Thiruvananthapuram: With Kerala playing host to an array of international programs and seminars, the need for a world class convention centre received more attention than ever before. Kerala government is planning to set up a state of the art convention centre on the banks of Akkulam lake with the collaboration of Mumbai-based Chalet Hotels at a cost of Rs.8.05 billion. The state government will have 26 percent share in this joint venture, the foundation stone of which was laid a couple of days back.
The first phase costing around Rs.2.05 billion would be ready by January 2011, while the second phase with a proposed plan outlay of Rs.6 billion would be completed by 2016. Situated close to the international airport, this convention centre would have an area of 41,720 sq ft , a banquet hall for 1,100 people, eight meeting rooms with 30 seats each, three meeting halls to seat 75 each and a VIP room with 50 seats will be built in the first phase. A five star hotel with 249 rooms, 25 luxury poolside cottages, water sport facilities, a marina and a parking space of 71,000 sq ft is yet another attraction.
The project would be operated under the built, own, operate and transfer basis with a lease period of 90 years. This project would give further impetus to the latest tourism segment of MICE- meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition. The state government would pool in 176.6 million for this venture and the rest of the funds would be raised through loans. This avant garde convention centre coming up on the banks of the enchanting backwaters of Akkulam is sure to lure many a business group in the days to come.
