The Hindu Business Line : It's an extended tourist season in Kerala

THE concept of tourist season is undergoing a change in the State, say industry sources. Though mid-October to mid-February is traditionally considered as the tourist season in the State, tourist arrivals are witnessed throughout the year now, especially in popular tourist spots such as Kumarakom.

Earlier, the focus of tourism blitzkriegs outside India was on marketing festivals. Later, the focus shifted to Ayurveda and backwater tourism, which received international recognition. This opened a new chapter in chapter in tourism promotion and the State began to receive tourists throughout the year. Monsoon tourism has also proved to be a hit with the tourists.

More tourists also mean more pressure on infrastructure. The annual growth in the number of tourists is expected to be around 10 per cent, while the requirement during 2005 would be 15,000 rooms with five-star facilities.

There are 30 major hotels in Kumarakom and all of them receive guests, including foreigners, throughout the year. Most of them, notably Taj Garden Retreat, which is the favourite of VVIPs visiting Kumarakom, find it difficult to cope with the rush during the traditional season.

To meet the increasing needs of tourists, major players in the field are making expansion plans. The Taj Group is planning to have a top class resort with an 18-hole golf course in Munnar, Mr T. Damu, Vice-President (Corporate Affairs), South, Indian Hotels Company Ltd, told Business Line. This is the first time in South India that a resort with such facilities is coming up. The proposal is awaiting Government clearance. Taj will also be in charge of the management of the Green Cove resort in Kovalam run by the Muthoot Group.

While tourism provides employment to 10 lakh people, it earns an annual revenue of Rs 51,000 crore for the State, Mr Subramanyam, General Manager, Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom, said.