Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister A K Antony has called for a carrying capacity study of the state’s backwaters and eco-friendly initiatives for promoting sustainable tourism.

Talking at Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), a three-day tourism buyer-seller meet, Antony said the tourism industry and the government should ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. “This is essential both to sustain tourism as well as to provide a necessary environment that will encourage the growth of tourism.”

In recent years there has been a phenomenal growth in backwater tourism. The carrying capacity of Kerala’s backwaters needs to be scientifically assessed and all efforts should be made to preserve the environment for sustainable backwater tourism, he added.

Economic diversification and technological improvement have created a conducive environment for tourism development in the present age of globalisation, he said. “It has been recognised as the core competency sector on account of its potential for generating income and creating employment opportunities.”

The tourist arrivals touched 5.5 million in 2001, generating a revenue of $850 million, which is 6.29 per cent of the state’s gross domestic product. Antony described tourism as the “engine of growth, giving a huge push to Kerala’s economy in the coming years.” Realising the importance, the government has increased the allocation for tourism by five-fold in the Tenth Five Year Plan.

Kerala Tourism Minister K V Thomas said the development of tourist destinations will be controlled and regulated based on the guidelines formulated through area development plans. “New products will be promoted to sustain the position, which Kerala has already achieved in the tourist map of the world.”

Kerala tourism has initiated steps to develop and implement effective marketing strategies for better mileage and value for the money spent, he added. “This will be based on the market analysis and consumer preferences.”

Kerala Industry Minister P K Kunhalikutty said KTM should be seen as a curtain raiser to the Global Investors’ Meet, scheduled to be held in January 2003 in Kochi. Indian Prime Minister A B Vajpayee will inaugurate the meet. KTM will give a good boost to GIM, Kunhalikutty said.

Buyers from Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Australia, the US, Italy, Belgium and Hong Kong are attending the mart. Over 800 buyers have registered and nearly 500 stalls, including 10 houseboats, have been put up at the KTM venue.

Karnataka Tourism Minister D B Inamdar, Tamil Nadu tourism commissioner Vittal Murthy, Andhra Pradesh tourism secretary Chandana Khan, among others, attended the inaugural function. The tourism departments of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, Lakhshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are participating in the mart.