Alappuzha: Union Minister for Surface Transport, Nitin Gadkari, will inaugurate the 63rd Nehru Trophy Boat Race at 2.30 pm on Saturday.
Chinese Ambassador to India, Le Yucheng, will be the special guest on the occasion.
"The Chinese Ambassador's visit to Kerala is a positive response to the visit of senior representatives of the state government to China only a month ago," said state Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar, who had led the high-profile Kerala delegation to China.
The visit will create a positive wave about our state among Chinese tourists and tour operators, he said, adding 'It will go a long way in attracting more and more Chinese tourists to the state'.
The snake boat race is main tourist attraction because the length of the vessels vary from 120 feet to 140 feet, with about 120 oarsmen going flat out to lift the coveted trophy.
This time, 16 teams will participate in the snake boat category, with the race being held in the afternoon session. Around 60 boats will participate in the morning session of the event.