Kochi, Aug 1 (IANS): Kerala Tourism Friday signed an agreement with Unesco to cooperate in promoting and protecting the ancient "Spice Route".
"The 'Spice Route' project is a new milestone in the growth of tourism in Kerala. It is a revival of the ancient route that connected 31 countries," state Tourism Minister A.P. Anilkumar told reporters.
He said the project needs the support of all the 31 countries to be a success and hence the state has sought the cooperation of Unesco.
Kerala Tourism secretary Suman Billa and Unesco director and representative to India, Shigeru Aoyagi signed the MoU.
It seeks to formalise cooperation in cultural heritage protection and promotion in the state.
Both Kerala and Unesco will also mobilise bilateral and multilateral collaboration with the other countries.
"The partnership between our state and Unesco is a major step towards reviving and remembering an ancient heritage in which Kerala was the undisputed leader on the global stage," added the minister.
Aoyagi described the signing of the agreement with Kerala Tourism as a major landmark for Unesco.
"The 'Spice Route' project has great potential for promoting world peace and inter-faith tolerance, apart from contributing to the sustainable development of the countries involved. In the long-run, Unesco aims to put the 'Muziris Heritage' project and the 'Spice Route' project on the World Heritage list," he said.
The "Spice Route" tours, which will be promoted in a big way internationally, are expected to give a spurt to foreign tourist arrivals in Kerala. The state is also expected to witness a conference of ambassadors related to the route countries.
"We are working with Unesco to organise a culinary festival in which chefs from all the 31 countries linked to the 'Spice Route' will reinvent the different culinary traditions of their countries," said Billa.
Several countries, particularly European nations like Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany have shown great interest in the initiative.