Kerala tourism industry forms Task Force to support flood affected state

The floods in Kerala has devastated many lives, taken their shelters away and damaged many properties. Tourism and hospitality industry is one of the worst hit businesses in the state with Idukki and Munnar being marooned and devastated and roads, rail and airways become nonfunctional. Kerala’s tourism industry stakeholders have formed an independent task force to support the relief and rehabilitation work that is underway in the State.

Around 28 travel, tourism and hospitality industry associations met in Kochi to form Kerala Tourism Task Force, an independent voluntary body, to support the government and the administration in different districts of the State.

“We are all currently focusing on rescue and rehabilitation. The situation will start improving with the opening of the Cochin International airport. Munnar and Thekkady will be inaccessible for some time, but, the wellness tourism and beach tourism destinations will get back as soon the flood water recedes. Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) slated for September last week will mark the revival of tourism in the state,” said Anish Kumar PK, President, Association of Tourism Trade Organisations India (ATTOI)

“The task force will identify areas where help is required and consolidate the relief work in those areas in a targeted manner in coordination with district administration.,” said Shailesh Nair, one of the coordinators of the task force.

“The travel and tourism industry is also very much actively involved in the relief and rehabilitation activities and supporting the district administrations. We have appealed to IATO members to donate generously to the CM’s Relief Fund. We will also use the forthcoming IATO annual convention platform for this cause,” said EM Najeeb, Vice President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), who is also a member of the task force.