The positive energy that ruled Kerala’s tourism sector following a marginal increase in tourist arrivals this summer has given way to anxiety among various stakeholders due to the recently introduced curb on liquor use and the abysmal condition of infrastructural facilities.
With the eighth edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) — a buyer-seller meet organised mainly by stakeholders in the Kerala’s travel and hospitality sectors — set to begin here from Wednesday, key players in the tourism sector expressed concern at the state of affairs.
“There was 15 to 20 per cent increase in tourist footfalls this summer as compared to the past two summers when travellers from recession-hit Europe withheld their travel plans. We were looking forward to a good tourist season from October to March. The State government’s liquor policy has caused a spree of cancellations, especially in the MICE (meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition) segment. The abysmal state of basic infrastructure such as roads and general hygiene has further worsened matters,” said George Dominic, executive director of hospitality chain, CGH Earth.
Travel agents and other players in the sector are also concerned. “Tourism is no longer a priority for the government despite it being a sector that was recording steady growth. The message has to go out to the world that Kerala is a tourist-friendly State,” Mr. Dominic said.
There are also reports that a good share of Central tourism funds would have to be returned due to delay in calling tenders and entrusting work and lack of proper monitoring of works.
Chairman of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) Vijayan Thomas said Kerala Tourism and other stakeholders must do more to ensure that the State has world-class tourism infrastructure. “Increase in tourist arrival is just not enough. We need quality travellers who spend at least a week here. For this, we must focus on activity-based tourism and ensure proper upkeep of tourism infrastructure.”
