Malappuram: Though Malappuram district boasts of places such as Nilambur, Kakkadampoyil and many beautiful beaches, it has not been successful in drawing tourists from other states.
So, the state government has now initiated efforts to popularise probable tourist spots in the district with campaigns set to be launched at the national and international levels. An initial meeting in this endeavour would be convened next month under the leadership of tourism minister P A Muhammed Riyas.
The Public Works Department (PWD) is already on the job providing better road connectivity in the district connecting tourism destinations, the government says.
According to data gathered from the tourism department, only six of the 100 domestic travellers visiting Kerala visit the Malabar region. Considering this trend, the tourism department initiated special efforts to popularise the attractions in the region.
“Malappuram district has high potential in the tourism sector. The hilly areas of the district can draw a large number of tourists towards trekking and hiking. A meeting of the top officials in the tourism department would discuss all the possibilities of promoting tourism in the district,” minister Riyas said.
The department organised the Champions Boat League last year in the Chaliyar River as part of promoting tourism. The department has also located a few destinations in the district, the minister added.
Connectivity for tourism
Riyas said Malappuram has most of its roads constructed using BM (Bituminous Macadam) & BC (Bituminous concrete). PWD roads that makeup 72.5% of stretches in the district, the highest in the state, are now renovated into BM & BC; the government claims this will ensure better connectivity to the tourism destinations in the district and would eventually increase footfall.
The district has 18 rest houses which can be utilised by travellers on a minimum budget. Malappuram has contributed revenue of Rs 8.81 crore in 18 months through online booking of the rest houses.
“The government is providing better road facilities and accommodation in Malappuram to attract tourists. After the initial meeting with the tourism officials, there would be a meeting of MLAs in the district to discuss the possibilities. We request the support of all the political parties and organisations to promote tourism,” the minister added.
The hoteliers and tour operators meantime blamed the lack of promotion and support from the government for the poor performance of the district in the tourism sector.
