Kerala on Monday has reopened its tourism after remaining shut for over six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was taken to revive the tourism industry in the state. The state has reopened various tourist destinations, adventure parks, houseboats and boating services in a phased manner, for domestic visitors. However, the beaches will remain closed. The state tourist destinations will reopen in two phases, according to the central government guidelines.
State Tourism Minister Kadkampally Surendran said, "The state has decided to reopen its tourist destinations in a phased manner in the wake of the crisis being faced by various stakeholders dependent on tourism, said. The unlock-4 guidelines of the Center have allowed the tourism sector to be reopened after taking precautions. Taking note of this, the state has decided to reopen the tourism sector and this would be a big relief for the ailing sector."
Domestic tourists who visit Kerala for short trips like less than seven days need not go through quarantine, but they should register in the COVID Jagratha portal. If the tourists plan to extend their stay for more than seven days, they would have to undergo Covid tests from ICMR/State Government approved laboratories and follow all the COVID-19 health advisories. They will then remain in paid quarantine until the test results are out.
The state will open 184 destinations in the first phase, including the famous Jattayupara, Konni elephant shelter, adventure parks, water sports, boating, houseboat services, speed boats, Alappuzha and Kumarakom backwater trips, the Eravikulam Park, Munnar and Mattupetty in high range Idukki district, Malampuzha dam and Silent Valley opened for domestic tourists that starts from today. Beach destinations will open from November one, which comes under the second phase.
The following beaches will be open for the visitors from November 1: Shanghumukhamand Kovalam beaches in the capital, Fort Kochi beach, Mattancherry, Cherayi and Munambamin Ernakulam, Payyambalam in Kannur and Muzhappilangadand Bekal in Kasaragod. Due to COVID-19 lockdown for seven months and travel restrictions the tourism industry is going through a heavy crisis with no business and income.
In Phase 1, the destinations having controlled access, houseboats, including other personalised boating and adventure Tourism activities can be opened following social distancing.
Guidelines to follow when visiting Kerala
- Tourists who wish to visit Kerala for over seven days must carry their COVID-19 negative certificate or they can undergo a test after entering the state. If not, then they will have to remain in quarantine for seven days.
- Tourists visiting for less than seven days need not carry a negative Coronavirus certificate.
- Face mask, sanitisers and social distancing are mandatory.
- Tourists must follow health protocols at all the tourist hotspots.
- Every tourist must register themselves on www.covid19jagratha.kerala.nic.in.
- If a person develops COVID-19 symptoms during their stay in Kerala, they must immediately contact DISHA helpline.
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The tourism sector is a major contributor to the state’s economy. The state earned around Rs 45,019 crore in 2019 and employed 1.5 million people directly and indirectly. Estimates say that the tourism industry has suffered a loss of Rs 45,000 crore due to COVID-19.