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Tourism sector pins its hopes on Cochin Carnival Tourism trail

— File photo

SHOW OF COLOUR AND POMP: A scene from the Cochin Carnival.

There are fewer foreign and domestic tourists swarming the streets of popular tourist locales in the district this time, as compared to previous years.

Thus, many players in the sector are resting their hopes on more tourist arrivals during the Christmas/New Year season, to remain afloat. Even Fort Kochi – the most popular locale in the district among foreign tourists, has fewer number of touri sts this year. Operators of home stays, hotels and restaurants that offer cuisines from across the globe hope that the Cochin Carnival organised each year end would bring in the regular tourist crowd.

The Fort Kochi heritage town would sport a new look this year, says K.J. Sohan, advisor of the carnival committee. “Either side of the road from Veli to Fort Kochi beach would be illuminated with lights and stars, beckoning tourists and visitors to the locale. Another novelty this year is a contest in which houses in the area which are tastefully painted and decorated, would be given prizes. Yet another addition is a demonstration and contest of kayaking,” he said.

The carnival organisers have issued directions so that tableaux and art forms presented in the annual rally maintain a certain standard. With sea erosion sparing just a couple of acres of the beach, the beach bike race organised in connection with the carnival would be held at Veli Ground. Youths and others would as usual vie for honours at the Fort Kochi-Vypeen swimming contest, in which the participants’ strength, endurance and the strategy adopted to overcome the sea waves are put to test.

Aimed at preventing untoward incidents on New Year eve, the police have asked the organisers and the Kochi Corporation to ensure proper street lighting along the beach and the adjacent walkway.

The Durbar Hall Ground and Marine Drive Ground will host the New Year celebrations organised by the District Tourism Promotion Council. Titled ‘Winter Splash’, the events at DH Ground will begin on December 28. They include a ‘Sreeragasandhya’ in which singers Balamuralikrishna and K.S. Chitra will participate. There will also be Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi performances and events hosted by artists from Kerala Kalamandalam. A consumer fest will begin at Marine Drive on December 24.

The Cherai Beach Tourism mela will kick off on Tuesday. A rally, cultural programmes and staging of ethnic art forms would be the highlights.

The District Council for Child Welfare has spruced up the Children’s Park.

The park will host programmes for children from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., up to December 31. Magician Muthukad will provide a day-long training to 100 children on the nuances of magic, on December 30. “The park’s train has begun service after repairs and the multi-play station is another attraction,” said K.K. Shaji, the park’s superintendent.

John L. Paul

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