Kerala – Sri Lanka in holiday package tours
View(s):Kerala Tourism is hoping to market a three-country destination tour package for travellers willing to visit India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
During the Kerala Tourism Roadshow in Colombo last week, Kerala Tourism Minister A. P. Anilkumar said there was ample scope to promote Kerala – Sri Lanka – Maldives tour as these destinations have a number of similarities.
He noted Kerala was looking to work closely with Sri Lanka in terms of tourism and in this respect, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had called to strengthen their relations.
The minister said this following the visits of both Prime Ministers of India and Sri Lanka between the two countries.
Mr. Anilkumar reminded of former Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s visit to Kerala for treatment at Kottakkal as she was nearly unable to walk, “but in a matter of days she was back on her feet.” During the roadshow travel agents and tour operators from both countries participated at the business-to- business meetings. Around 20 tourism service providers from Kerala were present to meet with a number of tour operators and travel agents from Colombo.
Kerala Tourism is also looking at recreating the spice route by including Sri Lanka on the track as well in addition, officials from Kerala pointed out the possibility of using the Cochin – Colombo – Male tour as a heritage circuit.
The roadshow highlighted a presentation on the Kerala sights and sounds perfecting the art of a great stay for travellers in “God’s Own Country.”
Kerala draws on similarities with Sri Lanka and has a unique charm, it was stated with natural attractions namely, beaches, backwaters, hill stations, green forests and the wildlife in addition to providing a haven for Ayurveda tourism as well.