Kerala Tourism Resumes After Devastating Floods, Looks Forward to Host Art Event Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Allepey, one of the most affected regions, which is known for its charming backwaters, has already started its houseboat cruises.
More than a month after the devastating rains that crippled Kerala, the tourism of the state has already started recovering. The southern state hosted the 10th edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2018, bringing in buyers and sellers from around the world. Allepey, one of the most affected regions, which is known for its charming backwaters, has already started its houseboat cruises.
The four-day KTM was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on September 27 with Malabar being the core theme. Talking at the event, Tourism Miniter KJ Alphons said Kerala showed its strong character after the natural calamity. KTM 2018 received 590 international and 1090 domestic guests, and had a total of 420 registered sellers. Kerala Ready to Receive Tourists in All Major Travel Destinations: Tourism Minister
Munnar known for its sprawling tea plantations located in Idukki district was isolated from rest of Kerala when floods ravaged its roads. However, quite impressively, the roads leading to Eravikulam National Park have been rebuilt and the hills have already started receiving tourists. Notably, this year, the hill station has also been home to Neelakurinji, the flowers that bloom only once in 12 years. While incessant rains had washed away most of them, a month later the breathtaking purple flowers have started to bloom again.
Along with detailing his vision for Kerala's tourism industry, at the KTM event, Alphons remarked, "I give emphasis on Kerala Tourism’s ability to recoup after a severe natural calamity as an epitome wherever I go. We bounced back, defeating all the never-seen-before challenges. It gives a positive sign that tourism has regained its vigour post the floods."
At the event, Kerala Tourism Minister Kadampally Surendran stated that the huge response KTM received a month after the floods is a sign that Kerala tourism is back on its feet. KTM, which began in 2000, gives a platform to international buyers and sellers to promote their businesses. The 10th edition of KTM was held from September 27 to 30.
Kerala is now looking forward to host Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KBM) which will be held between December 12 and March 29, 2019. The contemporary art event will be the biggest in South Asia where artists from all over the world will participate.
The Kerala tourism industry which gives employment to 25 lakh people has an annual turnover of Rs 34,000 crore. Last calendar year, they touched Rs 26,000 crore. As the news of rains and floods in Kerala spread globally, the tourism industry received a severe blow. However, as the sunshine returns to Kerala, the state tourism is also reviving with newfound vigour.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2018 03:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).