Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Monday said the government would take all possible steps to transform Keralam into a global tourism destination and urged people to spend the funds received during the Onam season to boost money circulation in the state's economy.
He was speaking after inaugurating the state government's official Onam week celebrations organised by the Tourism Department.
Describing Onam as a rare occasion when people come together, transcending differences of caste, religion, class and colour, Satheesan said the spirit of the festival should continue beyond the season.
"We have our own unique specialities. We can present those specialities before the world. We have a beautiful history. We have God's Own Country, given to us as a boon by God," he said.
He highlighted Keralam's 600-km coastline, 44 rivers, lakes and the Western Ghats, and said such geographical diversity could rarely be found in such a small region elsewhere in the world.
"We must transform this Keralam into a global tourism destination. That is the goal of this government. For that purpose, I assure you at the outset that this government will initiate everything possible within this year itself," he said.
Satheesan said an integrated tourism project connecting the state's ports, backwaters and rivers would be developed, along with cruise terminals and cruise services along the coastline and river cruises through the backwaters.
Road access and rail connectivity to tourist destinations would also be improved, he said.
"Our desire is that when a tourist arrives in Keralam, they should spend a minimum of three days to a week experiencing the diverse sights of the state. We need to increase our revenue. We must showcase our beautiful Keralam to the world," he said.
He said all tourism destinations would be developed as zero-waste and clean spaces with public participation, while beach, river and forest tourism would be promoted.
An oceanarium of international standards would also be established in Keralam, he said.
Satheesan said the state's maritime history, shaped by the arrival of the Portuguese, Dutch and British, would be showcased through an international maritime museum.
He also announced plans to establish a Film City and an international-standard cultural park in memory of Malayalam literary icon MT Vasudevan Nair, which were highlighted in the recent state budget.
The chief minister said a comprehensive project would also be launched to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a major tourism destination, with the participation of local MPs, ministers and MLAs.
"The greatest dream of Kerala is a comprehensive tourism project capable of presenting our tradition, our nature, our unique features and our authentic arts to the world," he said.
Satheesan also appealed to people to spend the money received during the Onam season rather than save it in banks, saying increased circulation of money would benefit the state's economy and generate additional tax revenue.
"To ensure that everyone stays happy during this Onam, the government has done everything it can. Measures have been taken to ensure that money reaches everyone's hands," he said.
He said the unprecedented crowds on roads and in public places reflected the increased economic activity during the festival season.
"My internal wish — since I handle the Finance Department as well — is that you should spend all this money that has been given to you. Do not go and deposit it in the bank. This must be fully spent," Satheesan said.
He explained that when the money circulated through the market several times, it would return to the state treasury through taxes, enabling the government to provide more financial support to people.
"So everyone, spend well. Let everyone join together and celebrate Onam," he said.
The state government, as part of the Onam, has announced bonus, incentives and welfare schemes to government employees, and workers in organised and unorganised sectors.
Actor Kunchacko Boban, Tourism Minister PC Vishnunadh, Health Minister K Muraleedharan, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor and Mayor VV Rajesh also spoke on the occasion.
The celebrations, which will continue till August 30, will feature more than 340 cultural programmes across 35 venues in Thiruvananthapuram alone.
Around 3,000 artistes will take part in programmes on stage and behind the scenes, while more than 8,000 artistes from across the state are expected to participate in the celebrations.
Hundreds of venues have been arranged in various districts as part of the state-wide celebrations.
The festivities have been planned to showcase Kerala’s cultural diversity, traditions, artistic heritage and tourism potential.
The Kanakakunnu grounds have been divided into four zones—Business, Future, Art and Culture, and Food.
The celebrations will conclude on August 30 with a procession that will begin from Manaveeyam Veedhi at 5 pm and end at East Fort.
As many as 62 government departments will participate in the procession, which will feature more than 100 art forms, including folk performances from various states.
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan will be the chief guest at the concluding function, a release said.
Onam, Keralam’s harvest festival, is celebrated during the auspicious Malayalam month of Chingam, with Thiruvonam, the most important day of the festivities, falling on August 26 this year.
