THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The banks of crisscrossing canals and green paddy fields in Kuttanad will soon be made more attractive with the Tourism Department planning for a total face-lift. Kuttanad will be given more emphasis for infrastructure development in Kerala in the 12th Five Year Plan of the Union Tourism Ministry. An approach paper for the development of infrastructure in the tourism destinations in Kerala will be prepared before presenting it to the Union Government. Tourism Secretary V Venu told ‘Express’ that a study report had been prepared for infrastructure development in Kuttanad and backwaters in Alappuzha district. Based on the study, a master plan will be prepared which can bring about a massive change in the tourism sector in Kuttanad. It is estimated that the project could be completed with an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore. A portion of the fund will be provided by the Union Government and the rest will be met from other sources, including the fund of the Tourism Department. A two-day regional conference of tourism ministers from South India, held in Kollam recently, has discussed about the possibility of exploring the tourism potential in each state. The changes in the schemes of the Union Tourism Ministry will be discussed with Planning Commission before finalising the projects to be implemented in various states. Apart from Kuttanad, new destinations which can be developed as tourism spots will also be identified. The master plan will be prepared after considering the tourism development projects being implemented in the neighbouring states. Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry president E M Najeeb said that it was high time the branding and marketing of tourism industry was redefined. Kuttanad can be converted into the most attractive tourism destination with more infrastructure and by improving wayside amenities. There should be tourism product upgradation as Kerala is facing stiff competition from the neighbouring states. The high taxation in tourism industry should also be revised for its growth, he said.
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