Kerala, referred as God’s own country, on Monday opened most of its tourist destinations, including hill stations, back waters and Adventure Tourism centres, with strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols.

“The domestic tourists are now allowed to visit Kerala by following Covid protocols. They have to register on covidjagratha portal and follow the guidelines… However, destinations like beaches which will be comparatively crowded are allowed to be open from November 1^st only…The department has prepared guidelines for reopening the destinations, both with controlled access and without controlled access,” said Rani George, Secretary, Kerala Tourism.

The Tourism industry in Kerala has been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and is without any business for the last six months which forced the government to consider reopening the popular tourist centres.

The tourists visiting the state for over seven days should bring RT PCR negative certificates from any ICMR/State Approved Laboratory or test from any ICMR/State Approved Laboratory upon arrival. Otherwise, they will have to be on quarantine for seven days and test on the seventh day or continue on quarantine for another seven days.

“The stakeholders in the industry have to be responsible by following the SOPs and guidelines as we’ve to ensure that this will not create a surge in the number of Covid positive cases. Any laxity will adversely affect all. The department officials have to take steps to ensure that SOPs and Covid protocols are followed,” the tourism secretary said.

Meanwhile, the scenic Kappad beach near Koyilandy in Kozhikode district of the state was among the eight Indian beaches that were awarded the coveted international Blue Flag certification. Operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education, Denmark, Blue Flag is an iconic voluntary award for beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators upon meeting and maintaining the criteria of a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility.