Budget: Stakeholders call for strategic overhaul to woo tourists

Stress need for enhanced infrastructure at major tourist destinations, say state losing its competitive edge due to poor waste management and hygiene issues

- SHAINU MOHAN @T'Puram

AS YET another budget approaches, the tourism industry in the state is calling for a strategic overhaul to attract both domestic and international tourists. Industry experts and stakeholders are emphasising the need for enhanced basic infrastructure at destinations with significant tourist footfall and are urging for more interactions with representatives in the sector to devise more comprehensive marketing strategies.

Many feel that the state is losing its competitive edge owing to poor infrastructure, waste management and hygiene issues. Many popular destinations such as Fort Kochi, Kovalam and Varkala are wearing a sorry look owing to neglect and lack of investment for much-needed upgradation.

Despite launching several innovative initiatives such as adventure tourism, caravan tourism and heli tourism, many feel that these products offer very little in terms of growth for the industry. Many adventure tourism products, including floating and glass bridges, that were launched with huge fanfare, are struggling to gain traction, leaving stakeholders concerned.