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Kerala Tourism Demands Urgent Reforms for Growth
19 May
Summary
- Simplify land conversion procedures, taking up to two years currently.
- Improve public toilet infrastructure, a major concern for tourists.
- Ensure allocated tourism funds are used exclusively for sector promotion.
The Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM) has called for urgent governmental attention to critical issues affecting the tourism sector's growth. Highlighting tourism's significant contribution to Kerala's GDP and revenue, KTM President Jose Pradeep emphasized the need for increased government priority.
A major concern for tourists is the inadequate public toilet infrastructure, particularly on routes to Munnar and Wayanad. This lack of facilities forces reliance on hotels, diminishing the overall tourist experience.
KTM also pointed out the significant bottleneck caused by land conversion procedures, which can delay hotel and building projects for up to two years, hindering private investment and infrastructure development. A more transparent and efficient process is urgently required.
Furthermore, KTM Secretary S Swaminathan expressed regret over the declining standards at Kovalam beach and called for immediate development. He also highlighted the need to address chronic traffic congestion and the poor condition of the Wayanad Ghat road.
Swaminathan also criticized the diversion of tourism funds to other departments, stating that the allocated ₹300-350 crore should be solely used for tourism marketing, trade fairs, and roadshows to boost revenue.
