Efforts of tourism fraternity in floods were remarkable: Tourism Minister
When Kerala has been undergoing the disaster of the century, all the Kerala people stood hand-in-hand to confront the calamity. Kadakampally Surendran, Kerala Tourism Minister has lauded the manner in which Kerala have tackled the situation. He was talking in a meeting with the tourism officials and other dignitaries from the tourism industry. He lauded the contribution of the tourism fraternity in the rescue operations during the floods.
He praised the efforts of Kalypso Adventures, who brought rafts from the Himalayan clubs to use in the rescue operations. He also applauded the diving experts of Bond Safari, who have rescued more than 300 people from the flood affected Chengannur and surrounding area.
“In Kuttanad, Alappuzha, house boats have become rescue shelters for the flood affected people. It shows the humanitarian face of the tourism sector,” said the minister.
He also congratulated the resort owners of Munnar, who have arranged free accommodations for the tourists and public stranded in the area, following rain and landslides.
“Association of Tourism Trade Organizations (ATTOI) along with Responsible Tourism Mission have done a great job by providing drinking water and relief materials to the camps during the flood,” commented the minister.
The minister also requested cooperation and participation of the tourism industry in the rebuilding process of the State.
“The flood of the century in the state has caused substantial damage to the tourism industry. We had to cancel or postpone most of the tourism events during this period, including Kerala Boat League. Most of the tourist places are still under water. It will take time to swing back to the previous status,” said the minister.
“However, the Kerala Travel Mart will be conducted as previously decided,” he added.
M Vijayakumar, KTDC Chairman; Rani George, Tourism Secretary; Balakiran, Tourism Director; Rahul R, KTDC MD; PK Anish Kumar, ATTOI President etc. along with other personages from the tourism industry have attended the meeting.