Amidst concerns surrounding the Nipah virus outbreak in the northern district of Kozhikode, Kerala's tourism sector continues to operate smoothly and safely, according to State Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas. Despite the challenges, all scheduled events, including the Champions Boat League (CBL), are proceeding as planned, signaling the start of the peak inbound tourist season.
Riyas emphasized that the situation in Kozhikode district, where a few cases of Nipah virus infection were reported, remains well under control. This success is attributed to the swift and coordinated containment efforts undertaken by authorities, PTI reported.
The minister noted that the tourism department is in close communication with the travel and hospitality industry, receiving positive feedback indicating that all tourism activities are running as scheduled. He also highlighted Kerala's robust health sector infrastructure and history of effective responses to medical emergencies, reassuring tourists of their safety.
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Kerala Tourism is on track to achieve remarkable growth by the end of the year, with a record-breaking 20.1 percent increase in domestic arrivals during the first half of 2023.
Within the affected area, the government has mobilized the medical community and provided necessary health infrastructure. Localized quarantine zones have been established, and stringent precautions are in place, with early interventions already showing positive results.
Currently, the state has recorded six confirmed cases of Nipah virus, with two fatalities and four individuals under treatment.
