A rather unexpected second wave of COVID-19 has dashed the hopes of several homestay and local tourism entrepreneurs who are now back on top with no options left to overcome their business troubles. Many bookings have already been canceled with the increasing restrictions of travel and security zone regulations.

There are also entrepreneurs who have even renovated their host families and invested large sums, and refurbished houseboats who are expecting additional income.

“The saddest thing is that we will miss this season even amid the spread of the pandemic. The situation was almost the same last year. Those who have made additional investments to make up for the loss are currently hardest hit, ”said T. Saleesh, a rural tourism entrepreneur from Koorachundu. He adds that many small business owners who have suffered huge losses following the outbreak of the pandemic are unable to make up for the loss in the current situation.

Romeo Thomas, a young host family entrepreneur from Karikandanpara, says the entire company is going through an unprecedented crisis at an unexpected time. Mr Thomas, who recently renovated his homestay with many novel additions, adds that the number of visitors has fallen sharply and that he is having great trouble finding maintenance costs due to the limited number of bookings.

Those who made a living selling homemade food to local and international tourists near tourist establishments are also in a crisis with ongoing fear of a pandemic. Many of them stopped doing business with the sudden drop in visitor numbers. The situation is also likely to affect many women’s support groups associated with food-based ventures in the sector.

According to representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, the state government’s tourism institutions are also facing a sharp decline in sales. With public parks, ecotourism spots, and beach destinations likely to remain closed, it will definitely hurt revenue in the form of entrance fees and other special fees.

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