In order to boost tourism in Kerala, it has introduced visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility at Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram airports from August 15. This new facility will allow tourists from 11 countries, namely Japan, Singapore, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Indonesia, to acquire tourist visas after landing in Kerala.Tourism Secretary Suman Billa stated that the Tourism Department has started the promotion on the availability of VoA in Kerala. He also said, “We will make it more eye-catching for the arriving tourists.
Japan is a big market for Kerala when compared to other countries. Plans have been prepared to participate in tourism fairs in Japan”. Viewing the importance of Ayurveda for the Japanese, those representing Ayurveda Industry will be taken to Japan to showcase what Kerala can deliver them. It is for first time that the Tourism Department is planning a huge campaign in Japan.Billa added, “The language is a hurdle for tour operators to handle tourists from Japan. Tourism department is planning to undertake the language problem and also to provide food according to their taste”. Paulose K Mathew, Chairman of the Travel Agents Federation of India, Kerala chapter, said that unless Kerala Tourism starts some publicity, there will not be much impact in the tourism sector. He said, “If road shows are conducted properly in the proposed countries, around 10 to 15% rise in tourist arrivals could be expected with the VoA facility. More tourists are arriving from New Zealand and Japan as they are financially stable”.Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) managing director V J Kurian stated that equipments and man power were already placed at the airport to execute the scheme. The Immigration Department has also completed training of its personnel for the launch of the scheme. Both the airports have been equipped with additional space, counters and facilities for refreshment.
