Kerala has opened its tourism destinations, barring beaches, for visitors by strictly adhering to COVID-19 protocol, signaling the revival of the revenue-generating industry that remained shut for the last seven months following the outbreak of the pandemic.
As per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by the Government in this regard, the visitors will have to follow Break the Chain norms including wearing of masks, use of soap and sanitizer and social distancing.
Destinations which have un-controlled access like beaches will be opened from November 1, where also the SOPs will be implemented strictly.
“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”, Kadakampally Surendran, Tourism Minister, Kerala said.
“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,” Rani George, Tourism Secretary of Kerala, said.
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 on the 7th day at ICMR/ state government approved laboratories. The visitors are advised to avoid travel if they are symptomatic.
Hospitality facilities, tourism transport operators and other services such as hotels, resorts, house boats, ayurveda centres, homestays, service villas and adventure activity centres will have to go by the SOPs.
The service providers should ensure that health and safety parameters such as temperature check, wearing of mask, frequent sanitization, disinfection and contactless screening for guests are followed.
Health declaration forms should be maintained. Hotel bookings will be allowed only online and a 24-hour gap between check-out and check-in has to be followed. Guests should not be allowed to take uphigh risk activities like pool swimming.
