EMPOWERING LOCALS

Kerala

It is safe to say that Kerala, with its quick and e cient response, has been a model state in the ght against Covid-19 right from the beginning. Active surveillance, risk communication, strong community participation and addressing psychosocial needs of residents are some of the noteworthy measures that the southern Indian state is adopting to tackle the crisis.

On the tourism front, Kerala is utilising this relatively restricted travel period to support local tourism groups and raise awareness about their indigenous o erings.

Ayurveda is seen as a key factor in Kerala’s tourism revival, considering the increased importance of healing and wellness in the pandemic. For a holistic wellness sojourn in Kerala, we recommend Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort in iruvananthapuram; Somatheeram Ayurveda Village and Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Kovalam among others.

Eco-tourism and adventure tourism are also set to be promoted extensively. Beyond the serene beaches, picturesque backwaters, scrumptious culinary selection and illustrious culture, Kerala boasts locations that are drenched in nature and replete with adrenaline-pumping activities.

Few eco-tourism sites that you must add to the itinerary for your next trip to Kerala include Silent Valley National Park;

Ayurveda is seen as a key factor in Kerala’s tourism revival

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve; Shendurney; Nilambur – Nedumkayam and Chembra Peak. Adventure junkies can try out river ra ing at Bhoothathankettu, Ernakulam; sur ng in Kovalam; and paragliding in Vagamon hill station.

FOSTERING SYNERGY

Realising the importance of a collective approach in this reopening phase, Kerala has announced that it will work in tandem with tourism boards of other states to boost domestic travel. Plans are afoot to prepare itineraries that include destinations in the neighbouring states as well.

e state tourism board has also assured full support to the uni ed guidelines and protocols issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, stating that “these would serve as a road map for the states to revitalise domestic tourism and reinstate India’s position as a high value destination”.

Furthermore, the tropical paradise will make its presence felt on the Incredible India (the country’s o cial tourism campaign) digital platform by providing distinct and relevant content.

FINANCIAL AID

Kerala government’s Chief Minister’s Tourism Loan Assistance Scheme (CMTLAS) is expected to provide major respite to the travel and tourism stakeholders in the region. e schemes rolled out to support local travel groups and communities include:

TOURISM WORKING CAPITAL SUPPORT SCHEME: Tourism entrepreneurs/ establishments can apply for working capital loan up to `25,00,000 at a rate of interest as per the approved policy of respective banks. TOURISM EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT SCHEME TESS : Employees engaged in the travel and the tourism sector can apply for short-term personal loans up to `30,000 from Kerala Bank (Kerala State Co-operative Bank) at an interest rate of nine per cent.

TOURISM HOUSEBOATS SUPPORT SCHEME THSS : One-time nancial assistance up to `1,20,000 to the houseboat owners for maintenance of houseboats. TOURISM GUIDES SUPPORT SCHEME TGSS : One-time nancial assistance of `10,000 to licensed tourist guides approved by Kerala Tourism and

India Tourism - working in the state’s tourism sector.