Kerala has reopened its tourist destinations, excluding beaches, for visitors.

The destinations and services that have resumed operations include houseboats, personalised boating and adventure tourism spots, which normally have controlled access. Hill stations will also be made accessible to tourists.

Beaches will reopen from November 1, with strict guidelines in place.

Hospitality establishments, transport operators and other services such as hotels, resorts, houseboats, Ayurveda centres, homestays, service villas and adventure activity centres will have to function as per the SOPs issued.

Temperature check, mandatory wearing of mask, frequent sanitisation, disinfection, contactless screening, health declaration forms, online bookings and avoidance of high risk activities like swimming in the pool need to be followed.

The domestic tourists coming for short visits of less than seven days are exempted from quarantine but they should register in Covid Jagratha portal. If tourists plan to extend their stay for more than seven days, they have to undergo test at their cost at ICMR/ state government approved laboratories on the seventh day.

Those visiting the state for more than seven days have to produce a Covid-19 negative certificate.

Travellers are advised to skip public places/ congregations other than the planned purpose of visit and avoid public transport. Digital payments are encouraged.

In case, the tourists show symptoms of any illness, they may contact the health department helpline DISHA 1056.

The tourism department has also issued a set of guidelines to be followed by its officials and allied service providers to ensure a safe travel for tourists. All destinations have to maintain a register at entry points of visitors.

State tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran said:

“The State Tourism Department and service providers are totally committed to ensuring a safe and happy stay for guests. Directions have been given to officials also to see that the safety protocols are fully complied with.”

“The stakeholders in the tourism sector have to follow the SOPs and guidelines and make Kerala a responsible tourism destination to welcome tourists.

“The tourists are also required to follow the Guidelines and support the measures taken by the State Government to combat Covid-19,” said  tourism secretary Rani George IAS.

keralatourism.org