It’s ‘raining’ offers on backwater tourism this season

ALAPPUZHA: The tourism department’s recent aggressive campaign to woo Arab travelers is expected to boost backwaters touri-sm in the upcoming three-month period, which is considered to be off-season. The monsoon packages are set to take off by June.

Backwater tourism recorded 7.71 percent growth last year. The houseboat industry, which gets a good turnout of tourists especially from the gulf countries during June-August every year, has already come up with special packages focusing on the monsoon that is soon set to hit the state.

“Several houseboat owners have announced a 40 per cent discount as well. The inflow of tourists from the Middle East — who are big spenders — has grown over the last couple of years. The industry earns at least half-a-crore rupees on a daily basis during the monsoons,” said Switen George, VP, All Kerala Houseboat Owners Association and owner of three houseboats.

The season specials also include diets and therapies. According to Ayurveda, monsoons are ideal for the treatment for various diseases.

The in number of health conscious people has brought Karkidaka Chikitsa (monsoon therapy) back into vogue. Oushadha Kanji or Karkidaka Kanji — a medicinal rice gruel is also generally eaten in Kerala during the season. It is often prescribed as a seasonal diet for senior citizens.

Tomy Pulikattil, a houseboat owner said, “There was over 60 per cent occupancy in hou-seboats during the last monsoon. This year bo-okings are already in full swing.”

The major tourist attraction during the monsoons are Vemba-nadu and Punnamada lakes as houseboats cut through their rising waters during the rains.

“The Kerala Tourism will shortly launch an ad campaign in leading English and regional dailies and travel magazines,” said C. Pradeep, Secretary, DTPC.