State awaiting tourist footfalls

KOCHI: While an international sporting event is seen as a gateway for tourism possibilities, the FIFA U-17 World Cup has failed to elicit a positive response from foreign tourists. With just 10 days left for the matches to begin in Kochi, the hospitality sector is yet to get the much-needed fillip if the bookings in hotels and homestays are any indication. Ever since the announcement of Kochi as a venue for the World Cup, Kerala Tourism has been pinning its hope on the event as sports enthusiasts from across the globe are expected to fly down here to watch the matches.

However, it is learnt only a few foreign tourists have booked their stay in Kochi to witness the gala event till now. Hoping to cash in on the possibilities of the international event, the Tourism Department had carried out a month-long online campaign to attract tourists to Kochi. “We cannot compare tourist arrivals for U-17 World Cup with the senior World Cup event. However, tourists, especially fans from the countries taking part in the World Cup, are expected to fly down here to support their teams. It is true the response from tourists has been not good so far. But, it is likely to pick up steam next week and there will a rush of tourists in Kochi,” an officer with Kerala Tourism Department said.

The Department had also included World Cup mascot Kheleo during the various programmes organised as part of Onam celebration.  Meanwhile, the hoteliers in Kochi feel the event has failed to attract tourists to Kerala in a big way. “We are yet to receive any booking from foreign tourists to watch FIFA U-17 World Cup matches. The response from international tourists has not been positive so far. I don’t think the event has attracted international tourists to the state,” said Jose Dominic, CEO of CGH Earth. According to him, the new tax system has had an adverse impact on the tourism sector.

M P Sivadathan, director of  Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society (K-HATS), said compared to the Biennale held last year, there has been no major response for the U-17 World Cup as far homestay sector is concerned. “During Biennale, the homestays in Kochi were having good business. Most of the homestays were booked prior to the event. However, since the start of tourist season this month, there has not been any marked increase in the number of tourists. We hope more tourists will reach Kochi once the event begins,” he said.