As monsoon clouds darken the Vembanad backwaters, tourism industry in Kumarakom is keeping its fingers crossed over developments in the Persian Gulf, as a prolonged conflict there has stalled the arrival of Arab tourists who had emerged as the backbone of its business during monsoon.
After a subdued summer season battered by scorching temperatures, the backwater destination is now banking on a revival in July and August. Yet, even as June gets under way, stakeholders say the influx of travellers from the Gulf is nowhere in sight.
According to Manoj Kumar K.V., general secretary of the Chamber of Vembanad Hotels and Resorts, the uncertainty has been compounded by changing travel patterns. ”The concept of ‘business on the books’ has almost come to naught in Kumarakom. People are increasingly planning their holidays at the last minute. The movement of Arab tourists has come down by nearly one-third. Apart from the war situation, high airfares have also been a factor. At the same time, expensive international travel is helping drive the domestic tourism market,” he said.
The mood in the sector is reflected in the Responsible Tourism Mission’s cautious approach this year. The mission, which usually launches a range of monsoon-specific programmes and packages, is yet to finalise its strategy for the season. “The numbers are not at all encouraging and that is one reason for the delay. Fresh packages could be introduced once arrivals begin to improve,” said a source associated with the sector.
