Tourism feels  pinch in second wave  of Covid- The New Indian Categorical

Express message service

KOCHI: The state’s tourism sector is exposed to the heat as coronavirus infection continues to spread alarmingly across the country. Given that the travel and tourism industry relies entirely on local tourists during these Covid times, the recent surge in new cases has pushed the sector into yet another crisis. The impact is deeper as the summer vacation is the preferred time for local tourists. With restrictions on international tourists, Kerala Tourism had this summer focused on campaigns targeting tourists from other states.

Paulose Mathew, chairman of the chapter of the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) in Kerala, said that after the rise in Covid, package cancellations are reported: “The tourism sector in Kerala was on the path of recovery with tourists from other states visiting We visited from December 2020 until March 2021. But the recovery process has come to a standstill. The tourism companies now fear that they will have to face another crisis, ”he said.

Although the number of Covid cases in Kerala is lower compared to some other states, there is an unfounded perception among tourists from other states that the situation is worse here, Paulson said. “After the summer business collapsed, we have our hopes for the festival season starting in September,” he said. EM Najeeb, senior vice president of India’s Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and former president of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), said the state’s tourism sector will not recover until 2022 given the current situation. Government policies are also responsible for tourism falling into such a crisis, he said.

“Why is the state government concerned about restrictions only for the travel and tourism sector? There were no restrictions during the election period. Events occurred with large crowds gathering at venues. While Kerala Tourism is running campaigns to attract local tourists, it has also set strict guidelines that limit tourist arrivals.

The industry now has to rely on business travelers within the state, ”he said. Host family operators also expect difficult days. MP Sivadathan, director of the Kerala Homestays and Tourism Society (HATS), said people are afraid to travel even with those who have taken the vaccine against Covid-19, which is contracting the disease.