Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala, God's Own Country, has added one more feather in its tourism cap by registering a record all time 30 per cent growth in tourists' arrival both domestic and international in 2003, State Tourism Minister K V Thomas said in Thiruvananthapuram today (Jan 19, 2004).

Addressing a press conference in connection with the announcement of State award for best performance in the travel and tourism industry, Thomas said the State's achievements assumed significance in view of drastic decrease in tourists' arrival in Asian region. The national growth rate of tourists' arrival was 14.4 per cent, he stated.

"All hotels are full and we are flooded with request for hotel accommodation," he said. Kerala tourism destination was the fastest growing region in the world, he said.

Thomas said tourism industry in the State received a shot in arm with a reputed international travel magazine terming the "Kerala's breakfast cuisine" as the best breakfast.

On the question of high aviation sales tax rate prevailing in the State, Thomas said the tourism department had asked the finance department to reduce the 25 per cent rate to bring it on par with other States.

Airfare to Kerala destinations was high due to the present sales tax rate for aviation fuel and reduction in the rate would give a tremendous boost to the tourism industry, he said.

A process of issuing "certificate of safe-to-eat places" was also on, he said.

The tourism award would be presented by Chief Minister A K Antony at a function to be held in Thiruvananthapuram on January 21.