TOUR OPERATION PROGRAMME

Tour Operation Programme

Tour Operation Programme

This paper presents a tour operations programme plan and schedule for a selected place. The destination, selected for this particular paper is Kerala, which is located in Southern region of India and it is bordered by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the Arabian Sea.

Task 1: Why Tour Kerala

Kerala, situated on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Named as one of the "ten paradises of the world" and "50 places of a lifetime" by the National Geographic Traveler magazine, Kerala is especially known for its ecotourism initiatives. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demographics, has made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the state's tourism industry is a major contributor to the state's economy. Until the early 1980s, Kerala was a relatively unknown destination; most tourist circuits focused on North India. Aggressive marketing campaigns launched by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, the government agency that oversees tourism prospects of the state, laid the foundation for the growth of the tourism industry. In the decades that followed, Kerala's tourism industry was able to transform the state into one of the niche holiday destinations in India. The tagline Kerala- God's Own Country has been widely used in Kerala's tourism promotions and soon became synonymous with the state. In 2006, Kerala attracted 8.5 million tourist arrivals, an increase of 23.68% over the previous year, making the state one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world.

Popular attractions in the state include the beaches at Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala, Kappad, Muzhappilangad and Bekal; the hill stations of Munnar, Nelliampathi, Ponmudi and Wayanad; and national parks and wildlife sanctuaries at Periyar and Eravikulam National Park. The "backwaters" region, which comprises an extensive network of interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals that centre on Alleppey, Kollam, Kumarakom, and Punnamada (where the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in August), also see heavy tourist traffic. Heritage sites, such as the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the Mattancherry Palace, are also visited. Cities such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are popular centres for their shopping and traditional theatrical performances. During early summer, the Thrissur Pooram is conducted, attracting foreign tourists who are largely drawn by the festival's elephants and celebrants.

Kerala tour packages give the right opportunity to explore this wonderful state. They are customised and tailor-made to suit the taste of local and global visitors. What is required on your part is the specification of the date; rest of the arrangement lies in the domain of the tour operators and travel agencies.

Kerala, one of the paradises on the lap of Mother Earth gives you the scope to escape in nature's retreat away from the tiring complexities of urban life. You can avail standard Kerala tour packages or go for the high priced luxury Kerala tour packages. Honeymoon special Kerala tour packages are just the ideal thing to start off a new chapter in your ...