Help desks to function 24×7 to aid tourists

The Department of Tourism has said that help desks set up to counter the corona virus menace have to be functional 24×7 and come to the rescue of tourists at all times.

“The help desks should monitor all developments in this context and be vigilant enough to address any related issues,” the department stated on Wednesday. The new set of guidelines said that the help desks should be in constant touch with the volunteer committees that consist of the members of the various trade associations.

“All assistance has to be extended to tourists who have no prior bookings but are seeking accommodation in the state. If rooms are not available in private accommodation, the matter should be brought to the notice of the MD, KTDC, for arranging accommodation in the nearest KTDC property,” the department said.

If any tourist requires emergency assistance for food, water, local transport etc, the help desk should arrange the same. The expenses will be reimbursed by the department at a later stage.

“If an instance of expiry of the visa period for tourists under quarantine is noted, the matter must be intimated to the concerned police authorities and the district collector,” the guidelines stated.

If any asymptomatic tourist wants to go back to his home country, he/she should be directed to the COVID-19 district cell of the health department for medical examination as per the guidelines issued by the health department on March 17.

Tourism secretary Rani George said while the district level help desks will function at the district tourism councils those at the state level will function at the tourism department directorate.

All information in the travel advisory of the health department dated March 13 should be disseminated widely in the district and followed strictly by the help desks. A daily report should be furnished to the state level help desk by 3 pm everyday by email (helpdesk@keralatourism.org).