BY TTT NEWS NETWORK
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM , 3 APRIL 2023:
Impressed deeply by the scenic settings of the venueandthe warm hospitality extended by Kerala Tourism as the local host, the international andIndian delegates of the just-concluded G 20 Sherpas meet at Kumarakomlavishedpraiseson the State Tourism Department for making the event a memorable one paying attentiontothe last detail.
More than 120 delegates from G20 member countries, nine invite countries andvariousinternational and regional organisations attended the March 30-April 2 meet, chairedbyIndian Sherpa Shri Amitabh Kant, at the Waterscapes Resort owned by Kerala TourismDevelopment Corporation (KTDC).
The state’s cultural heritage which was on full display at the famous sustainable tourismsite in Kottayam district on the banks of the Vembanad lake and the eco-friendly initiativesmade by the State Tourism Department received encomiums from the delegates.
Before leaving the site with enduring memories, the delegates thanked the local host withsome of them recording their impression on staying in the place, enjoying the spice-richlocal food and the houseboat ride they had on the picturesque backwaters.
As many as 50 officials from the Department of Tourism had camped at Kumarakomforthesuccessful coordination of the hospitality.
Tourism Minister of Kerala, Mr. P A Mohamed Riyas said delegates were highly impressedbytheextensive arrangements made by the dedicated team of the TourismDepartment at Kumarakom that were on par with global standards, Shri Riyas said the holding of such an important conclave at Kumarakomhas impartedanimpetus to Kerala Tourism as a whole and the recent initiatives that turned the siteintoashining example of sustainable, heritage preserving and community-centric ResponsibleTourism initiative received great appreciation.
A festive mood was palpable on all days, as the venue became live with cultural programmesthat featured around 1,200 artistes, staged a replica of traditional Pooram, boat racesontheplacid Vembanad lake and performance of martial art Kalarippayattu along withahost of classical and folk arts.
A dance drama showcasing the tale of legendary warrior Unniyarcha was one of themajorattractions of the cultural programmes. Directed by filmmaker TK Rajeev kumar, theballetwas held on a 300 metre-long platform erected on the lake where Mohiniyattam, Kalarippayattu, Theyyam and Chavittu Nadakam (a folk art) were also staged.
It turned out to be a unique experience for the delegates as traditional houseboats werearranged by Kerala Tourism for ferrying them.
On the concluding day, Kerala’s iconic festival Onam was recreated at the venue. Onam’ssalient features like Pookalam, Onasadya, pulikali, Kummattikkali, Oonjalaattam(swing)and tug-of-war heightened the festive spirit, and the delegates took time off their busyschedulebriefly to have a hands-on feel of the festivities.
Sticking to the green protocol fully, the delegates were served food on edible biodegradableplates made from wheat bran. After use, these plates were used as fertiliser andas feedforpoultry and fish.
Top officials of the world’s 20 largest economies held deliberations at the four-daysummitto assess the work done so far under India’s G20 presidency and chalk out the wayforwardin tackling several global issues and challenges.
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