KOCHI: Nearly 2000 tourists from European nations turned around at Kochi seaport and airport with the AIDASol cruise ship owned by AIDA Cruises bringing one set of tourists first who toured the state over three days.
They returned in three chartered flights which then brought an equal amount of travelers who are now touring the state.
Sunday being a dry day, cast a shadow over tourism activities with operators hardpressed to explain the new law in the state to tourists who were mostly from Germany.
Those who have come by chartered flights will return by AIDASol cruise ship, said an official.
The tourists are being treated to the lush greenery in the state, backwater boating and also being packed off to Munnar and Thekkady to enjoy the hilly terrain.
Cochin International Airport did brisk business by facilitating the smooth exit and entry to the tourists by opening additional check-in counters and arranging huge trolleys to move baggage.
The passage of 2000 tourists was smoothly dealt with in an hour on Monday despite the arrival of regular flights at the peak morning hour. CIAL staff was ably assisted by the Emigration, Customs, CISF and ground handling agencies.
Airlines Contour and Emirates arranged the chartered flights. Contour operated two flights from Frankfurt whereas Emirates brought one from Dubai.
The tourists were given a traditional welcome and send off at the Cochin international airport with Kathakali and traditional percussion artistes performing. The group comprised mostly middle-aged couples.
