Kerala tourism on recovery trail
New Delhi. Post-Covid situation has its own challenges. Corona returned in some states again and Kerala has highest numbers in the latest Covid-telly . But, it seems that the state is working hard to recover. Tourism, being one of the the main revenue sources, Kerala tourism industry is working hard to recover. Kerala Tourism Minister inaugurated 18 projects worth Rs 40.46 cr in a virtual conference. Malanad-Malabar River Cruise project and Travancore Heritage Project will be new feathers in the cap.
The list of projects included destination development of Kovalam Phase 1 — Samudra Beach park area and Grove Beach area, Kovalam– at a cost of Rs 9.9 crore and beautification and interlocking of Mulavilakam Footpath at Kovalam at a cost of Rs 52 lakh.In his address, the Minister said the domino effect of Covid-19 has reflected in tourism sector also and it is expected to continue for some more time. But the government did not allow the pandemic to hamper the implementation of the tourism sector projects. HotelierIndia reported,Important among the dedicated projects are construction of additional block for Government Guest House, Kozhikode- Phase II at a cost of Rs 9.5 crore, Children’s Park at Marine Drive, Ernakulam (Rs 4 crore), Construction of Yathri Nivas at Idukki – balance work, Idukki (Rs 3.82 crore), Tourism development works at Payamkuttimala, Kuttiadi, Kozhikode (Rs 2.15 crore), Chavakkad beach area tourism project (Rs 2.5 crore), and Muziris Heritage Project (MHP)- repair and maintenance of Paliam Oottupura, North Paravur (Rs 2.03 crore).“The state government has initiated a lot of special projects for the revival of the sector, where around 15 lakh people are directly and indirectly employed. Last year, we got Rs 45,000 crore overall income from tourism sector, which was an all-time record,” he said.
Kerala Tourism is launching the pioneering Malanad-Malabar River Cruise project also. According to PTI ,The cruise project is being carried out along the rivers of Mayyazhi, Valapattanam, Ancharakkandi, Kuppam, Perumba, Kavvayi, Thejaswini and Chandragiri rivers besides the sprawling Valiyaparamaba backwaters.The project will also help showcase the Malabar regions culture, rich with local legends and folk arts. The endeavour envisages 48 boat terminals and jetties along seven rivers across the districts of Kannur and Kasaragod.
Responsible tourism is the guiding principle , said an official, “Kerala state has launched a new marketing campaign called ‘Change of Air’ to help tourism overcome the ravages of the pandemic and maintain its status as India’s Super Brand.”
In a major tourism initiative in the state, Kerala has also launched work on the Travancore Heritage Project to conserve and showcase the cultural richness and tangible legacy of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom and make the visit to the state capital and its surroundings a more riveting experience.