Kerala Tourism Ad on London's Bus Sparks Viral Sensation
Ryan Shiju shared the video on Instagram, Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas later promoted it, amplifying its visibility
Sumit Rawat
London, UK - Renowned for its red buses, synonymous with the city's timeless charm, London became the unlikely stage for Kerala Tourism's viral sensation.
A Keralite abroad, captivated by the sight of an ad for Kerala Tourism on London's celebrated double-deckers, ignited a social media storm.
Netizens expressed delight and national pride at spotting an ad for their native land in a foreign milieu.
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The video, initially shared on Instagram by user Ryan Shiju, gained momentum with endorsement from Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas.
Surprising to many, this ad is part of Kerala government's ongoing tourism drive since 2018, leveraging London's iconic buses as an experimental marketing tool.
Operated from five central London depots, these double-deckers showcased Kerala's scenic backwaters and houseboats, wrapped in Kerala Tourism branding.
Preceding this, Kerala had its branding on taxis across London, Birmingham, and Glasgow, targeting the UK, a significant contributor to its annual 1.5 lakh visitors.
Kerala, revered for its natural beauty, has long been a tourist magnet, with the government actively promoting it since the mid-80s, winning accolades for its creative ad campaigns.
The recent "Make up for lost time" campaign by Kerala Tourism clinched Gold at the 2023 Pacific Asia Travel Association for "Marketing Campaign (State & City - Global)."
This ad reflects Kerala government's global outreach, showcasing the state's scenic splendor, diverse cultural offerings, including the famed snake boat races, vegetarian cuisine, and rejuvenating Ayurvedic retreats.
