KOZHIKODE: Union tourism minister Alphons Kannanthanam on Saturday accused Kerala of losing opportunities to tap its potential. He said the state government had ignored his direction to submit a proposal to improve primary facilities at all its beaches. "It has been months since I sought a detailed proposal, but the government failed to submit it, thereby missing a chance to get the Central funding," he told reporters here.
"The proposals included developing toilets, parking areas, changing rooms and other facilities. It went out on September 27, but the state's tourism minister did not respond." He said the state could have easily availed Rs 100 crore for these projects, which stands lapsed now. "The major reason why there has been a decrease in the flow of tourists to the state is the lack of these facilities. A bad review about many tourist spots is getting circulated," he said. "But the state government is not bothered. A lot of developmental activities have to be initiated in the tourism sector here to change this perception."
