Tourism Possibilities and Challenges.

"Every nook and corner of Kerala is loved by every traveller. The mind of the people of Kerala will make any traveller visit the state again. People of Kerala do not look at people's names, colours or attire. Kerala is an example of hospitality to the world. Tourists coming to Kerala are becoming brand ambassadors of the state. Kerala as a whole is a tourism destination. That is our greatest possibility. However, it has not reached its perfection. Tourists are more attracted to Kerala because of its people and their secular spirit. The largest number of foreigners who come to Kerala are from America. Efforts are being made to bring tourists from other countries to the state," the minister said.

Smart bus stands with good toilets and Wi-Fi facilities will be started in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode cities. The minister released a special edition prepared by Kerala Kaumudi on the tourism sector to SUT Hospital CEO Colonel Rajeev Mannali. The minister gave awards to entrepreneurs and institutions who made outstanding contributions in the fields of tourism and education.

Kerala Kaumudi has a positive approach towards tourism

"Negative attitudes are a hindrance to the tourism sector. However, from my experience as Tourism Minister for more than two and a half years, I can say that Kerala Kaumudi is a newspaper that is always ready to promote tourism positively. Negative attitudes don't just come from one region. The news from there and the circulation of the news can affect tourism both negatively and positively. The book published by Kerala Kaumudi effectively exposes the tourism potential of Kerala. It is always useful," the minister said.