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The festive season of Onam has brought a surge in tourist activity to Kochi and its surrounding areas. Popular destinations like Fort Kochi, Vypeen, Munambam, and Cherai have witnessed a significant influx of visitors, primarily from other parts of Kerala and India. While the number of foreign tourists remains low, the local tourism industry is experiencing a boost due to the Onam celebrations. The district tourism promotion council (DTPC) anticipates an even greater influx of tourists in the coming days. However, the enjoyment of these destinations is hampered by various factors, including the rough sea conditions that have forced the suspension of adventure tourism activities in places like Munambam.
Despite the increased tourism, concerns have been raised about the lack of adequate infrastructure and services. Mohammed Irfan AK, a core member of Clean Fort Kochi Foundation, highlighted the difficulties faced by locals due to the heavy traffic flow in Fort Kochi. He criticized the authorities for failing to maintain cleanliness in the area, particularly on the beach. Irfan pointed out that while the Cochin Heritage Zone Conservation Society (CHZCS) has deployed additional staff to address the issue, the waste collection process still lags, creating an unsightly environment. The lack of proper sanitation raises concerns about the overall tourist experience and potential health hazards.
The tourism industry, however, is not entirely optimistic about the economic benefits of this influx. C P Ajith Kumar, former president of the Travel Operators Association of Kerala, noted that the majority of visitors are local residents who travel by car and return the same day. This pattern of short-duration visits fails to generate significant revenue for hoteliers, travel operators, and home stay owners. The absence of a significant number of foreign tourists and domestic tourists from other parts of the country further dampens the economic impact of the Onam season. The lack of infrastructure and facilities is also cited as a contributing factor to this situation.
Local authorities have made efforts to cater to the influx of tourists, with the Pallippuram grama panchayat president, Ramani Vijayan, confirming the provision of necessary facilities at Cherai and Munambam beaches. However, residents like Alexander V J have pointed out the absence of lighting at Munambam beach and the lack of lifeguards, highlighting potential safety concerns. The overall experience for tourists, therefore, remains a mixed bag. While the Onam festivities have undoubtedly attracted a significant number of visitors, the lack of adequate infrastructure, cleanliness, and safety measures raises questions about the sustainability and overall impact of this surge in tourism.
Source: Kochi: Kochi's Tourist Spots Experience Surge During Onam Festivities