Inclement weather, rain hit tourist arrivals in Kerala:SOTC

The inclement weather and heavy rains in Kerala have hit the tourism sector in the neighbouring state, a senior industry official said.

Places like Kottayam and Kumarakom have been largely impacted since these places see large number of international tourist arrivals, SOTC Travel Head-Sales, India and NRI markets, Daniel D'Souza, told PTI.

"Impact of floods is there (in Kerala). Actually, tourist arrivals for Onam celebrations is a complete wash out (this time)," he said.

To a query, he said, if the rains had occurred during December, it would have had larger impact on tourism because of Christmas and New year celebrations.

Responding to a query whether the tourism sector would be affected due to the fluctuation of Indian rupee over USD, he said, "it may be a concern on the long run."

"From a customer point of view, if it (INR) continues to be volatile, then he may change (tour) plans. Instead of doing a 10-day tour, he may go for eight-days," he said.

 

D'Souza claimed the SOTC witnessed a 25-30 per cent growth in the number of tourists visiting South India following tailored packages offered for travellers last year.

"Cities like Salem, Coimbatore, Chennai, Erode and Puducherry continue to show impressive growth," he said, adding that his company would set up an office in Andaman shortly as it was offering huge potential.

An estimated 223 people have lost their lives since August 8 in Kerala's worst floods in decades which also forced more than 10 lakh people out of their homes.