Thiruvananthapuram: The hospitality industry in Kerala is set to limp back to normalcy after prolonged closures over the COVID-19 pandemic as the authorities are allowing a phased opening of tourist centres.
Hereafter families, who have taken their first dose of vaccination, can stay at resorts across Kerala. The State government's latest move comes as part of slowly lifting curbs in the tourism sector. The staff working in these hotels and resorts should also be vaccinated.
Tourism and PWD Minister PA Muhammed Riyas said that instructions have been passed on to authorities not to act tough on those who stay in such hotels and resorts legally, even if the place falls in the containment zone.
As per this rule, domestic tourists can enjoy staying in hotels and resorts on a daily basis. No action will be taken against them, Tourism Secretary V Venu has said.
But all should stick to lockdown rules strictly, even those who go for beach tourism. A new App linking all domestic tourism centres in the State is on the anvil, Venu added.
The total loss in the tourism sector from March to December during 2020 was pegged at Rs. 33,000-crore. The foreign currency loss is estimated to be Rs 7,000 crore.
Who can visit tourist centres?
Tourist spots like beaches will remain open for six days. Those who have taken their first dose of vaccination at least two weeks before the visit or those who have found negative in RT-PCR test in the last 72 hours or those who have recovered from COVID-19 one month before the visit are allowed entry into tourism spots.
