From correspondents in Kerala, India, 09:02 PM IST

Kerala Tourism has tied up with private carrier Jet Airways to offer 'Jet2Kerala', a special scheme that offers low-cost air tickets to domestic tourists flying to the state.

The Jet2Kerala scheme, which was launched in Mumbai Tuesday, will offer travellers tickets - from premium to business classes - and accommodation - in luxury properties as well as budget hotels - at discounted rates, a government statement released here said.

'This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to boost domestic travel and tourism. We are confident that the compelling value proposition on offer will spur more travellers to visit Kerala this year,' Sudheer Raghavan, chief commercial officer of Jet Airways said.

Kerala Tourism Secretary V. Venu added that despite the challenges posed by the global economic downturn, the international tourist arrivals continued to be impressive, with a 16.11 percent increase in visitors in 2008.

'Through this new arrangement, we are delivering a product, whereby Kerala is more within the reach of domestic travellers,' said Venu.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)