Tourism industry of Kerala better known as 'god's own country' amid the global tourist destinations is all time low as all channels are focalizing on the upcoming elections.
Lack of developmental activities, welfare schemes and rising pollution levels act as an add-on besides upcoming polls.
Major business of the province is dependent on the tourism and hospitality industry.
Authorities said that the federal government was not making sufficient arrangements that could help in boosting tourism during this crucial time of the year.
"The tourism workers assist the exchequer in earning large amounts of foreign currency, but the central government is not taking sufficient measures to aid them, they are not getting their due returns," said General secretary of Kerala Houseboat and resort workers union P.K.Sajeev Kumar.
Houseboat operators and builders in Kerala are facing the heat as a result of the global economic recession that saw a deep fall in the foreign tourists apart from the strict government rules and tough competition in the sector.
Houseboats, the floating queens of Kerala backwaters, which attract large number of tourists from across are now lying idle and have become a burden for the owners and operators.
Autodrivers pressed for electing a representative who would voice their problems before the government.
"There is no one to communicate our problems with, we need a representative who is easy to access and does not turn our back on us," Visnu, an autodriver said.
It has been estimated that the place has witnessed a major dip in the number of foreign tourists and is expected to cross 70 percent this season.
However, advocate Nassar Tayyamadom, who is the state president of tourism workers from the Congress party seemed completely oblivious of the tourism status and was rather all praises for the government.
"In this field, workers of houseboats, resorts and all the others related to this field like entrepreneurs have received immense support from the UDF (United Democratic Front) led government and they have showcased good governance," he said.
