Stephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)

Kasargod, Dec 24: “There is a substantial increase of tourists to Kerala these days,” said chief minister (CM) of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan. He was speaking after inaugurating the beach festival at Bekal Beach park on Saturday December 24. “Covid had affected tourism earlier. Tourists are visiting Kerala from various places from inside and outside the country. Time magazine has identified Kerala among 50 favourite tourist destinations in the world. It has made Kerala more attractive,” he opined.

“The rise in air fares is likely to adversely affect the arrival of foreign tourists in the future. More tourist spots and projects are planned to attract tourists. Bekal beach festival is being held on those lines. Similar impetus will be provided to other tourist spots,” he said.

Uduma MLA C H Kunhambhu presided over the programme. Minister of ports Ahmed Devar Kovil inaugurated the Robotic show. MP Raj Mohan Unnithan inaugurated the Aquatic show.

MLA N A Nellikunnu, district panchayat president Baby Balakrishnan, district additional DC A K Ramendran, former MLA K V Kunhiraman, K P Kunhikannan, district panchayat former president M V Balakrishnan and other elected representatives were present.

BRDC managing director P Shijin welcomed. Manager U S Prasad rendered the vote of thanks. The international beach festival will be held till January 2, 2023.