Local festivals of Kerala are witnessing a big demand in the tourism circuit. Earlier, the tour agencies promoted only Thrissur 'pooram' as part of festival tourism.
But now enquiries are pouring in from foreigners regarding other festivals, especially the localised celebrations in Kannur. The tourism sector expects a bigger gathering to enjoy art forms like theyyam and padayani.
To tap the demand, the tourism sector has prepared several Malabar special festival packages.
According to tour companies in Kerala, tourism agents abroad have shown their willingness to send tourists even to learn the customs and traditions of Adivasi hamlets.
"Many people in our country who are planning a trip to Kerala often postpone it till the festival season here. Tourists prefer localised celebrations which involve a number of traditional rituals and performances," said Pam Roper, a tour agent from UK.
Enviable tourism
Travel firms abroad reveal that the 'Enviable tourism' practised in Kerala have many takers. Under this sector, no overt display of hospitality is observed.
The travellers from other countries are accommodated in houses with tiled or even thatched roof. Often, it may not even be electrified. Food includes raw rice and amaranthus dishes.
Enviable tourism presents a day in the life of ordinary Keralites. Various packages are offered which include a game of football on the local ground, visit to a neighbouring government school, collecting mussels, visit to the toddy shop, pending a night at the Adivasi hamlet etc.
The recent Kerala Travel Mart is expected to attract at least 60 per cent more bookings for enviable tourism.
Women-only trips
The trend of all-women groups travelling to Kerala is witnessing an upswing. At the Kerala Travel Mart, operators arranging tours exclusively for women also took part.
Agents say women can understand the needs of other women quickly, making the trip more enjoyable.
The travellers from abroad are mostly women executives of corporate firms. They choose Kerala considering its high levels of social security.
Tour companies in Kerala provide customised packages for women travellers.
Interestingly, most of the delegates from abroad who took part in Kerala Travel Mart are women. Said Sereeta van Vibgarty, a tour operator from South Africa, "In Kerala, tourists are treated like family members. Which makes a visit to the state by all-women groups a safe option. In our country, Kerala is among the top preferences of women planning a foreign trip."
