Tourism Sector Needs Incentives Enjoyed by Industries: Minister Riyas

KOCHI:
Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas today made a strong pitch for extension of the incentives enjoyed by industries to the tourism sector as well to take forward the route map drawn up by the Tourism Department for the integrated development of this vital sector by leveraging the state’s core assets and advantages.

Riyas was inaugurating the sectoral meeting on Tourism and Hospitality organised here by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), ahead of the Invest Kerala Global Summit scheduled in February 2025.

Industries Minister P Rajeeve presided over the meeting, which was attended by sectoral stakeholders.

“For Kerala, tourism is the most ideal industry as it aligns well with the state’s environmental and socio-economic features. Tourism needs to be provided with the supports and incentives as enjoyed by industries to enable it realise its full potential. This government has taken up this issue seriously with the Industries Department,” Riyas.

This matter has been discussed with the Industries Minister and other stakeholders as well. The Tourism department had also held a Tourism Investors Meet last year to showcase the huge opportunities in this sector. This was followed up by opening an exclusive investment cell. These initiatives have enhanced the confidence of investors in the tourism sector, Riyas said.

Tourism is a key segment of Kerala’s economy, contributing a sizeable portion of the state’s GDP. It comprises a big network of enterprises with huge potential for further growth. The Industries Department can extend critical support to tourism enterprises by bringing them within the purview of existing facilities like single-window clearance, investment subsidy and facilitation of loans, he said.

Tourism sector promises a lot of investment opportunities in different verticals such as destination development, hospitality, hotels and restaurants, houseboats, amusement parks and culinary tourism. These enterprises could be linked with the investment cell and provided with incentives and concession enjoyed by industries, the Minister said.

The tourism sector has also opened up plenty of avenues for startups, which have thrived on government support. The Tourism Department has already started a project to promote innovation startups in the sector.

Linking tourism with traditional industries such as coir, handloom and handicraft will enhance the state’s appeal as a major experiential tourism hub.

Sustainable Development is critical in all tourism activities. The state’s Responsible Tourism initiative has made major advances in this direction. It is also important to promote green energy and adopt smart waste management methods.

Launch of seaplane services will make destinations closely connected and easily accessible. In eco-sensitive sites like beaches where permanent constructions are not impossible environment-friendly alternatives like tents and shacks need to be considered, he said.