Kochi awaits concerted action

Lack of concerted action by various agencies to ensure safety and security of tourists seems to be posing a challenge to Kochi’s status as a highly preferred tourism distinction.

Responding to efforts by The Hindu to catch up with stakeholders in the industry in the port city to elicit their views on what steps need to be taken to plug the loopholes in the system and to step up vigil, Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society (Kerala HATS) director M.P. Sivadathan said the situation in Kochi, particularly Fort Kochi, which is one of the most preferred tourism spots here, is worrisome today.

“There are multiple problems we need to reckon with such as rampant sale of ganja, begging, stray dogs and the unruly behaviour towards tourists by a section of the local population. Heightened vigil on the part of the local population, elected representatives, tourism operators and enforcement agencies is necessary to keep Kochi safe for tourists,” he said.

Homestays

According to him, many issues were being pushed under the carpet by the stakeholders fearing negative media coverage. “Non-classified homestays have been mushrooming here, adding to the problem. Kochi has about 300 non-classified homestays while the number of homestays classified by the State Tourism Department is only 80,” he added.

Indian Heritage Hotels Association executive committee member Jose Dominic said empowerment of the local communities would help in checking incidents that would affect the tourism image of the State. “Let’s say in a place like Fort Kochi, the stakeholders can report about elements that create problems for tourists. A vigilant citizen will keep the authorities on the toes [to ensure safety of tourists],” he said.

Kerala Travel Mart former president Abraham George pointed out that a place like Kochi required additional manpower dedicated to the safety and security of the tourists.

“Many foreign tourists visiting Kochi are also concerned about its lack of hygiene,” he said. District Police Chief (Kochi City) M.P. Dinesh said the police have plans to launch a system, where tourists will be issued with travel notices on places to avoid and safe timings. “We will alert the tour operators, hotels and homestays to educate the tourists about the safe mode of transport to adopt and best timings to visit various spots,” he said.

Explaining that steps have been taken to check sale of ganja among the tourists, Mr. Dinesh said the increase in the presence of non-licensed guides will also be curtailed. “We will also increase vigil over certain local hideouts in tourism spots here and also take steps to light up such areas,” he said.