Gurgaon:
Kerala expects ten per cent increase in domestic as well as international tourists this year, state Tourism Minister AP Anil Kumar.
The state earned Rs 4,221 crore foreign exchange in 2011 while it was Rs 3,797 crore in 2010.
The earning from the domestic tourists was Rs 10,131 crore in 2011 and Rs 9,282 crore in 2010, the minister, who was here to promote the 6th annual Grand Kerala Shopping Festival to be held on December 1, said.
Last year, more than one crore tourists visited the state, including 7 per cent international tourists, he said.
"This year we expect a ten per cent increase in domestic as well as international tourists in the state," the minister said.
Organised by department of tourism, around 10,000 merchant establishments across 38,863 sq km are expected to take part in the festival, he said.
"We have fixed a target of ten per cent increase this time in 2012 in domestic and foreign sectors," said the minister.