The project got the green signal from Kerala’s Minister for Local Self-Government, M V Govindan
Kerala Tourism Department has launched the ‘Destination Challenge’ project in collaboration with the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD). The state’s Minister for Local Self-Government, M V Govindan, gave the green signal to the project, at a function with the state’s Tourism Minister, PA Mohamed Riyas.
The project is aimed to develop tourism by ensuring the participation of the Local Self Government Institutions (LSGIs) right from village panchayats. The state government has given the administrative sanction for INR 50 crore for the implementation of the project, reported ETTravelWorld.
Govindan, who switched on the ‘Destination Challenge’ web portal, said that the initiative would help LSGIs find financial resources, besides explore a lot of unexplored destinations to bring them on the tourism map. “Apart from providing civic services, LSGIs have to grow to new levels to become self-reliant. We need to plan projects that enable comprehensive growth. Tourism is an ideal sector for panchayats, municipalities and corporations to become job providers and also attain financial stability,” he added.
The Kerala government has announced 50 per cent concession for senior citizens in entry fee in all state-run tourism centres
Minister Riyas said that through the project, the government was planning to develop at least 500 tourism destinations in four years. The project was part of the efforts by the Department of Tourism to develop a new tourism culture in the state, and bring about a significant change in four years. Marketing campaigns would also be stepped up as part of the initiative.
“In the first phase of 2022, the state registered a sharp increase in arrival of domestic tourists, touching around 38 lakhs. ‘Destination Challenge’ will help develop tourism circuits in LSGIs and thereby attract more domestic tourists,” Riyas said.
The Kerala government has announced 50 per cent concession for senior citizens in entry fee in all state-run tourism centres. “This decision is part of elderly friendly policies across all sectors in the state. This will encourage the senior citizens to mix with the society and get relaxed after keeping indoors during the pandemic,” Riyas said.
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