THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The tourism department is preparing to expand heli tourism in the state. A draft policy is being prepared by the government and an announcement will be made within two months. After this, the tourism department will sign a memorandum of understanding with private companies to expand services.

Presently Delhi-based Chipsan Aviation Private Limited is operating the service in collaboration with the Department of Tourism. If more companies decide to participate in the project, the ticket rates will fall. Officials informed that negotiations are in progress with various companies.

The service is currently being operated from Kochi to Munnar. The rate is Rs 4,500. A group of six has a 5 per cent discount. The service is from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Information about heli tourism has been made available on the official website of the Department of Tourism. The service will also be started soon, connecting the major tourism centres in the northern region of the state. Considering the response of tourists and other technical factors, setting up new helipads at selected centres is also under consideration. The project was inaugurated by Minister PA Muhammad Riyas.

The service connecting 12 tourist destinations in southern Kerala will start soon. The service will be operated by Chipsan Aviation. It will be announced by mid-January, company sources said. The tourism department since the start of the second Pinarayi government has been testing new waters, with caravan and houseboat tourism.