Kerala involves all stakeholders
Taking the lead in the fight against COVID-19, Kerala’s state tourism machinery is involving all its stakeholders in its discussion about what the state’s industry needs to – first survive, and then recover. It expects inbound tourism to pick up only by n
Indeed, it is a grim situation, especially since Kerala has traditionally depended on tourists from UK, US, and Western Europe. But perhaps, as a country, we are losing out on a lot of potential for domestic tourism.
We need to work more towards domestic tourism, and must use this interim time to showcase our strengths and pitch ourselves to other states, and create a marketing campaign around this.
I have drawn out a revival strategy for the short, medium and long term, based on my discussions with many members of the trade and travel associations.
We have submitted a proposal to the minister of tourism, on which we will need approval from the finance and chief minister as well. We hope to get the necessary sanctions for the industry.
We expect domestic tourism to start by October.
One of the things we need to impress upon is for the government to extend to this industry a bailout package that has monetary and fiscal elements. We also need support in terms of ease in taxation. The ministry should spearhead the efforts in putting this forth.
Tourism is well justified in demanding these packages, which need to be offered soon. The state government is trying its best to address the loss of livelihood.
Kerala is now making all preparations to receive tourists once the country becomes COVID-free. Kerala Tourism is drawing up ambitious plans to attract domestic tourists in a big way. The experience of foreign tourists, who have recovered from COVID-19 by receiving treatment in Kerala, will boost our tourism prospects. I must add that our employees need to be protected as they are the most affected.
Today, our billing is zero every month. Under these circumstances, paying our staff every month is very, very difficult for us. We can do this for maybe one or two months, but beyond that will be a Herculean task.
That is why, we really need a loan package. with zero to four per cent interest that is payable in 2021. In all probability, we will see international tourists coming in by Jan 2021 and domestic tourists from Oct 2020.
MoCA as well as the DGCA have announced a rule that airlines have to keep the middle seat vacant. When I do the math, almost 33% of my capacity is lost. So, for the next few months, I have to operate at 66% as full load, and that has led to a lot of economic shuffling with ticket prices.
In the end, the airline must also survive and needs to charge adequately.