Govt support should have come earlier, says KTM President Baby Mathew

KTM President Baby Mathew Somatheeram has said the state government’s announcement to support the tourism sector with a financial package, should have come earlier.

“I am happy that such a move has happened at least now, though there has been some delay. It should have happened earlier. For months, KTM has been trying to ask the government for this support. Every month we have been following up,” he said.

Still, many things are yet to be announced, he added. For example, support for the houseboat sector.

KTM had met with the chief minister and tourism minister, finance minister, industries minister and the planning board to give letters, requesting for aid. “I’m glad there has been an announcement finally.”

“But I have to say that many of the tourism sector’s concerns remain. For example, flights are yet to start again. Plus, we need to follow quarantine requirements. At KTM, we have decided to continue to meet with the ministers and various concerned authorities to press for other demands.”