The Finance Minister said funds have been allocated for dredging to increase the depth of the river at the port, and before the next edition of Beypore International Water Fest (BIWF), the cruise ships will start their journey from the port.
“The domestic cruise ships that can carry around 300 to 500 passengers will launch their services first. It will be crucial for tourism in the state, and more people will turn up for the annual BIWF,” he added.
Balagopal said under the SagarMala scheme, there are plans to construct big roads as well as renovation of the wharf at Beypore port.
Minister for General Education V Sivankutty said that BIWF has already earned popularity in the global tourism arena with its huge public participation and riveting programmes.
Balagopal was speaking after the inauguration of the third edition of the four-day Beypore International Water Fest (BIWF) at Beypore Marina Beach here. Balagopal and Sivankutty jointly inaugurated the event, a popular celebration of water sports and entertainment ahead of the New Year.
Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas, who also presided over the function, said Beypore International Water Fest was conceived as the perspective of boosting Kerala tourism through the development of Malabar tourism. Riyas said the Beypore Fest has helped ramp up harmony and unity among people, besides attracting tourists from other states and abroad.
A coastal strip six km south of Kozhikode, Beypore had functioned as a port, providing a vital link in maritime trade with West Asia, long before the advent of the Western colonialists.
Giving a boost to the region, the major activities of BIWF will be held at Beypore Marina Beach, Chaliyam Beach on the banks of Chaliyar River, Nallur and Beypore Port. Several programmes have also been planned in different parts of the city, including Kozhikode Beach, to attract international and domestic tourists.
