Kerala Plans to Reopen Tourism by October

After months of lockdown, the Kerala government is planning to open tourism activities in the state by October. The decision was announced by minister Kadakampally Surendran during an interaction with the tourism panel members of CII's (Confederation of Indian Industry) Kerala chapter. According to the minister, the tourism department has prepared a detailed report on the opening up of tourism activities while ensuring all safety protocols. 

“The plan includes highlighting the importance of wellness and ayurveda for immunity. The file has been presented to the chief minister and health department for their advice,” said Surendran.

Owing to the lockdown, it is estimated that the tourism industry, which is a key revenue earner for Kerala, has suffered a loss of Rs25,000 crore.

Recently, the tourism sector had asked the government to consider re-opening the industry as the losses incurred were increasing by the day. Over 4,000 hotels and resorts, 1,000-plus houseboats, ayurvedic centres, tour operators, and homestay owners in the state were reported to be in dire financial constraints due to the continuous shutdown. 

The Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry urged the state government to allow the hospitality, ayurveda and wellness sectors to be opened again with COVID-19 protocols in place.