Kerala Ready To Welcome Tourists, Says Tourism Minister

In July, Kerala suffered worst ever floods in a century with more than hundred lives lost and severe damage to property. Now, the state has recuperated and has announced that it is ready to receive tourists again. Kerala is keen to regain its feat in the tourism and hospitality industry.  

Addressing the media on Monday in Delhi, Kerala's tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran said, &ldquoTourism is a major contributor to Kerala&rsquos economy and a significant source for earning foreign exchange. The floods left the tourism industry in a state of disarray and shock, but it was only for a while. Now it has bounced back into business with a renewed vigour, demonstrating its inherent resilience and determination to overcome the traumatic aftermath of the floods".

He further asserted that the state is back on track with restoration and rehabilitation activities in full swing. Road connectivity has been re-established, flights reinstated, and hotels and resorts are running smoothly. The Cochin International Airport has also been reopened.  In fact, the state is already receiving domestic and international tourists with the season&rsquos first flight bringing in around 60 tourists from Australia.

Following the rescue, relief and rehabilitation, the Kerala Government conducted a &lsquoTourism Readiness Survey&rsquo, studying the places and connectivity by destination. The survey revealed that barring few, most districts have recovered. The state government announced that Kerala Travel Mart, the biennial Tourism Trade Fair will be held in Kochi from  September 27th and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale will be held from December 12, 2018 to March 29, 2019. There are even talks of reorganising the famous Champions Boat League to ensure the public that the waters are safe for adventure activities.