Kochi: Though Xmas and New Year are round the corner, the flow of tourists to Fort Kochi is very low. Hoteliers, home stay owners, restaurant owners and other commercial firms admit that several factors including the new liquor policy have dulled the tourist season.
Meanwhile, neighbouring small countries, like Malaysia and Sri Lanka, are exploiting the Kerala situation through effective promotional campaigns, say industry sources.
Unlike previous years, hotel rooms and home stays are still vacant though the New Year and Cochin carnival celebrations are a few days away.
“Inflow of tourists has been on a downward trend since 2013 and this year it is very dull. Though cruise ships are visiting Kochi, visitors are not staying here or spending much on purchasing. High accommodation cost and the tag of Kerala as a state of bans and restrictions are the major concerns of tourists,” said M.P Sivadathan, director of Kerala State Homestay and Tourism Association.
“December used to be the busiest month when foreign tourists flocked to Kochi with hotel rooms and home stays being booked well in advance. But, several rooms remain vacant even now,” he added.
Industry sources observe that there is nearly 60 per cent decline in tourist arrivals in Kochi this season.
However, according to state tourism department’s official statistics, there has been a steady increase in the tourist arrival. In 2014, as many as 3,72,997 foreign tourists visited Ernakulam which is 5.8 per cent more than the 2013 figure of 3,52,314.This year also, the official data indicates no decrease in tourist inflow.
But, industry sources feel that the multiple counting system, wherein the same tourists are being counted at all centres he/she visits, is not proper.
“It is because of this improper method that tourist arrival registers growth in official records,” said Faizal Fasu of the Great Asia Tours and Travels, DTPC authourised tour operator.
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