Stranded UK F-35 jet becomes unexpected star in Indian tourism campaign

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FILE PHOTO: Fishermen travel in a boat in the tributary waters of the Periyar River at Munambam on the outskirts of Kochi in the southern state of Kerala, India, January 21, 2019. REUTERS/Sivaram V/File Photo

NEW DELHI - Indias southern state of Kerala has found a unique ambassador to promote its coconut palm-lined beaches, backwaters and vibrant culture to tourists - a British F-35 fighter jet that has been stranded there since mid-June.

The Royal Navy aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at the airport of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on June 14 and has been grounded ever since, despite efforts to repair it.

An AI-generated image of the stealth aircraft parked on the tarmac surrounded by coconut trees has gone viral after it was shared by Keralas tourism department on Wednesday.

This was part of our tourism campaign. It has been one of the most innovative and eye-catching ones... Its all in good humour and creativity, Biju K., Keralas tourism secretary, told Reuters.

In the viral social media post, originally created by entertainment website The Fauxy, the jet can be seen giving the state of Kerala five golden stars, calling it an amazing place.

I dont want to leave. Definitely recommend, the image quotes the jet as saying.

Though tourism is under the government, it has moved out of government space in promoting the destination, said Roy Mathew, director of Stark Communications, the tourism departments brand promotion agency.

Kerala is