Kerala’s highly revered tradition of ayurveda has been captivating visitors at ITB Berlin, the world’s leading tourism trade show. ‘Kerala: Home of Ayurveda’ is the theme of the Kerala Tourism pavilion at this year’s show.Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi visited the pavilion, which is built over an area of 128 square metres. “I will visit Kerala soon,” Chiranjeevi told the Kerala Tourism delegation headed by Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar.As many as 23 trade partners from Kerala are participating in the travel show, which is attended by the Who’s Who of global tourism and travel trade. Last year, ITB Berlin received 170,000 visitors, including 113,000 trade visitors. Around 11,000 tourism trade companies from 180 countries attended the show in 2012.“We are presenting Kerala’s highly regarded tradition of ayurveda to the world here in Berlin,” said Anil Kumar. Because of the wide-ranging remedies it offers, ayurveda is as much a brand in Kerala today as the state’s backwaters, beaches and hill stations, he added.Kerala’s ayurveda is known around the globe for its astounding benefits, in terms of both wellness and cure, said Tourism secretary Suman Billa. ITB Berlin is the ideal platform to showcase the world further about this time-tested tradition and the high-quality ayurveda treatment facilities available in the state.The free ayurveda consultation, handled by an expert physician, has already drawn large number of visitors to the Kerala pavilion in the five-day show. Free massage, large display of ayurvedic medicines and elements also add to the attractions.Germany, which hosts the annual ITB Berlin, is a key market for Kerala Tourism. Visitors from Germany constitute a major chunk of foreign travellers who avail of the benefits of ayurveda during their holidays in Kerala.“The Kerala Tourism and our partners in the government and private sector worked hard during the past several years to ensure a high-quality delivery of ayurveda facilities in the state,” said Tourism director Rani George.Among the co-exhibitors at the Kerala pavilion are Abad Hotels and Resorts, Athreya Ayurvedic Resorts, Ayurveda Mana, Banyan Tree Kerala, Carnoustie Beach Resort and Ayurveda Spa, Coconut Bay Beach Resort, Eastend Hospitality, Hill and Sea View Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Indriya Beach Resort and Spa, Janaki Hotels Resorts and Health Solutions, Lake Palace Resort, Nikki’s Nest, Ramada Resort and the River Retreat Heritage Ayurveda Resort.The Nattika Beach Ayurveda Resort, Thomas Hotels and Resorts, Uday Samudra Ayurveda and Yoga Beach Resort, Vythiri Resort and Vythiri Village are the other co-exhibitors besides tour operators like Dravidian Trails, Intersight Tours & Travels, Spiceland Holidays and the Great India Tour Company.Source: http://newindianexpress.com
