Thiruvananthapuram, May 6 (UNI) Kerala Tourism’s efforts to expand its footprints across continents has got a vigorous impetus with the globally acclaimed Apple TV Series ‘Car and Country: Quest’ showcasing the unique experience of driving through the ‘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 held here on Tuesday with Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas as the chief guest at the event.

A unique travel and automotive adventure series premiered on Apple TV that takes viewers on a mesmeric journey through Kerala and Italy with high-octane drives on 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 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.

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

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

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

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

Racers Ashique Thahir and Freddie Hunt, who is the son of Formula One Champion James Hunt, were also present.

Each episode of the acclaimed travel and lifestyle show, presenting a grand spectacle of breathtaking landscapes, compelling narratives and immersive experiences, 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 having half-an-hour duration, 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, blending adrenaline-rushing drives with immersive cultural experiences.

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

A one-of-its-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, with foreign tourist footfall too steadily picking up after the downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The initiative is expected to kindle new interest among foreign guests to visit Kerala which is known for its scenic grandeur and immaculate hospitality in equal measure.

The “Car and Country: Quest” series, which premiered on Apple TV in April, begins in India along with many countries, showcasing 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, 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 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.

UNI DS SJC