Delegates at Kerala Travel Mart share concerns

Kochi: There has been a strong message and signal from the lucrative tourism sector against the new liquor policy and if necessary changes are not made, it will have far reaching consequences in the sector, according to Dr. V. Venu, principal secretary, Kerala Tourism.

Talking to Deccan Chronicle on the sidelines of the ninth edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) here on Wednesday, he observed that the general sentiment shared by delegates was that the liquor policy was highly detrimental for the tourism sector.

“In the last two years, the tourism sector has suffered due to restrictions on liquor sale. If the policy is revised now, the lost business can be made up. If the decision is delayed further, tourism will suffer irreparable loss,” remarked the top official.

Meanwhile, Suman Billa, Joint Secretary of India Tourism said that the future of the tourism business was ‘ethical’ and that was the way for Kerala to stay ahead of the curve.

“Kerala has done so well because it can create experiences that are close to the earth,” said Mr. Billa who was instrumental in promoting the Responsible Tourism initiative in Kerala as the state’s then tourism secretary. “As a destination, the way forward is to develop unique experiences by staying on the agenda of Responsible Tourism,” he added.

Kerala Travel Mart Society president Abraham George observed that KTM – 2016 was getting a very encouraging response which was expected to convert into a big business volume. “At present, the tourism sector in the state is worth Rs 25, 000 crore which is expected to increase to reach Rs 30, 000 crore in the next five years,” he said.