Kerala to be theme state of India pavilion at DSF

Mr Thomas said that the decision to partner the IAD in a bid to showcase the state's tourism, culture, handicrafts and its Islamic heritage at DSF 2004 will help promote Kerala's image as a toursist destination in the Middle East and increase the flow of tourists from the region. He also said that the decision had been taken, keeping in mind the requests made by a large number of non-resident Keralites living in the Arab countries.

The Kerala Minister of Tourism is currently in Dubai as part of a delegation from the state to participate at the Arabian Travel Market and increase awareness about the host of holiday and health rejuvenation packages that tourists from the region can avail of.

"Indians constitute the largest segment among the expatriates in Dubai and Keralites make up the largest segment among Indians in the UAE. Kerala is well-known among AGCC nationals and residents as the land of the largest workforce in the UAE starting from CEOs to clerks and from engineers to entrepreneurs. But today, though Kerala is renowned the world over as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations, tourists from the AGCC are yet to understand or explore the full potential of the state's tourism opportunities," Mr Thomas added.

Approximately 30,000 toursists from the Gulf visit Kerala every year. Mr Balakrishnan said : "For decades Kerala and the Middle East have been involved in trade and commerce with each other. To many Keralites, the Gulf is a second home. During the last couple of years, a new relationship is developing through the tourism and travel industry between UAE and Kerala that is reflected in the huge response that Kerala has received at the Arabian Travel Markets in successive years. The Association with the Dubai Shopping Festival will further strengthen the relationship."

"The DSF is a window to the world. It is no longer a regional festival but a global event. By focusing on Kerala this year, I am sure that both the state and people will benefit immensely since the non-resident Keralites in the Gulf, are the back-bone of the state's economy," Mr Thomas said.

Kerala's famous house-boats or "kettuvallams" that sail its backwaters in Alappuzha and the traditions of India's holistic medicine Ayurveda will be some of the major highlights of the India pavilion 2004 along with tenets of Islamic culture and traditions that will form the backdrop.