Page 312 - economic review

EXTERNAL SECTOR284

Master Plans for Destinations and Circuits

6.39 The State focuses on sustainability of tourism to environment and responsibility to the society.
The Department of Tourism therefore has based its future tourism developments on Master Plans
with long perspective. Master Plans for five Destinations, viz Kovalam Poovar Tourism Corridor,
Kumarakom, Thekkady, Fort Kochi and Munnar with thirty year perspective has been prepared
and five other Master Plans are on the way. These master plans open up possibilities for Tourism
Corridors and Circuits and avenue for additional employment and income generation. Master Plans
focus mainly on improving and creating basic infrastructure, preservation of flora fauna, protection of
water ways, landscapes, creating connectivity within the destinations, Preservation of Heritages and
wild life and supportive infrastructures like water supply, waste management, signages etc.

Land Marks in Tourism Development

Visa on Arrival

6.40 Visa on Arrival (VoA) is a single entry permission to India for the purpose of Tourism. It is a
non-extendable Visa for thirty days and permitted two visits in a calendar year. Finland, Japan,
Luxemburg, New Zealand, Singapore, Combodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, Myanmar and
Indonesia are included in the present list of VoA. The introduction of Tourist Visa-on-Arrival (T-VoA)
facility at Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi airports marks a new chapter for Kerala Tourism and will
help attract more foreign visitors to the state. Kerala Tourism has also been pressing for adding some
major European countries in the list to boost the foreign tourist arrivals to Kerala.

e-Visa

6.41 In November 2014 the Government of India introduced Electronic Travel Authorisation facility at
airports that support the visa on arrival scheme. ETA is issued for tourism, visiting friends and family,
short duration medical treatment and business visits.Citizens of over 40 eligible countries, including
those who are eligible for visa on arrival are became eligible for e-Visa.

Perspective Plan 2030

6.42 The State Government has prepared Perspective Plan 2030, the first initiative of this kind among
Indian States. The Perspective Plan envisages Kerala Tourism as a world brand by 2030 and a top
destination among Indian States in terms of tourist revenue. It envisions transforming Kerala tourism
into a thriving, competitive and sustainable tourism industry which enriches the community socially
and economically and enchants the visitors with quality experiences and entertainment.

Box 6.3
Key Elements in Perspective Plan 2030 for Tourism

• Attaining Economic Prosperity by developing innovative products
• Achieving Social equality and cohesion through community involvement
• Providing Safe and satisfying visitor experience
• Protecting Environmental and Culture and
• Providing quality employment opportunities

Kerala State Planning Board