As flood recede, Kerala’s tourism industry hopes to get back on its feet

The tourism industry is the backbone of Kerala state's economy, the strong monsoon in June and the disastrous flood in August has hit the industry hard, as the state reels from the worst flooding in over a century which took many lives of people.

Currently, there are many positive signs for the tourism front in Kerala. Two weeks after the shut down following floods, the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) (COK) has resumed operations on 29th August which is a heartening factor, the wellness tourism and beach tourism destinations will bounce back soon, the Nehru Trophy boat race also will be rescheduled. There are total of 1300 houseboat operating in the backwaters of Kerala, mainly in Alleppey, Kumarakom and Kollam. The houseboat industry consists of 25,000 people, was paralyzed and will soon be in action.

Wayanad, the most happening destination of Malabar area, in north Kerala working hard to get former glory back. Now the Ghat roads are repaired but there are some restrictions for tourist to visit Chembra Peak (Chembra Mala), Soochipara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfall) and Kuruvadweep. The tourism in North Kerala will get a new boost as fourth international airport is opening in the state, Kannur International Airport (CNN), Northern gateway to Kerala.

Following the floods, Kerala’s tourism industry has formed Kerala Tourism Task Force (KTTF), an independent voluntary body, to support the government and the administration in different districts of the state in relief and rehabilitation work.

The landslides following the catastrophic floods have affected connectivity to various tourism destinations in Idukki - Munnar, as thousands of tourists were expected to witness the spectacular blooming of Neelakurinji, an intriguing occurrence that takes place once in twelve years.

Currently, the members of Munnar Hoteliers and Restaurants Association, Munnar Destination Makers, Showcase Munnar Association for Responsible Tourism, Homestays Association and the Adventure Tour Operators Association have all joined hands for relief and rehabilitation work in Munnar. They are confident that the visitors will return and get former glory back of Munnar, which will generate revenue for the industry.