Would anyone holiday in a place that evokes memories of a calamity? Ideally, a trip through the verdant hills of Munnar should leave one relaxed. But now, tranquility is the last thing on tourists’ mind when they traverse roads ravaged by floods and landslips.
Had there been a genuine attempt to rebuild the roads, the tourist season would have been different, according to V.V. George, president, Munnar Hotels and Resorts Association.
Long-term impact
The season, just started, is widely considered among the best in at least two decades, in terms of climate in Munnar; the hills are enveloped in mist and mild rain. Sadly, the tourists are missing. The negative impact is likely to be long-term, since tourists may opt for other destinations. The debris of the landslips are yet to be cleared and the Neryamangalam-Munnar road remains in tatters, he added. “Nearly 25,000 persons depend on tourism in Munnar. Concrete steps are needed to project Munnar positively in the international media,” he said.
Pulling down economy
Muniyandiraj, a photographer in Munnar, said that tourism industry was yet to recover from the 2018 August floods. “The local economy has gone down with it,” he added.
Other sites
According to District Tourism Promotion Council secretary Jayan P. Vijayan, other tourism destinations, including Thekkady, Wagamaon, Ramakkalmedu and Cheruthoni showed marked improvements this year.
“It is expected to pick up further in the coming months. The opening of the botanical garden might change the situation,” he added.
