Kerala Introduces Heli-tourism For Enhanced Tourist Access – Travel And Tour World

Kerala launches a heli-tourism policy to connect tourist spots via helicopter network, boosting accessibility, private investments, and the state’s tourism appeal.

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 4 (SocialNews.XYZ) – The Kerala government has introduced a heli-tourism policy aimed at transforming the state’s tourism landscape, as announced during the cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday.

This new policy paves the way for connecting major tourist destinations across Kerala through a comprehensive helicopter network, enhancing accessibility for travelers. As part of the initiative, essential infrastructure such as heliports, helipads, and heli-stations will be developed.

The government anticipates that the structured policy will attract increased interest from helicopter operators, encouraging them to establish services linking the state’s many iconic tourist spots. Tourism, a cornerstone of Kerala’s economy, is expected to see a significant boost with this policy, potentially drawing substantial private sector investment.

In the past, the absence of a clear policy on helicopter operations posed challenges for investors. Notably, several major Ayurveda resort projects were shelved as developers struggled to incorporate air connectivity into their plans for remote, tranquil locations.

Over the years, Kerala Tourism has refined its offerings, including houseboats, caravan tourism, and adventure tourism. However, the call for a streamlined helicopter operations policy had been persistent, and this new development addresses that demand.

According to Kerala Tourism Board data, last year the state recorded an all-time high of 2.1 crore domestic tourists and 6.49 lakh international visitors. The government is optimistic about hosting 2.2 crore domestic and 8 lakh international travelers in the current financial year.

The tourism sector, which faced significant setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, is now experiencing a revival. With Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas spearheading innovative initiatives, Kerala aims to strengthen its position as a leading global travel destination.