SOURCE: AFI
In an unexpected twist of events, Kerala Tourism has transformed a military mishap into a masterclass in digital marketing, leveraging the presence of a grounded Royal British F-35B fighter jet to promote the state’s scenic charm. The high-tech aircraft, stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for over two weeks due to a technical fault, has unintentionally become a charismatic ambassador for “God’s Own Country.”
The buzz began when a satirical post by an X (formerly Twitter) user under the handle UK F-35B went viral. The post featured a photo of the stealth jet parked under Kerala’s swaying palm trees, captioned:
“Kerala is such an amazing place, I don’t want to leave. Definitely recommend. ?????”
Seizing the viral momentum, Kerala Tourism responded with witty precision, tweeting:
“The destination you’ll never want to leave. Thank you, The Fauxy.”
The tongue-in-cheek reference not only nodded to the viral post but also tapped into the global attention surrounding the incident. By blending humor with their trademark warmth, the tourism board masterfully highlighted Kerala’s appeal—even for a cutting-edge piece of military hardware.
The campaign struck a chord online, with netizens applauding the tourism board’s creativity and sense of humor. What could have been a mundane logistical issue turned into a social media moment that showcased Kerala’s lush landscapes, welcoming vibe, and sharp marketing instincts.
As the F-35B continues its unexpected layover, Kerala Tourism is flying high—online and off—proving that sometimes, the best ambassadors come with wings… even if they can’t take off.
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