District to get major tourism boost

Kochi: Finally waking up to the demands of tourism lobby in Ernakulam to introduce newer attractions here to ensure a steady flow of the visitors to the district, the tourism department have come up with a proposal to introduce a star travel lounge, Hortus Malabaricus museum, a cruise boat service and also to develop the boat jetty here.As part of the effort to provide more facilities to tourists, an international travel lounge with star facilities and Hortus Malabaricus museum will be set up in Fort Kochi. The tourism department has already submitted a proposal regarding this. The proposed cruise boat service is from the city to Malayatoor region. Another major proposal is to develop the existing Ernakulam boat jetty complex to an AC boat terminal complex with modern amenities.A detailed proposal regarding the Hortus Malabaricus museum project was submitted to the tourism director on Monday. Tourism deputy director Prem Bhas said the museum would be a tribute to the Hortus Malabaricus, a 17th-century Latin botanical treatise documenting the varieties and medicinal properties of the flora of the Malabar coast. The construction would begin in the coming months. It is learnt that the project will come up near the proposed toilet complex in Fort Kochi beach.Earlier, the department had considered a 25 cent land near Veli Ground to set up the travel lounge. However, a discussion held between tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas and mayor M Anilkumar decided to allot another land near Fort Kochi for the project. Prem Bhas said the rest rooms with star facilities, snack bar, multi gymnasium, clock rooms, etc would be set up as part of the travel lounge.The proposed boat jetty development project is estimated to cost Rs 4 crore. The new air-conditioned terminal will have additional facilities such as rest rooms, conference hall, garden, watch tower etc. Prem Bhas said that a detailed project proposal regarding this would be submitted to the govt by April 20 and the works would begin this year itself.Meanwhile, Murali Menon, tourism expert and former director of Kerala hydel tourism project, raised doubts over the success of new tourism projects under the govt sector in Kochi. “New projects in Kochi are the need of the hour. But, due to the lack of professionalism, planning and management, the govt level implementation of more tourism projects are unlikely to be successful. Instead of launching new projects, govt should develop infrastructure in to attract visitors. Govt can formulate policies regarding tourism projects,” he said.