A season of hope ahead for tourism sector

Express News Service
First Published : 29 May 2009 11:58:00 PM IST

KOCHI: Giving signs that tourism sector in state will return from the setback it suffered due to recession, the sector has started picking up slowly. The bookings for the tourism season which starts in November is already in full swing.
Hoteliers and travel agencies said that booking for December had almost been completed. “The bookings from foreigners, especially from UK, is considerably high this time. The bookings for December has been completed,” said Charles, assistant manager, common reservation system, Casino Group of Hotels.
The tour operators also see a good season ahead as various steps taken by the Tourism Department and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) had been showing positive results. “The Tourism Department’s tie-up with Jet Airways to offer attractive packages to tourists has been helpful. As per the tie-up, those tourists who avail of the tourism package offered by the Tourism Department will be able to fly on lesser fares. There is an understanding with main hotels as well,” said Neelesh, tour manager, Pioneer Travels, Kochi.
But Tourism Department officials and KTDC see only a mixed response. “We have taken many measures to give boost to the tourism sector. As part of it, we attended various road shows in various cities in the country,” said Venu, Secretary, Tourism Department. “There are some signs of the sector picking up.
But the efforts are to be continued to ensure that it performs better,” he said.
The KTDC hotels also show mixed response so far. “The bookings at our hotels at Munnar and Thekkady are good, but other units including Kovalam centre do paint a rosy picture,” said K G Mohanlal, KTDC Managing Director.