Kerala - Kochi   

Fever scare, bad roads hit tourist inflow TOURISM TRAIL

John L. Paul

KOCHI: Players in Kerala’s tourism industry, who were on cloud nine over a month ago, are quite anxious at the scare created by the spread of contagious diseases in the State and the worsening condition of roads during the southwest monsoon.

These factors have together thrown a spanner in the ambitious Dream Season scheme of Kerala Tourism, which is aimed at wooing tourists during the traditional off season, especially the monsoon.

The spread of contagious diseases was a turn off even during last year’s monsoon. This year, widespread news coverage (including in the national media) of the Army being called in to assist the Health Department to contain the spread of chikungunya was used by a section of tour operators to divert tourists to States such as Goa.

“It is high time something was done to ensure proper garbage disposal and check breeding of mosquitoes. Piles of rotting waste are a turn off for visitors,” says S. Ajith Kumar, Manager (Corporate Affairs - Kerala) of Taj Group of Hotels. “The horrible condition of roads, in addition to traffic snarls in cities, has had an adverse impact on tourist arrivals. This has taken a toll on the tourism industry, which was upbeat about the reduction of air fares and the subsequent increase in tourist inflow. Good roads and road connectivity play an important role in tourism promotion.”

The eviction drive in Munnar and other tourist hubs has added to the woes of those in the hospitality sector. Representatives of the sector say that encroachers should have been given more time to pull down structures put up illegally. The Government should have a focussed and long-term policy on tourism, they feel.

Tourism Secretary V. Venu has said that there have been some cancellations and diversions of tourists in June. “But there is no cause for alarm. We issued a statement to allay fears about contagious diseases and are in constant touch with tour operators. The issue has thrown up the need to reduce, segregate and properly dispose off garbage, as was done in Surat following the outbreak of plague. This is indeed a wake up call.”

He said that contrary to popular perception, the eviction drive in Munnar and some other tourist hubs had put across the message that the Government wanted to promote sustainable tourism. “Lately, there is this impression that the Government and law could be taken for a ride.” As far as laying quality roads to tourist centres is concerned, the Government is in touch with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development for evolving a scheme for the purpose. Some key roads have been identified for the purpose. But unless cities and towns near airports have good roads and modern means of mass transport, it would be tough wooing tourists.

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