Kerala Tourism’s efforts to expand its footprints across continents have been vigorously accelerated by the globally acclaimed Apple TV Series Car and Country: Quest, which showcases the unique experience of driving through ‘God’s Own Country’.

The 10-minute trailer of the latest season of ‘Car and Country: Quest’, a collaborative initiative of Kerala Tourism and Searchlight Productions UK, was launched at a programme at Hyatt Regency today. Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas was the chief guest at the event.

A unique travel and automotive adventure series premiered on Apple TV. It takes viewers on a mesmeric journey through Kerala and Italy, with high-octane drives in luxury Ferrari cars and Royal Enfield motorcycles.

“Car and Country: Quest” is currently available for streaming on Apple TV in regions including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia and will be available in India and 40 other countries in the next few months. Subsequently, it will be shown on different global broadcasting channels and OTT platforms in another 40 countries, including India, allowing a broader audience to experience this unique blend of adventure, culture, and automotive excellence.

Shri Riyas said it is glad Kerala is the first destination outside Europe to be selected for this well-received series.

“Post-COVID, the state has been setting new records for tourist arrival. Kerala Tourism is eager to explore non-conventional markets, and the recently launched’ Look East Policy’ helped introduce Kerala to East Asian countries,” the Minister added.

Smt Sikha Surendran, Director of Kerala Tourism, said that through this television series, the world will see not only the state but also the soul of its people and tradition.

In his welcome address, Shri Joseph Thomas Pottamkulam of Searchlight Productions said ‘Car and Country: Quest’ celebrates Kerala’s evolving narrative as a prime tourism destination and will help Kerala Tourism’s novel campaigns.

Racers Ashique Thahir and Freddie Hunt, the son of Formula One Champion James Hunt, were also present. Each episode of the acclaimed travel and lifestyle show presents a grand spectacle of breathtaking landscapes, compelling narratives, and immersive experiences. It highlights a car and a country. In India, it focuses exclusively on Kerala.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Charlotte Fantelli and produced by Branded Studios, the six-part series, each lasting half an hour, features racing driver Freddie Hunt (son of F1 champion James Hunt), Matias Louda (son of F1 champion Niki Louda) and hosts Deepak Narendran, Freddie Hunt, and Ashique Thahir. The series blends adrenaline-rushing drives with immersive cultural experiences.

The series’ six episodes comprise two each on Kerala, Italy, and Ferrari, the world’s top-notch luxury automotive brand.

A one-of-a-kind collaboration that gives greater global recognition to Kerala as a must-see destination hit the screen when the state witnessed a record surge in domestic tourist arrivals in recent times. Foreign tourist footfall, too, steadily picked up after the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative is expected to pique foreign guests’ interest in visiting Kerala, which is known for its scenic grandeur and immaculate hospitality. The “Car and Country: Quest” series, which premiered on Apple TV in April, begins in India and many other countries. It showcases Kerala’s rich heritage and captivating natural beauty.

From the tranquil backwaters and lush tea plantations to the vibrant traditions of Kalaripayattu, Kathakali and Theyyam, the hosts explore deep into the local culture, participating in snake boat races, exploring the region on Royal Enfield motorcycles, and savouring authentic Kerala cuisine.

The adventure continues in Italy, where the racing drivers navigate iconic roads through rolling vineyards and medieval towns. Its highlights include grape stomping in Barolo, Vespa rides along the coast, and an exclusive visit to Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters. There, they gain unprecedented access to Ferrari’s design centre and museum and even engage in a friendly race in the Ferrari simulator.

The series is the brainchild of Deepak Narendran, originally from Kerala, who envisioned a series that combines travel, culture, and automotive thrills. His collaboration with Ashique Thahir and the production teams in London transformed this vision into a globally appealing series.The innovative collaboration will highlight the appeal of Kerala along with Italy, a renowned travel destination, and the auto brand Ferrari.

Kerala Tourism has embraced innovative strategies to promote the state globally, including partnerships with international platforms and luxury brands. The collaboration with “Car and Country: Quest” exemplifies this forward-thinking approach, positioning the state prominently on the world tourism map.

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