DAMMAM, 16 September 2006 — A major tourism exhibition and seminar will be held in Alkhobar on Nov. 2-3 to promote Kerala as an international tourist destination, attract much-needed foreign investment and promote Indo-Saudi cultural relations.
Orion Sargam, a Kochi-based multicultural center that has offices in Alkhobar, will organize Indian Tourism Mart 2006.
According to Rafeek Younus, president of Orion Sargam, a large number of Saudi and Indian businessmen and tourism industry leaders are expected to participate in the exhibition. Younus also expected a turnout of over 10,000 visitors to the mart where models of at least 20 major tourist resorts in the state would be displayed.
Younus, who is the general manager of the Alkhobar-based Saudi Engineering Group International, was bullish about tourism prospects in India, especially Kerala.
“The Association of British Travel Agency has ranked India as No. 1 among the Top 50 tourist destinations and Kerala as one among the Top 10 must-see destinations,” he pointed out.
The Saudi tourist traffic to India increased by more than 16 percent in 2004 and the growth rate went up further by seven percent last year. “A large number of Saudis are visiting India for medical treatment, education and sightseeing,” he said. Kerala is an ideal destination for people who seek Ayurvedic alternative treatment and has also become a favorite place for honeymooners.
Speaking about the mart, Younus said it would serve as a platform for executives and investors of Indian destination companies, tour promoters, tour operators and other major players in the industry to have a meaningful exchange of ideas and thoughts with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia, thus paving the way for promoting the culture and camaraderie of both countries.
“We’ll take the opportunity to enlighten Saudi businessmen and investors about investment opportunities in Kerala’s tourism sector,” Younus said. “We will also explore ways and means to attract more foreign tourists including Saudis,” he added. Kerala Tourism Director Suman will attend the event.
Indian Tourism Mart 2006 has received the full support of the Kerala government, Younus said, adding that Home Minister and Tourism Affairs Minister of Kerala, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, had expressed his desire to attend the function. “We expect the participation of several Indian ministers and officials in the mart,” he said.
Orion executives, including Younus, had met with Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and other senior Cabinet members to win their support for the event and joint investment projects.
Younus is hopeful that the mart would help attract 10 billion rupees ($216.5 million or SR811.8 million) worth of investment in Kerala tourism.
