Tourism policy to focus on domestic circuit

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Government will come out with a Tourism Policy with special emphasis on domestic tourism as part of its 100-day Action Plan. This was announced by Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar here on Thursday."One of the State Government’s major objectives is to encourage domestic tourism and through this build up a healthy tourism culture,’’ Tourism Minister Anil Kumar said.He said that developing a tourism culture was important as it would lead to a better understanding of foreign tourists. The new tourism policy will make tourism more popular among the locals. "We will create premium hotels and other facilities that are attainable for the common man,’’ the Minister said while outlining the Tourism Department’s 100-day programme.Varkala will get special focus during the first 100 days. Four developmental projects will be implemented at the beach destination during the 100 days; One, Varkala hills will be protected with assistance from the Tropical Botanical Garden Research Institute. Two, completion of the walkway between Helipad and Varkala Town. Three, the development of the Varkala Tourism Centre will be completed with the help of the Harbour Engineering Department. Four, landscaping of the Kappil Beach.