Kumarakam: Samridhi, the women run eatery that serves local delicacies to the tourists to open soon. The eatery that had functioned in Kavanattinkara under the Responsible Tourism Mission project will open its doors by strictly adhering to the pandemic protocols. The hotel that was closed down due to the COVID-19 outbreak is currently undergoing renovation.
The eatery that was exclusively run by women had won the Pacific Asia Travel Association award, a prestigious international honor in the tourism sector. Samridhi is a project that was initiated by the state’s Responsible Tourism Mission in Kumarakam to empower women in the locality by providing employment opportunities in the tourism sector. The hotel was opened in 2012, with assistance from the tourism department, and had received good reviews for their unique menu that includes a variety of local dishes and wonderful hospitality.
However, the hotel had to shut down due to the pandemic. Now, tourists have begun flocking Kumarakam since the government has eased the restrictions in the tourism sector. The officials have decided to reopen Samridhi especially since the village life experience packages, sponsored by the Responsible Tourism Mission, have been resumed. The eatery was run by a group of 10 women. However, many of them resorted to other jobs, including jobs under the MGNREGA scheme, after the hotel was shut down. These women had been earning amazing income during the tourism season. Each person used to earn up to Rs 10,000 – 15,000 as profits. Samridhi project is run by Vijayamma Saralappan as the president and Geetha Sahadevan as the secretary.
Boost to tourism sector
Women who had been associated with various jobs in the tourism sector have begun returning to work again. Lots of women from the locality are employed in the hotels and resorts in and around Kumarakam. However, they lost their jobs when tourists stopped coming due to the COVID-19 situation.
From lighting the traditional lamps at twilight and performing at the cultural events to housekeeping and gardening, hundreds of women were employed in the various resorts in the area. But, they had completely lost their income when hotels and resorts were closed down during the lockdown period. Now, hotel and resort managements have begun rehiring them since tourists are arriving to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kumarakam.
