Sun shines again – Kerala is ready to receive tourists: Minister
Rani George, Kerala Tourism Secretary presents the ‘Sun is out’ presentation to the media
After the devastating floods, Kerala tourism is bouncing back with rigorous promotion programmes by the Ministry of Tourism. Kadakampally Surendran, Tourism Minister of Kerala, along with Rani George, Tourism Secretary and P Balakiran, Tourism Director, have conducted a press meet in Delhi, as part of the first ever India Travel Mart.
Rani George has made a presentation of Kerala’s revival activities with a title ‘Sun is out’. The presentation expounded how Kerala is getting back to normal from the havoc of the flood. After the presentation minister Kadakampally replied the queries of the media personnel.
All the tourism destinations and hotels in Kerala have already been open for the tourists. All the roads to the tourism destinations have repaired or reconstructed, except for some areas like Gavi-Wagamon. They should also be cleared with immediate effect. At present Kerala is ready to receive tourists as before.
Kadakampally Surendran, Kerala Tourism Minister Speaks to the media
“There is no restriction for using alcohols in any tourist destinations,” said Kadakampally, while answering a question in this regard.
“There are no epidemics in Kerala now. Some of the people, who were part of the rescue operations, have got fever. It was due to contact with contaminated water. Now the issue is under control and the health ministry is monitoring the situation with utmost vigilance,” added the minister.
“There will be intensive promotion campaigns for reinstating tourism in Kerala. Tourism industry has a great part in rebuilding Kerala. The state has envisaged a 12 point programme for the revival of tourism in the state, with priority to reconstructing the damaged roads. As per the survey conducted to assess the viability of the tourism centers, only 13 more hotels/resorts are yet to be opened and all others are ready to receive tourists,” said the minister explaining the current scenario.
“We are planning to conduct FAM tours for the media personnel. There are also plans to participate in the London Travel Mart and to have a press meet there. Discussions are on, whether to have the Champions Boat League, which was postponed due to floods. New campaigns for the revival of the tourism industry will be commenced from next month,” said the minister.
P Balakiran, Tourism Director speaks to the media
“We should consider the fact that, no tourists were in trouble even at the worst situations during the floods. The authorities have taken adequate and prompt measures to rescue some of the tourists, who were stranded in some areas. It depicts our commitments towards our guests,” said P Balakiran, Tourism Director
“We do not accept the concept of ‘Volunteer Tourism’. If someone wish to take part in the rebuilding activities of Kerala, they are warm welcome, but not with the title of ‘volunteer tourists’. Most of the tourists who visit Kerala are indigenous tourists. Considering this fact, we plan to intensify our campaigns in other states, including Punjab,” he added.
E M Najeeb, Senior Vice President of IATO (The Indian Association of Tour Operators) and Baby Mathew Somatheeram, President, KTM (Kerala Travel Mart Society) also have delivered their speeches on the occasion.