Kerala Tourism ties up with Zapak

THIRUVANATHAPURAM, KERALA: Kerala Tourism has tied up with India's largest gaming company, Zapak, to launch an interactive online game to unfold the state's tourism destinations to gamers around the world.

The game will have a hand-drawn map of Kerala with a trail and markings for the important tourist attractions in the state.

The gamer can use various modes of transport to travel through the state -- a rented car, tourist bus, rented bike or traditional boat.

Once the gamer reaches a location, there is also 'God's Own Treasure' to discover. The treasures are hidden in a temple or church, a historic monument, beach or national park.

A photography mode allows the gamer to click away in a destination.

State Tourism Secretary T.K. Manoj Kumar said Kerala Tourism has always tried to innovate and engage the latest tools of marketing to promote its products and destinations.

"Our gaming initiative is going to be another first in the country in tapping the vibes of the generation next and drawing them to explore new tourist spots. Besides being an exciting game, learning about new places and cultures will be the value addition for them," he added.

"It is a novel tool by which one can explore Kerala by following the trail through different levels. Apart from the excitement as a game, it also adds a real-time element by giving a Google Map location link and information on how to get to a destination," said Kerala Tourism Director Rani George.

With currently over 7.5 million registered gamers, Zapak (www.zapak.com) is not only the largest casual gaming site in the country but among the top gaming sites in the world.