Kerala Tourism Woes

Kerala government's Tourism Department is worried at the steady decline in number of tourists to the state--most migrate to the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.

According to the government tourism director Mr. P.Bala Kiran,the main problems cited by tourists visiting the state, according to the New Indian Express newspaper, are: mounds of uncleared garbage, frequent strikes (called hartals) and poor condition of most roads. In recent months, campaigns have been stepped up especially in London, against what activists say is cruelty to elephants. The pachyderms are used widely by Hindus, Muslims and Christians in religious functions. The activists allege that the animals are treated cruelly and paraded without adequate food and rest -- a charge that the owners deny.

The government's Tourism Department--tourism is the second biggest money spinner for the state--is worried at what it calls negative publicity and has countered it with a series of videos showing that the animals are cared for properly and rules are being followed more carefully these days, according to the newspaper.

It quoted the president of the Confederation of Tourism Industry, Mr. E.M.Najeeb as saying that the recent rapes of an eight-year-old in Kashmir and a woman in Unnao in Uttar Pradesh--one of the nearly 28,000 rapes in the country--has resulted in many European countries issuing travel advisories to their citizens to be cautious while travelling to India.

Flash strikes--sometimes held a few hours after announcement--result in a total paralysis of transport, total shutdown of restaurants and shops, museums and offices, all of which make it difficult for tourists to move around, sometimes even reach their own hotel.

The treatment of the elephants has escalated in recent months, with a large campaign being held in the UK, the latest of which was when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited London a few days ago.

The activists allege there could be some truth to that I dont know but what has it got to do with a few dills in London ?
The rape is a hot issue and its prudent to warn women of the dangers of travelling alone in India . Personally I have witnessed rape on an Indian train so tourists take this matter lightly at your peril ! But I think Kerela is less dangerous in this respect than the north anyway .
Strikes occur in all states in India . Frequently I have been stranded in the middle of nowhere on trains , busses etc due to strikes . Its not specific problem to Kerela .

I think Kerala is something unique in India in regards to strikes with a long history of labor activism. The recent publicity around a murder-suicide (autopsy incomplete) of a foren lady there won't help. Aside, the 28,000 estimate must certainly be off by at least two zeros. However, this is a domestic concern almost entirely..

That is too bad. But at least Keralites can be happy that tourists can no longer have a cold beer with their dinner!

No beer ? ! No wonder the tourists stopped going !

Note to Director Kiran:
I hereby do volunteer to be awarded an all-expenses paid, month-long trip for two to Kerala, during which time I will prepare a travel article worthy of posting on Thorn Tree (and anywhere else that you may see fit), accompanied by copious photos and a generally positive description.
Please do not hesitate to PM me here.
BR
I am done. The end.

Some 300 bloggers chimed in: Been there, done that! Every year, the state tourism department runs a competition and invites 100 bloggers for a weeklong, all-expenses-paid tour of the state in return for a writeup in their blogs. The best entry gets a prize and so the writers vie with one another to write more pieces. But nice try!

Sustainable tourism is the need of the hour.

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