Heli Taxi services launched in Kerala
Published December 1, 2010 | 
A helicopter taxi service ( Heli Taxi Service) has been introduced by Cochin International Airport ltd, which will be utilised for transporting pilgrims and tourists to various destinations. The HeliTaxi has over 20 years of experience in Helicopter operation and belongs to Bangalore Bharath Airways Private Limited. In a bid to give further impetus to the tourism prospects of Kerala, CIAL had recently launched its tourism division in association with over 30 Tour operators.
The American made Bell-407 helicopter has a capacity to carry 5 passengers and two Pilots and is expected to reach Nilakkal from Cochin in just 30 minutes, thereby saving a lot of time and effort of the pilgrims. It will be an ideal transportation choice for the aged and disabled pilgrims or those who are hard pressed on time.
The heli taxi services will be a boon for Sabarimala pilgrims and tourists who can explore even the remote parts of Kerala very easily. It has also obtained permission from Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa, for operating this service to Nilakkal (Foothills of Sabarimala) and its services will be extended to Saramkuttiyal (near Sannidhanam) for emergency purposes like causality evacuation or for security requirements.
The Heli Taxi can operate approximately for 30 hrs in a month and is hoping to take a minimum of 150 passengers to various locations in the State. It will be a good choice for adventure tourists to reach the unexplored spots that are not well connected with other modes of transport
Best Western Hotels in Kerala
Published December 14, 2009 | 
Best Western, which is one of the largest chain of luxury hotels in the world is planning to open as many as 100 hotels over the next seven years in India, to tap the tourism potential in this part of the world. This hotel chain provides marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,200 independently owned hotels spread across 80 different countries, including the recently launched properties in Trivandrum (Kerala) and Amritsar (Punjab).
At present it has 11 operational hotels in India including the one in Cochin, Kerala. The Best Western Marickar Hotel & Suites at Nedumbassery introduces the fabled hospitality and world class accommodation standards to Cochin. Located just 2 kilometers from the Cochin International Airport, this hotel ensures a luxurious stay, true to the spirit of the Best Western motto.
The tastefully done up rooms have state of the art conveniences and many facilities like Ayurvedic spa to pamper you. Customized tours to hills stations, backwaters, beaches and historic sites would ensure a holiday well planned at unbeatable prices, topped off by the world famous Best western celebrity tag. The Best Western hotel chain has brought to this city the choicest accommodation options to the quality conscious and brand loyalists of all possible genres!
Cochin international airport to get a unique gift
Published January 3, 2008 | Cochin, January 3
A new chapter of glory is all set to be added to the charm of the bustling commercial city of Kerala. In a developing move the Cochin International Airport (CIAL) is all set to have a centre for perishable cargo to be set up here. The proposed cost of this pilot project is estimated about Rs 583.6 million ($14.8 million). This new addition to the vast resource of God’s Own Country will give the place a new asset. It is reported that this centre will be the only such centre attached to any of the airport across the country.
This will help to boost the exports and would give exporters to store all the food items and vegetables for more than a week without any damage before been finally exported. The cold storage facility constructed is about to cost Rs 236.3 million. The plan is to complete this unique center within next year.
After this cargo centre is finally been constructed, it is for sure that the export of various agricultural and food items will increase. Along with the cold storage there are other extra addition including an information centre for farmers and a special parking area for easily handling the perishable cargo. This one of a kind centre will definitely be the most key element to fetch more foreign revenue.