The English betrayal of Kovalam continues

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is autumn in England, the time of the year when English families make desperate plans to escape to some faraway paradise.

And traditionally, tourism season in Kerala began when these migratory Islanders descended on the beaches of Kovalam that the Guardian had a decade ago described as "sun-kissed, wave-caressed, and wheat-complexioned" and on which "rocks are scattered like polka dots on soft fabric".

However, for the last seven years, the English have generally kept away from Kovalam. This season will be no different.

The Guardian, which greatly influences the travel decisions of the British, has not included Kovalam in its list of must-visit destinations this winter too.

Kovalam is not even included in the best 10 tropical destinations in Asia. But what will be more damaging for Kovalam is the inclusion of its nearest rivals Goa and Pondicherry, and also its global competitors like Sri Lanka, Cambodia in the Guardian’s annual Top 10 lists, especially its ‘Top 10 Winter Sun Holidays to Book Now’.

Goa, Pondicherry and Sri Lanka have been presented as “Asia’s best affordable winter-sun idylls”, in other words good-value options.

“It is a clear hint that Kovalam properties make tourists pay through the nose,” said top tourism official. The usual suspects Bali and Thailand, too, have found a place in the list.

The emphasis on cost is no surprise as Britain continues to be ravaged economically. A fall in the purchasing power of rand that seems to have prompted the Guardian to pick South Africa, a place normally avoided during winter.  

The Guardian has been ignoring Kerala for the last seven years and ever since the big charters that flew in hundreds of English tourists had stopped coming.

The tourism industry in Kovalam is aware of the Guardian’s power as an opinion maker in various aspects of life including travel.

“Guardian newspaper's online offering was the third most widely read in the world. Its combined print and online editions reach nearly 9 million readers,” said Sebastian Jose of Emerald Travels.