Tourism News
Tourism activities pick up in Kerala as COVID-19 restrictions ease
Tourism activities in Kerala are gradually getting back to normal as local tourists have started travelling again to the state's popular destinations, with the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. After remaining shut down for eight months following the outbreak of the pandemic, the Government of Kerala opened tourism destinations in the state in a phased manner, strictly adhering to a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). While the hill stations, adventure tourism centres, Ayurveda clinics, and backwater destinations were opened on October 10, 2020, the government allowed visitors and domestic tourists to beaches, parks and museums only from November 1, 2020.
As per the SOP issued by the government, visitors are required to wear a mask, use soap and sanitizer and follow physical distancing at destinations. Strict instructions have also been issued to street vendors to follow the COVID-19 protocol. Directions have been given to the authorities concerned to ensure the cleaning and fumigation of toilets as well as restrooms at regular intervals.
“Beaches of Kerala have always attracted visitors from all corners of the world on account of their unsurpassed beauty, the warmth of the waters and cleanliness. It is significant that we have re-opened our beaches, including the globally famed sea-side destinations like Kovalam, when the annual tourist season is around the corner,” State Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran remarked.
“The response at the destinations and in the services that resumed operations early this month has been encouraging, with the footfall gradually increasing. The stake-holders have extended their total co-operation to see that all safety parameters are followed. The visitors are also complying with the guidelines issued by the state government,” said Tourism Secretary Rani George, IAS.
Tourism Director P. Bala Kiran noted that the Tourism Department officials on the ground were making extra efforts to ensure the specific guidelines were being followed to the last detail.
Kerala's popular hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad have been witnessing a steady rise in the number of visitors after the relaxation of the restrictions. Similarly, beach locales and water bodies around Ernakulam are also drawing a considerable number of visitors, including tourists from neighbouring states, during weekends and public holidays. Hospitality facilities, tour operators, tourism transport operators and other services such as hotels, resorts, houseboats, Ayurveda centres, homestays, service villas and adventure activity centres have all been instructed to function by following the SOPs strictly.
