KMB Opens the Scope of Art and Cultural Tourism, Says Union Tourism Secretary

KOCHI:
Pointing to the increase of visitors from the first edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) to the present one, Secretary of the Union Tourism Ministry Vinod Zutshi on his visit to the main Aspinwall venue, considered the scope of art and cultural tourism in India.
“About five lakh people visited KMB in its last edition; to me, they are tourists or art tourists,” said Zutshi. “The more people that get attracted to exhibitions like KMB, the better it is for tourism. Seeing the amazing installations here, I am sure that this edition will attract more art lovers,” said the Tourism Secretary.
“Other than the local people and visitors from across the country, there is a tremendous footfall of foreigners to the Biennale, which makes a big impact on the country’s tourism sector,” he added. “The State and Central governments should put up their hands together to promote events, such as the KMB,” said Zutshi, who came to Biennale following an official visit to Thiruvananthapuram.
Malayali writer KL Mohana Varma also visited with his family, including two grandsons who are fifth generation descendants of legendary artist Raja Ravi Varma.
The 80-year-old litterateur was fascinated by the audio works, which he felt added another dimension to the appreciation of art.
He said that one should not put an economic value to the biennale. “The overwhelming joy that it brings and the impact it will have on future generations is priceless,” said Varma, who is also President of the Kerala History Association. “This is a place which makes young people believe that their dreams can come true.”
Mohana Varma, who has visited the previous editions of the international art exhibition, said that schools should compulsorily undertake a two-day visit to KMB ’16 for students.