Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala state, known as God’s own country for its blessed natural beauty and ecological diversity, is open for tourists from today.
This move by Kerala State Government Administration, will be a tourism unlock – 1, with access to destination where social distancing can be maintained such as house boating in the back waters along the enchanting palm tree lined water ways, amusement parks etc.
P. Bala Kiran, Director, Kerala Tourism, said “The destination which we are opening up in the phase -I all have gated entry where tourist footfall can be controlled. We have deployed enough workforce to ensure social distancing at any given point and time. Open destinations such as beaches, river front will be opened for public from November 1, 2020.”
Flight and train connectivity to Kerala are already open, while the local tourist travel within the state has been made functional.
Director, Kerala Tourism
Kerala’s tourism economy, which contributes to near 10% of states GDP, has been almost nil with onset of COIVD-19 pandemic for about six months.
However, the Kerala state administration wants to fully utilise the November-December-January month period, considered to be peak season for tourism in the state to bounce back on track.
Meanwhile, there are certain conditions in place for domestic tourists who want to stay in Kerala for more than a week.
“There would be no process of quarantine for domestic tourists who want to stay in the state for 7-days. However, those who want to be in the state for more than a week can bring in COVID negative certificate along and continue to be so,” said the Director, Kerala Tourism.
“We are hoping for an excellent tourism experience for tourists with utmost safety in place,” added Mr. Bala Kiran.
By Sudheer Goutham, Resident Editor & Head South India, APAC News Network
