Kerala Tourism is now tapping new markets like Australia, Sweden, Russia to scale up its overseas tourist arrivals in the state.

"We are looking at new markets", said P G Suresh Kumar, tourist information officer on the sidelines of a roadshow held in the city to promote the state's tourism.

Admitting that though there had been a 30 per cent drop in oveseas tourist arrivals, he said it had been adequately compensated with the domestic tourist arrivals in the state.

He said Moscow, which had not been one of the thrust markets over the past few years owing to language barrier, had now once again become one of the focus areas with the state tourism department also participating in travel marts in Moscow to promote tourism.

The department recently held roadshows in Australia Sweden. There had been a positive repsonse in these countries.

Similar roadshows had also been held over the last six months in London, Paris and Stockholm.

The department was also keen on focussing on domestic tourism and planned to hold road shows in 13 cities, including Punjab.He said in Punjab there would be attempts to have direct marketing and create awareness about Kerala's hotspots.

The department had encouraged its travel and tour operators to come out with special packages during the off season and recession period.