Idukki a ‘Golden Goose’ of Kerala Tourism: Minister Mohamed Riyas

IDUKKI:
Amid a steady surge in domestic tourism after Covid-19, Idukki has proved to be the ‘golden goose’ of Kerala Tourism marking the highest rise in foreign tourist footfalls among all the 14 districts of the state, Tourism and Public Works Minister P. A. Mohamed Riyas said today.

With its panoramic setting, accommodation facilities catering to all segments and roads of international standards, Idukki has made handsome returns to the tourism sector, the Minister said after inaugurating the new Eco-lodge and renovated heritage Guesthouse at Peerumedu.

Riyas announced that the state planned to hold a MICE Tourism Conclave in Kochi this year, and a Wellness Tourism Conclave in Kozhikode to promote new products in the sector.

Also, Kerala Tourism is adopting a ‘Look East’ policy to increase the number of tourists from East Asian countries. “As part of this strategy, we are collaborating with Malaysian Airlines to bring influencers and travel and tourism agents from eight East Asian countries to Kerala,” Riyas revealed, adding that Idukki and Wayanad will be the “biggest beneficiaries” of the policy.

Vazhoor Soman MLA, who presided over the function, recalled that Peerumedu has been an important place for the tourism sector since the time of royal rule. “Soon, with the government’s strong-willed policies, Peerumedu will regain its glory in tourism,” he said. “A circuit will be formed, linking places such as Panchalimedu, Vagamon, Uluppuni and Sathram.”

Kerala Tourism Director Sikha Surendran said the new Eco-lodge will boost the farm tourism potential of Peerumedu. “With Peerumedu’s potential to further grow as a favourite destination, the facility will be another milestone on the tourism map of Idukki,” she added.

Others at the function included District Panchayat President Rarichan Neeranakunnel, Kerala Tourism Joint Directors Rajeev G.L. and T.G. Abhilash Kumar, Deputy Director K.S. Shine and members of civic bodies besides leaders of various political parties.

The Eco Lodge in Peerumedu has been completed at a cost of Rs 5.05 crore under the Swadesh Darshan project. The facility includes two blocks with 12 rooms, a kitchen and a dining hall. The walls, floor and ceiling are made entirely of teakwood. In addition, Rs 97.5 lakh was allocated for renovation.

The government also allocated Rs 1.38 crore for ancillary development works of the Eco Lodge. The ancillary development works include a parking lot, wall, boundary fencing, walkway, garden, playground, service block, tiling, biogas plant, rainwater harvesting, sign boards and entrance-gate electrification.

Rs 1.85 crore was spent on the development of the Government Guest House in Peerumedu. Apart from the complete renovation of the heritage building, the renovation works of the service block, water tank, parking shed, conference hall and electrification have been completed. Moreover, an amount of Rs. 1.79 crore was also spent on facilitating the functional operations of the Guest House.