THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas will flag off the seaplane service, which is expected to boost tourism in Kerala, at an event to be held in Kochi’s Bolgatty on Monday.

The seaplane service under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India, aims to increase connectivity between airports and backwaters in Kerala.

Industries Minister P Rajeeve will preside over the event at 9.30 am. Later, the flight crew and passengers of the ‘de Havilland Canada’ seaplane will be given a reception at the Mattupetty dam in Idukki, which will be attended by the Minister of Water Resources, Roshy Augustine.

‘de Havilland Canada’ will land at Kochi Airport at 14.00 on Sunday and fly to its locker at Bolgatty Palace at 15.30, where the crew will be hosted by the Tourism Department.

“The launch of helicopter tourism is a significant step in this direction and makes our destinations more accessible for quick and seamless travel. In addition, the expansion of motorable roads connecting even the remotest parts of Kerala will enable tourists to now reach remote destinations with ease and enjoy scenic roads along the way.” “It allows them to enjoy it.” said Minister Riyas in a press release issued here on Friday.