Kerala, the mystique paradise blessed with nature's bounty, is famed the world over as God's Own Country. Apart from beautiful backwaters, pristine beaches, cool hill stations, historic monuments and ubiquitous greenery, the state are home to amazing art forms and a rich cultural heritage. National Geographic Traveler has chosen Kerala to feature among the top 50 must-see destinations of a lifetime.Tucked away in the south-western corner of the Indian subcontinent, the state of Kerala lures a stream of tourists from every part of the globe year after year. It is in fact the country's first state to declare tourism as an industry. The unprecedented boom in this evergreen sector is attributed to the proactive policy of the government and the overwhelming success rate of existing projects.

INVESTMENT AVENUES in Tourism

Hotels and Restaurants: Kerala is witnessing a boom in the hospitality sector. Despite the presence of several star hotels and budget hotels, the demand for accommodation is always on the rise.Kerala's cuisine has now accolades the world over. Specialized restaurants serving exotic delicacies will always be sought after by Indian and Foreign tourists.

Resorts: These abodes of tranquility have become popular among those aspiring to holiday in a world of their own. Many new projects in Kerala have been set up near plantations, beaches and backwaters. The number of Health Resorts and Hill Resorts in the state is also on the rise.

Amusement Parks: Kerala boasts several successful amusement parks at Kochi, Palghat and Thrissur. Many more are on the cards. There is ample scope for setting up theme parks in Trivandrum and the Malabar area.

Tour and Travel Agencies: Kerala has become a global tourist destination. As a result, the tourist and travel agency business in the state is buzzing with activity. Tour operators who specialise in activities like eco-programs, adventure tourism etc. can reap rich rewards if they invest in Kerala. Despite the growing number of players entering the fray, the opportunities are endless.

Eco-tourism projects: This ia a unique tourism product. The emerging eco-tourism projects at Thenmala has already started attracting tourists from India and abroad. Since Kerala is known for its natural wealth and ecological richness, setting up new projects in this realm of activity is comparatively easier.

Houseboats: Houseboats have become a part and parcel of Kerala's tourism industry. Through this unique form of leisure travel allures a niche segment, the scope is absolutely upbeat.

Ayurveda: This traditional system of medicine occupies the pride of place in Kerala's tourism industry. Hundreds of tourists visit Ayurvedic clinics and resorts for therapy and treatments. Naturopathy and Holistic treatment centres are gaining popularity in the State.

Shopping Malls and Entertainment Centers: Kerala welcomes hundreds of tourists round the year. This has enhanced the need for specialised shopping facilities in key tourist centres. Shopping malls and entertainment centres have become an indespensable part of the tourism sector.

Water Sports: This is an exciting form of entertainment in the tourism sector. Surfing, Water-Skiing, Heil-skiing and Luxury/Pedal Boat cruises are some of the attractions in this circuit. The scope is absolutely upbeat for new entrepreneurs.

Communication Center: Communication centers have become ubiquitous in majour tourist hot spots. These centres offers a range of service - like internet, photocopying, STD/ISD, FAX, DTP service etc. - for businessmen. There is still a dearth of well-equipped centres in several renowed tourist destinations.

Game Parlour: The digital era has augmented the demand for hi-tech entertainments. A multitude of game parlours have come up in several locations. Snooker, bowling alleys, videos games etc. are the common attractions. Since these outlets lure people of all ages, new entrepreneurs can easily cash-in on this trend.