Kerala rises from ashes

The tourism and hospitality industry in Kerala hopes to get back to normal from the beginning of September, especially with airport, roads and hotels reopening soon.

TT Bureau

After the severe floods in Kerala, the tourism industry is geared to be back in business by September 1, 2018, says Sejoe Jose, Chairman, IATO Kerala Chapter. “The airports are expected to be operational by September 1, 2018. Even the roads to various destinations are now open and local people are travelling from one place to another. Roads from Kochi to Thekkady and Munnar are now open. About two or three resorts have been severely damaged in Munnar, but apart from that, the rest are fine. However, in Kumarakom and Alleppey, it will take another week for things to open. On the other hand, Trivandrum, Malappuram and Cherai are safe. Wayanad in northern Kerala and the coastal sides of Calicut and Bekal are now open,” he adds.

At a recent meeting with KTM Society, we estimated a loss of `1000 crores for the tourism industry

Jose insists that tourists would be able to come to Kerala starting September, but the bookings might not come right now. “Kerala would be ready to receive guests from the first week of September. However, nobody is expecting the bookings to start immediately as it is going to take time. At a recent meeting with KTM Society, we estimated a loss of `1000 crores for the tourism industry, for people directly and indirectly affected. The loss owing to cancellations is estimated to be around `120 crores,” he informs.

Jose is optimistic now that life and business would be back on track very soon. “Alleppey and Kumarakom would take a while to regain themselves. Most of the highways are open. Some cleaning requirements exist, especially with the flood water coming up to 5-8 ft in many houses. There is more damage and loss in the suburbs than the touristic sites,” claims Jose.