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The state tourism department is all set to start the much-awaited heli-tourism services, with Kochi becoming the hub connecting major tourism destinations across the state. State tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas will flag off the first heli-taxi service at a function to be held at Cial Academy, Nedumbassery in Kochi on Saturday.
Explaining the details of the project to TOI, the minister said that the department is planning to provide three types of services under the new initiative city rides/heli rides for short rides, destination to destination connect and special curated packages. The destination to destination connect will explore tourist spots that are spread across the state and the special curated packages will interconnect three to four tourist destinations across the state.
Kochi will be the heli-tourism hub and the services from the city will connect to other destinations Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Jatayu Para, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kozhikode and Kasaragod in the initial stage of the project.
In the first phase, the government is not planning to develop airstrips, instead, the operations are proposed to be developed by utilizing the existing operational helipads available in various parts of the state.
Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas said that the Beypore International Water Fest was conceived with the perspective of boosting Kerala tourism through the development of Malabar tourism. Riyas said the Beypore Fest has helped attract tourists from other states and abroad. Before the next edition of the fest, the cruise ships from Beypore will start their journey from the port.
“When the project progresses into the second phase, it will be advancing with developing air strips at more destinations such as Bekal in Kasaragod,” the minister said.Riyas also said that the department intends to take the role of only a facilitator in the development of heli-tourism in the state. “Only licensed operators who sign the MoU with the department will be included. The government will not enter into any direct operations and will not be having any financial liabilities or will not provide any financial support”, he said.
It is learnt that choppers with a seating capacity of 6 to 12 would be deployed for the services. The price range for the trips will differ based on the flying time and operator charges. The mandatory requirements such as flying and safety measures adhering to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) will be the responsibility of the heli-operators.
The minister also ruled out the concern that huge costs would keep tourists away from the heli-tourism services. “The tourists reaching Kochi through international cruises usually have only one-day halt at Kerala and they wish to explore destinations like Alappuzha, Kumarakom, etc. This project will cater to those people who want to reduce their travel time and connect to a number of tourist destinations within the limited time available,” said the minister.
He also said that depending upon the need and demand, various pilgrim destinations will also be considered under the project in future.
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