Composition of the tourist industry in Kerala

reaper · Composition of the tourist industry in Kerala

It may be noted that the tourism industry represents only a small part of the total industrial development in Kerala, popularly promoted as the ‘God’s Own Country’. It is a complex industry of many segments ranging from a giant airline and a huge hotel to a husband and wife guide service of only two employees. The prominent tour operators and also the government owned agencies are already experimenting with scores of business models to attract high spending tourists to the state. Their efforts have met with a semblance of success after much effort.

One of the options being considered by the government is the introduction of camping sites for the tourists interested in exploring places on their own. Even then, the most numerous and best camping sites are found in the developed countries. Camping is only making a beginning in the developing countries and particularly in states like Kerala. However, it takes the form of wilderness camping where there are no facilities and the campers themselves have to take care of all of their needs. Camping, as originally practiced by hikers on foot is increasingly giving way to car camping. Kerala needs to move forward by creating more infrastructures to attract more campers to the state.

In Kerala ayurvedic centers and massage parlors have many takers due to the effectiveness of the natural healing medicinal systems. The Indian system of medicine, ayurveda, is now world famous mainly due to its total absence of side effects. While English medicines are prone to allergies and other side effects, the natural medicines and treatment methods are a class apart.

Even though there are many takers for ayurvedic treatments and other massage packages, the original practitioners are a worried lot due to the presence of scores of dubious massage centers following ridiculous practices. Many a time, the first time visitor was turned out due to the presence of such people, and it has resulted in generating a bad name for a prominent scientific discipline.