T’puram: Tourism minister P C Vishnunadh has said that the tourism sector will be accorded industry status by Oct.Speaking at the Onam Tourism Week celebration, Vishnunadh said that a draft proposal to confer industry status on the tourism sector has already been prepared, and consultations with various stakeholders are underway.“Once the status is granted, the sector will be eligible for benefits such as bank subsidies and single-window clearances, which would also help attract major investments from within India and abroad,” he said.The minister said that the move comes in response to a long-standing demand from the sector and as part of broader structural reforms.“Govt has launched several initiatives and policy measures to give fresh momentum to tourism in the state,“ he said, adding that lesser-known destinations will be developed and greater emphasis will be placed on cultural tourism.The aim is to showcase Keralam’s cultural diversity to the global tourism market, Vishnunadh said.“As many of the state’s established tourist destinations are nearing full capacity, govt is prioritizing the development of new locations. Since travellers are increasingly reluctant to visit overcrowded places, expanding new destinations has become a key strategy,” he said.Though not yet officially recognized as a tourism destination, around 40 houseboats are currently operating in Akalapuzha in Kozhikode. The minister said Akalapuzha will be developed into a full-fledged tourist destination.There are also plans to develop Munroe Thuruthu in Kollam, which he said has tourism potential comparable to the Maldives. Strong marketing efforts will be needed for this, he added.The minister noted that every district in Keralam has several relatively unexplored tourist spots. “By developing and promoting them, tourism activity can be spread beyond the state’s currently popular destinations,” he said.All cultural events in Keralam will be included in the tourism department’s annual calendar. This, Vishnunadh said, will give visitors from around the world an opportunity to experience the state’s unique and rich heritage.Theyyam and Padayani will be scheduled in such a way that travellers will be able to plan their trips around it, he said.The minister stressed the need to present Keralam to the world as the authentic home of ayurveda. Keralam’s own distinctive ayurvedic heritage deserves greater prominence, Vishnunadh said.