Min: US, UK issuing travel advisories a shame to state

Thiruvananthapuram: The frequent hartals have badly affected the tourism sector in the state, said tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran. The US and UK have already issued travel advisories asking their citizens travelling to Kerala to be vigilant, he said.
“It is a shame that countries are issuing advisories asking their citizens travelling to Kerala to be vigilant against the backdrop of the violent protests. This would further damage the prospects of the tourism industry which has gained momentum after Ockhi and flood,’’ said the minister.

He alleged that the Sangh Parivar is purposefully targeting the tourism industry during their hartals. The attacks in several areas have pointed out this. Their agenda is to keep away foreign travellers from visiting the state. There have also been a few attacks against foreign travellers to create fear among them, he added.

“This would severely affect the revenue in this sector. One should remember that tourism is a major source of revenue for the state. Any attempt to sabotage this sector will seriously affect the lifeline of lakhs of people involved in this industry,” said the tourism minister.

The US and UK have issued cautioned their citizens to be more vigilant and avoid large public gatherings while visiting Kerala.

The advisory issued by the countries said that there have been protests in some towns and cities in Kerala over the issue of women accessing Sabarimala temple. Some public services have been disrupted in the wake of clashes between police and protesters. If you are in the state, remain vigilant and avoid public gatherings, said the advisory.