Thiruvananthapuram: The state tourism industry, which has estimated a total loss of Rs 2,000 crore due to property damages in the deluge and loss of business during July-September period, is hoping to limp back on track by October.
All hotels and resorts in Kumarakom got flooded and the highest number of property damages were reported from Idukki, Alappuzha and Ernakulam. Heavy damages were reported from Wayanad too, while almost all the 42 components of Muziris project spread over Aluva and Kodungallur - roads, signages, synagogue, Palium palace museum, ‘nalukettu’ and other structures - are still flooded up to 4-5 ft. The exact damages are yet to be ascertained.
When it comes to government properties, including parks, beaches, guest houses and other properties in various destinations, the losses are expected to come to around Rs 100 crore, tourism director K Bala Kiran said. “There have been heavy damages to properties, and the whole season got washed away, especially in the month of August. Amidst scheduled national and international campaigns, we had also planned Neelakurinji season and Champions Boat League,” he pointed out.
The department is preparing a report with an updated estimate of losses, which will be presented by tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran during the special assembly session to be held on August 30.
The estimated loss comprise opportunity or business loss to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore for the period from July to September (due to heavy rains, Nipah virus scare and deluge) and property damages of Rs 500 crore, said E M Najeeb, the president of the Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry. “However, majority of the properties will be renovated and will become functional in a couple of weeks and we are also going ahead with the KTM (Kerala Travel Mart) to be held from September 27 to 30,” he said.
The tourism department official too said that the sector would be back on track by September end. “Now, we are involved in rehabilitation works in Alappuzha, which has almost turned into a desolated town. I met houseboat owners who are all desperate to get back into business, as it’s their livelihood. They said they will be ready by September first week to start operations,” said Bala Kiran.
“They have to quickly get back to their feet to save their livelihood. But we cannot put tourists in a spot of bother. Let the airport (CIAL) get opened. Tourism and relief campaign cannot go together. So, we have decided to resume campaigns (pre and post KTM) only after September 15,” he added.
The sector has seen heavy cancellation of bookings, and all hotel rooms and resorts are likely to remain vacant in September, said several property owners in Kumarakom and other flood-hit areas. Two resorts in Kumarakom are still flooded, while others are likely to be opened during first week of September.
“We will be ready for campaigns by the time of KTM, provided that there are no further floods or any other shocks to tourism industry. Except for Munnar and Thekkady, the basic highway connectivity to major destinations has been restored,” he added.
