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 1st 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.
