State risks losing middle eastern tourists as union govt skips Arabian Travel Market

T'puram: State may lose a chance to attract travellers from the Middle East, as the union govt will not take part in the Arabian Travel Market this year. The popular travel fair, which will be held in Dubai at the end of next month, will see participation from more than 161 countries.
State tourism minister, Mohamed Riyas, requested the union govt to reconsider the move, as it will adversely affect foreign tourist flow to the state. Travel and tour operators are disappointed because it is a chance for them to showcase Kerala and attract more visitors from Arab countries. The Middle Eastern countries are among the top 10 source markets for foreign tourists for Kerala.
At a review meeting held by Union minister of tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in the city last week, Riyas wanted the centre to reconsider its decision to stay away from the Arabian Travel Market. "India's participation will boost international tourist arrivals to the country. The Middle East is a key market for Kerala Tourism."
MK Ajith Kumar of India Tourism Forum said, "It is not in the interest of tourism to abstain from the event, as it will damage India's tourism interests in general and Kerala's interests specifically. Buyers from all over the world come for the market and to abstain is sending a wrong signal."
Travel and tour operators are of the opinion that it is important to attend such events at a time when international tourism marketing events are not drawing new clients for the country. "Hardly any new operator signs up to bring tourists from abroad," said a tour operator.
Though the union ministry is promoting the country abroad, the focus is mostly on the NRIs. Recently, India began promoting itself as a premium wedding tourism destination.