Kerala - Kochi   

Bad roads an insult to tourists, says Yesudas

KOCHI: The pathetic condition of roads in the State is an insult to tourists, K.J. Yesudas, playback singer, said here on Thursday.

Delivering the World Tourism Day message at a function organised by Kerala Tourism here, Mr. Yesudas said he was forced to say that in public, since it was time such shortcomings were acknowledged and rectified.

“Malayalis have wide exposure to the outside world and are blessed with necessary skills, but the shabby condition of roads and the surroundings is a cause for concern. One can only hope that the roads will be in a better condition next year,” he said.

Many people were afraid to come to the State because of adverse propaganda. “People should stop seeing things from a divisive point of view, for narrow political gain. Unlike many other places, Kerala is blessed with natural beauty and there is no need of any major investment in beautifying scenic locales. Sadly, commercial and vested interests are destroying nature,” he said.

Minister for Home and Tourism Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that one of tourism’s aims was to empower women. “Women entrepreneurs will be given awards, to encourage them to set up facilities for tourists. Kudumbasree activists have a major role to play in ensuring the cleanliness of tourist locales,” he said.

Kerala had become one among the three popular tourism destinations in Asia. “The government’s ‘responsible-tourism policy’ is aimed at preserving nature. Taking into account the need for increasing the quality of human resources, the government will set up a hospitality-management institute in Kozhikode. The Food Craft Institute will be converted into a centre of excellence,” he said.

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