Flood, hartals pushed tourism into crisis: T M Thomas

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance minister T M Thomas Isaac said the tourism sector in the state was in big crisis, owing to recent deluge, ‘unnecessary political controversies’ and recurring hartals.

“We need to exempt tourism sector from hartals and strikes. The violent incidents during the shutdowns have tarnished Kerala’s image abroad. Some countries even issued travel advisories to their citizens planning to visit the state,” Isaac told media on Sunday.The situation, the minister said, also implied at bringing in a code of conduct for people or organizations that call for shutdowns.

Tourism helped in state’s resurgence: Pinarayi

Meanwhile, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in his Facebook post on Sunday, said the tourism sector was a major contributor to Kerala’s resurgence in the post-flood period. “The arrival of visitors from all over the world is an energy booster. The government has also expedited implementation of projects in the sector,” read the post.

Hailing the Malanad-Malabar river cruise project (covering Valapattanam, Kuppam, Perumba, Kavvai, Anjarakandy, Mahe, Thejaswini and Chandragiri rivers and Valiyaparamba backwaters), the CM said the project’s first phase included construction of 17 boat terminals.

“Tourism department has already given administrative sanction for works worth Rs 50 crore. The inland navigation department has been entrusted with project activities. Tender process has been completed and works have been started in many places. The project, which will cost Rs 325 crore, will give a major push to the tourism sector. Efforts have also gone into attaining financial assistance of the central government,” he further said in the post.