Few takers for state’s health tourism sector
KOCHI: Majority of the foreign tourists who arrived in Kerala in 2011-12 had come for leisure and recreation, reveals figures in a report prepared by the state tourism department.
Of the 7,93,696 foreigners who arrived in the state during this period, 84.19% came for leisure and recreation. The report says that very few of those arrived in the state came for health or business reasons.
This is the first time that such a data, based on the purpose of visit, was compiled by the department, revealed sources.
Despite the government's efforts at promoting the state as a destination for business meetings, only 3.98% of those who arrived came for business, conferences and meetings.
Though Kerala has traditionally been one among the fastest growing health tourism hubs in India, it has not been really able to attract foreigners seeking treatments for various ailments. Figures in the tourism department report show that only 5.80% of the foreigners who arrived in the state came for health treatment.
Around 2.04% came here to visit their friends and relatives and 1.20% for pilgrimage and religious functions. Though Malayalis may be going abroad for further education, conferences and training, the state has not really been able to attract many foreigners to its educational institutes. Only 0.60% of the foreigners who arrived in Kerala came for education training, the report says.
Data from the tourism department report further reveals that despite recession, the United Kingdom continues to provide the maximum number of tourists to the state. Of the 7,93,696 foreign tourist arrivals, 1,44,292 (18.18 %) were from the United Kingdom. This was followed by France with 95,307 (12%) and Germany with 68,982 (8.69%) arrivals.
This year, the tourism industry in the state is trying to attract tourists from the United States and Russia. However, there were only 57,807 (7.28%) arrivals from the US in 2012, and 13,033 (1.64%) from Russia.
Not a healthy trend?
Total foreign tourist arrivals in state in 2011-12: 7,93,696 Leisure, recreation & holidaying: 84.19% Business, conferences & meetings: 3.98% Visiting friends & relatives: 2.04% Education training: 0.60% Medical treatment: 5.80% Pilgrimage & religious functions: 1.20% Others: 2.18% ( Figures from state tourism department report)
Of the 7,93,696 foreigners who arrived in the state during this period, 84.19% came for leisure and recreation. The report says that very few of those arrived in the state came for health or business reasons.
This is the first time that such a data, based on the purpose of visit, was compiled by the department, revealed sources.
Despite the government's efforts at promoting the state as a destination for business meetings, only 3.98% of those who arrived came for business, conferences and meetings.
Though Kerala has traditionally been one among the fastest growing health tourism hubs in India, it has not been really able to attract foreigners seeking treatments for various ailments. Figures in the tourism department report show that only 5.80% of the foreigners who arrived in the state came for health treatment.
Around 2.04% came here to visit their friends and relatives and 1.20% for pilgrimage and religious functions. Though Malayalis may be going abroad for further education, conferences and training, the state has not really been able to attract many foreigners to its educational institutes. Only 0.60% of the foreigners who arrived in Kerala came for education training, the report says.
Data from the tourism department report further reveals that despite recession, the United Kingdom continues to provide the maximum number of tourists to the state. Of the 7,93,696 foreign tourist arrivals, 1,44,292 (18.18 %) were from the United Kingdom. This was followed by France with 95,307 (12%) and Germany with 68,982 (8.69%) arrivals.
This year, the tourism industry in the state is trying to attract tourists from the United States and Russia. However, there were only 57,807 (7.28%) arrivals from the US in 2012, and 13,033 (1.64%) from Russia.
Not a healthy trend?
Total foreign tourist arrivals in state in 2011-12: 7,93,696 Leisure, recreation & holidaying: 84.19% Business, conferences & meetings: 3.98% Visiting friends & relatives: 2.04% Education training: 0.60% Medical treatment: 5.80% Pilgrimage & religious functions: 1.20% Others: 2.18% ( Figures from state tourism department report)
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