2019 Kerala Tourism Roadshow took place in Shanghai on 19th November and concludes successfully in Beijing on 21st, to promote its tourist destinations and Ayurveda treatment. The fruitful event was hosted by the Kerala Tourism Department, attracting over 160 Chinese outbound tour operators in both cities.  

H.E. Shri. Anil Kumar Rai, the Consul General of India in Shanghai gave a welcome speech at the event in Shanghai, and Deputy Chief of Mission of India Embassy to China, Dr. Acquino Vimal addressed in Beijing.

 

Dr. Acquino Vimal said, “2020 is declared as China-India Year of Exchange, and tourism is made one of the focus areas of practical cooperation. Tourists can experience all kinds of novel attractions in Kerala at affordable prices.”

 

 

During the event, the director of Kerala Tourism, Ms. Rani George presented the tourism resources to the participated tour operators. “Besides its tranquil beaches, famous backwaters, mist-covered hills, thick forests, elegant houseboats, Ayurvedic treatments, Kerala is home to rare wildlife, and vibrant traditions such as Kathakali plays, Kalaripayattu martial arts. ”

 

 

Near 1.1 million international tourists, including 9,630 Chinese tourists, visited Kerala in 2018, with an increase of 35.06% and enormous upside potential. “Kerala is the cleanest, safest and most educated state in India. You don't need to worry about safety whether you are FIT or GIT.” During the interview, Ms. Rani George added, “We actively put up various initiatives to facilitate Chinese tourists, such as launching Chinese websites, developing Chinese applications, training Chinese tour guides, providing Chinese food and hotel services for Chinese preference, promoting UnionPay, WeChat, Alipay and so on.”

 

 

First Secretary (E&C) Embessy of india, Mr. Rajesh Pari said, “E-Tourism Visa for multiple entry in 5 years has been implemented in India and visa charge has also been reduced, which provide enough flexibility to Chinese tour operators to design their itineraries.”

 

 

During the B2B negotiation process, the delegation, which included well-known resort operators, tourism operators and Ayurveda service providers had reached abundant business cooperation with Chinese counterparts, and Chinese tour operators learned more about their offerings which help them to design localized tailor-made tour packages better.