Tourism via land and air, will create a network of airstrips

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said that an attempt will be made soon to create a network of airstrips connecting tourist destinations in the state. Each airstrip with a terminal is expected to cost around Rs 125 crore. The airstrips are for planes, helicopters and drones with 20 to 40 seats for those traveling by air to tourist destinations.

The investment of the terminal and the airstrip will be found from the KIIFB Fund. The operation will be on PPP model. A letter of interest (EOI) will be issued to find investors to implement the scheme. An amount of `5 crore has been set apart for preparation of pre-engineering feasibility report.

In five years, 25 eco-friendly and self-sufficient tourism hubs will be launched. An amount of `362.5 crore has been set apart for this and for other projects like Destination Challenge. 42 crore more than the amount allotted last year.

An amount of `132.14 crore has been set apart for a panchayat-a-destination project, viability gap funding, upgrade and revival of existing products and tourism hubs. Loans of `1000 crore will be provided for the revival of the tourism sector. An amount of `20 crore has been set apart for interest relief.

Champions Boat League and Cruise Tourism

`15 crore has been sanctioned for hosting Champions Boat League at 12 venues on the model of Indian Premier League

5 crore for cruise tourism project covering Kovalam, Kollam, Kochi, Beypore, Mangalore and Goa.

5 crore for starting and infrastructure of caravan parks

Extensive project for Sabarimala, Achankovil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzha, Kottarakkara, Pandalam, Chengannur and Erumeli circuits