Tourists back in Kerala, industry hopes to recover from setback of recession

Alleppey (Kerala), Aug 19 (ANI): With the arrival of tourists back in Kerala, the tourism industry hopes to recover from the setback suffered due to global economic recession.

The Alleppey district houses some of the most popular backwaters in the state where tourists, especially from the west, come to enjoy boat rides amid lush green and serene surroundings.

However, the global economic crisis kept foreign tourists at bay. The industry now hopes revive as there are signs of revival.

Foreign tourists, enchanted by the beauty of the place, were seen having a quality time.

George, a tourist from Holland, said that the global financial crunch has not deterred them from travelling far and wide.

"We did not slow down because of recession. We like to travel, so it's okay," said George.

Joshi P C, general manager of Lake Palace Resort, said that the place provides a perfect gateway for those looking for some relaxation.

"You can take it as a speciality as well as a disadvantage. No road reaches here. So most of the people in busy schedule, they will make a plan for relaxation and they come.

Moreover, the kind of room looking towards the backwater is really giving a relaxing moment to visitors," said Joshi P C.

Kerala, the coastal state in southern India, with its pristine beauty and backwater, attracts thousands of tourists both domestic and international, every year.

However, the state's tourism industry suffered a major setback recently owing to recession.

According to the government data, about 7.59 million domestic tourists and nearly six lakh foreign tourists arrived in Kerala in 2008. By Juhan Samuel (ANI)