KOCHI: It was a decision that could have set the cash registers of Kerala tourism industry ringing. But the Sri Lankan Government’s recent announcement to scrap the free visa on arrival for tourists by August, has given little fillip to the state tourism sector, which is other wise pitted as a tough competitor to its Lankan counterpart. For, the God’s Own Country has come up with hardly any new destinations to lure tourists.Tour operators here point out that unlike Kerala, after the internal strife at Sri Lanka the country has concentrated more on developing its tourist destinations which earn them more foreign bucks.There the authorities focus on several areas which are yet to be tapped which attract more tourists to the island nation.Tourism secretary V Venu said that even if visa on arrival facility is scrapped for Indian tourists, Sri Lanka is the toughest competitor for Kerala. Only tourists, who plan their trip in the last minute will be affected with the present Lankan decision.In Kerala, he said, new destinations have to be developed by those engaged in the tourism industry. Only their promotion part is vested with the government.Paulose K Mathew, chairman of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), said that cheap tour packages are now being offered by Sri Lanka. A person from Kerala can visit the island nation for a three-nights’ stay for `20,000, including flight charges. Earlier, Malaysia was the cheapest destination for Indians and now Sri Lanka too is competing even if visa on arrival is cancelled.The majority of the tourists opt for new destinations in the unexploited areas of Sri Lanka, which has similar geographical features of Kerala. More tourists could be attracted to Kerala only with the development of new destinations so that those who have visited will be prompted to visit again.
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