OVERCOME NEGLIGENCE OF TOURISM IN KERALA (Part II)

(Continued from yesterday)

Countries with the highest tourist inflow in the world (2019).

(In millions)

1. France 90.00

2. Spain 83.70

3. USA 79.30

4. China 65.70

5. Italy 64.50

6. Turkey 51.20

International tourists visited Kerala during this period was: 01.19 millions

Domestic tourist visited:

18.38 millions 

Given below are the earnings from tourism by top countries in the same period.

(In bn $)

USA 210

Spain 68

France 60

Maldives 2.7

Palau and Greneda

141and 48 millions

Kerala Rs 45,010.69.crores

The above figures show the scope of tourism for the state of Kerala as well as our country. In this context the following are proposed for the consideration of both state and central governments and all concerned departments.

1. Set targets for the number of international tourists to visit the state. The revenue aimed should not be less than Rs two lakhs crores.

2. The tourists visited should be seen as our most loved and cared guests. People should be advised through all available media to behave with them in utmost respectful manner.

3. All must ensure that they should be served with clean and high quality food at  reasonable rates.

4. State government may ensure that under no circumstances traffic in the state become stand still.and shops remain closed.

5. With the help of central government and cooperation of other states, a television network may be started. This channel should exclusively deal with a) all tourism related matters b) goods and services offered to international market c) history and culture of the country.  This channel should be made available to as many countries as possible in their own languages free of any charges.

6. All permissible services may be availed from all our consulates across the world to give more and more publicity for tourism.

7. Ayurvedic tourism may be developed in international standards in the state.

8. Explore the possibilities of converting the state into an educational hub for atleast some selected subjects.

9. All our arts and culture centres may be made accessible to tourists.

10. Try to open small and medium size tourist resorts over 100 nos across the state in private sector with all basic facilities for tourists.

11. Bring down the prices of wine and bear considerably low and make those free of any licence for sale.

12. Arrange to open as many night restaurants as possible in one wide street of all cities of the state from 6.00 pm to 2.00 am.

13. Keep the state clean in all respects. Stop dumping waste in public places. Cover all open sewage lines. Stop writing or placing posters on any walls. All decorations, erecting small and big posts, hoisting of flags on road side should be stopped.

14. Try to make all cities and towns pollution free including sound pollution.

15. Our temple festivals may be linked with tourism.

16. All centres of astrology, numerology, palmistry, 'mazhi nottam', black magic, witchcraft etc should be made accessible to tourists.

17. Some selected banks may be allowed to receive fixed deposits from tourists abroad with a higher rate of interest. On reaching the targeted amount they may be allowed to stay in the new resorts on good discount.

18. Quick learning techniques may be offered for interested tourists to learn Malayalam language. 

19. Introduce super fast and luxurious boats of different passenger capacity in the new South to North waterways of Kerala.

20. Encourage youth to associate with tourism as an attractive earning venture. 

21. Alongwith the natural beauty Kerala is unique in the world for the people and their culture and the wide variety of food available here. This should be made known across the world.

K V George