Kasargod: The historic Bekal fort area in Kasargod would be further developed once the proposed air port at Kannur comes up, said Kerala Chief Minister Ooman Chandey.

He was speaking after inaugurating a programme ‘Bekal Arivu’ organized for tour operators here on May 10, Thursday.  The chief minister also said step would also be taken to have a mini airport at Periya.

He further said that Kannur airport when it becomes a reality would give a major boost to tourism not only in Kannur, Kasargod but also in the Malabar area. He said the runway works would begin this year itself.

Chandey also informed that there were plans to increase the tourist influx to Bekal to 6 lakhs from the present 3.2 lakhs. A total of 230 acres of land has been acquired in Bekal for tourism promotion activities, he said.

AP Anil Kumar, State Tourism Minister presided over the function. Various officials of the tourism department, local legislators and others were present.