Kerala for All conclave: State government mulls industrial status for tourism sector

The State government is actively considering a proposal to give industrial status to the tourism sector, a long-standing demand of the tourism stakeholders, said Minister for Industries P. Rajeeve.

He was talking on the ‘Role of Industries in Advancing Inclusive and Accessible Tourism in Kerala’ at the two-day Kerala for All conclave organised by Kerala Tourism and The Hindu that got under way at Hotel Grand Hyatt here on Saturday.

Mr. Rajeeve said tourism entrepreneurs cited two main benefits for raising such a demand – low power charges and provision for availing of loan with low interest rates. Now, the Electricity department is considering the first and the Finance department, the second, he said.

The State government has taken several legislative, executive, and administrative steps, including rule amendment by the Local Self Government department which allows utilisation of 50% of the occupied houses and 100% of the vacant houses for business or industry activities, except the red category industries. “I think it will give more momentum to the tourism industry, particularly for home stays,” the Minister said.

“Kerala is well known for inclusiveness in tourism. When it comes to the MSME sector in Kerala, 40% of entrepreneurs are women, which is another facet of inclusiveness. We are now celebrating the 20th anniversary of Responsible Tourism and have all type of facilities here. Kerala is a small State, accounting for only 1.16% of the landscape of the country but is home to highest number of five star hotels, 94,” he said.

Enjoying with dignity

The Minister said rules had been changed, making ramps and accessibility mandatory for commercial buildings to procure licences. “This is applicable to the tourism industry as well, which means everybody can enjoy tourism without barriers and with dignity.”

“However, we have to take more steps to ensure full accessibility to all places, including tourism destinations. After deliberations in this conclaveThe Hindu, I think, will submit a report to the government. Tourism and industry ministries are working together as a team and will look into the proposals, based on which the State government will take all possible steps within a stipulated time frame,” Mr. Rajeeve said.