Kochi: The tourism industry is keeping its fingers crossed in the wake of the report of a confirmed case of Nipah in Kochi. Tour operators say that the government and the media should handle the situation carefully so that unnecessary panic is not created over it.
"We suffered badly in the wake of the Nipah outbreak last year in Kozhikode. The travel advisory from the tourism department to tourists against travelling to Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram and Kannur affected tourism badly. Currently, there is no serious situation in Kochi and the state health department is well- equipped to deal with the situation. The media also should act responsibly to paint the correct picture and information so that unnecessary panic is not created," said Abraham George, managing director, Intersight Tours and Travels, Kochi, and former president of Kerala Travel Mart.
He said that the whole tourism season last year was washed out on account of Nipah first, the floods later and the Sabarimala issue after that.
"This year we are looking for a resurrection and are hopeful that this Nipah incident won't escalate. The Arab tourist season and monsoon tourism season are at the doorsteps. Tourists need not be afraid of Nipah since it is not transmitted through air or food. Moreover, according to the present indication, Nipah could be contained soon. The right message should go to the Gulf and the West and other markets," he said.
Meanwhile the tourism department is banking on the advisory issued on Tuesday by Ernakulam district collector Muhammed Y. Safirulla on the confirmed case of Nipah.
The collector's advisory says: "In Ernakulam district, one Nipah virus infected person has been identified and he is under treatment. His physical condition is stable and under control. A 24-hour control room has been set up in Ernakulam collectorate with senior doctors and specialists. The district has enough stock of medicine and materials for Nipah treatment and precautionary measures have been initiated.
Awareness sessions are conducted for health workers, public representatives and the public about precautionary measures to be taken. There is no restriction on public movement as of now and there is no reason to panic," the advisory says.
Tourism department Secretary Rani George is circulating the same and has not issued any separate travel advisory.
