Kochi: Delegates from within the country and abroad, attending the eighth edition of Kerala Travel Mart (KTM-2014) here, have expressed their disapproval of the Government’s new liquor policy.
A majority of delegates from abroad said that it was a “foolish decision”. But they said they were not aware of the finer details of the policy like permission for selling liquor in five-star category hotels.
“I had heard of the restrictions on alcohol use in the State but I am not aware of the details”, said Reena Tory of the Australia-based Mantra Wild Adventures. Attending KTM for the first time, Reena said her clients were leisure seeking travellers looking for a different experience and such restrictions would not be to their liking.
Amory Ternynck of Tushita Travels from France and attending KTM for the fourth year in a row, felt that a ban on liquor would have an impact on tourism.
“It may not have much impact on French travellers as they prefer wine and beer compared to hard liquor and I hope that there will be no restrictions on wine and beer”, he said. But people with a taste for hard liquor would be looking for alternative destinations, he added.
“It’s a foolish decision. Why should the Government decide on what people should do in their leisure?”, he added.
Kim van den Berg from South Africa, a first timer at KTM said she had heard of the restrictions. “My company deals more with five-star category travellers and I hope the new policy will not have an impact on such facilities”.
Rahul of Jesal Holidays based in Mumbai expressed total disappointment over the decision. “People from places like Mumbai are not used to standing in queues to buy liquor. And most of them are also not aware of the retail outlets. In a place like Kumily, I hear, there’s only a single retail outlet”, he said.
Although the liquor ban had cast its shadow over the delegates, the overall rating of Kerala as a sought-after destination remained intact. Kerala tourism had different choices and products, said Amory.
