Kerala State tourism minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said today that Kerala expected to bag a 16 % increase in tourism revenues during 2006-07 from the Rs 7,738 crore earned last year.

The revenue from domestic and foreign tourism was expected to go upto Rs 9,000 crore this year. The growth rate is more than expected as forecasted by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). According to WTTC, tourism demand in Kerala is to grow by 11.6% per annum over the next decade. This is the highest growth rate of any tourism destination destination in the world

The government would continue with promotional programmes, including international road shows and tourism festivals this year.