Kerala: Tourist spots gradually returning to normal after a hiatus

Tourism is gradually returning back to normal in Kerala. It also witnessed a lull in the tourism after it remained closed for tourists for a few months in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, followed by travel restrictions across the country.

Not only in Kerala, situation across the country is also improving slightly as people are people are longing travel and step out of their houses. Likewise, tour operators are of the view that the worst is, hopefully, almost over. Looking at the trends, it has been witnessed that hotels and resorts announcing big discounts and special packages to lure domestic tourists, as since foreigners are passé now. Also, all hopes are pinned on the vaccine which would likely improve the situation further. In Kerala, famous beach destination like Kovalam, which is situated around 16 km away from the capital, fishermen have started to clear the beaches by removing their catamarans to make way for tourists to sunbath. And as backwaters, beaches, and hill stations are open now for visitors, it is expected that the region will see a growth in the number of visitors in the coming months.

As per the Tourism Ministry, Kerala witnessed a footfall of 1.96 crore tourists last year, and the revenue generated was INR 45010 crore. This year, the state was looking for 8 to 10 per cent hike in tourist footfall, when the COVID pandemic struck, and the rest is history. As per the reports, tourism accounts for roughly 40 per cent of the state’s revenue, which suffered a big jolt this year due to the virus.
Hospitality is a robust sector, and once travellers start their trips again in full confidence, bouncing back will be faster and quicker. As of now, it has been witnessed that tourism in this region is gradually making moves, and it need to be seen, in what pace it grows once all travel restrictions across the country are lifted.