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The tourism industry has high expectations from the forthcoming State Budget. All through the past year, the industry has been reeling under the impact of the global economic crisis, the Mumbai terror attacks, the swine flu scare and much more. The tourism sector is full of hope that the Government will give serious thought to the plight of the industry which is one of the biggest grossers in terms of revenue and employment in the State.
Last year, the Finance Minister had made many promises, which included the deferment of luxury tax, but nothing happened. Luxury tax has to be reduced and the tax system generally streamlined if the tourism industry is to get the much-needed boost in this hour of crisis and stabilise its growth.
Star hotels, houseboats and other tourism establishments are entitled to subsidy from the Government, but this is pending since a few years. Further, though tourism infrastructure in the State continues to grow at a rapid pace, the subsidy allocation for it has not increased proportionately. Will the forthcoming budget take care of this matter? The same goes for the promotional budget for tourism. The budget allocation for tourism marketing of Rs. 15 crore in Kerala is low and also needs to be enhanced. This amount ought to be raised to a minimum of Rs. 25 crore; even if it is, the amount will be nowhere near the amount allocated for tourism promotion in the neighbouring States. Other issues that the Government needs to pay attention to is infrastructure improvement, safety measures in tourism destinations, etc. Let us hope that this year’s budget will give tourism its due.
At KTM 2008, the Finance Minister had assured KTM Society that an amount of Rs. 1 crore would be allocated for conducting the next Kerala Travel Mart. With KTM 2010 coming up in September, the Society expects the Government to keep its promise.
We are glad to say that Kerala Tourism magazine is going in for a makeover this year and enhancing production, editorial content and global reach. The focus will be on different destinations and issues. We begin with Guruvayur, the Dwaraka of the South and dedicate this issue to the holy abode.

Ravisankar K.V.   
Editor   

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