In a significant push for domestic tourism in Kerala, the Union government has given its official nod for building new holiday homes in two of the state's most popular tourist destinations. This initiative aims to provide more affordable accommodation options for visitors while stimulating the local economy.
Approval for New Tourist Facilities
The decision was formally announced in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu. The approval is for constructing three holiday homes across selected locations in the scenic hill station of Munnar and the backwater hub of Alappuzha. These facilities are intended to serve both residents from other parts of Kerala and tourists arriving from different states across India.
The announcement came as a written response to a question raised by Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose. Minister Sahu emphasized that developing such infrastructure plays a crucial role in promoting local tourism, which directly contributes to the region's economic development.
How the Holiday Homes Will Operate
The primary purpose of these holiday homes and touring officers' hostels is to provide accommodation for government employees on official tours. However, they will also cater to the needs of other tourists on a first-come, first-served basis. When not occupied by officers, domestic tourists will be able to book and stay in these facilities, thereby increasing the inventory of budget-friendly rooms in these high-demand areas.
These properties will fall under the administration of the directorate of estates and will be maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). This model is already operational in other parts of Kerala, with existing hostels in Kochi (Pulleppady, Kathrikkadavu), Thiruvananthapuram (Poonkulam Vellayani), and Kozhikode (Kallai).
Boosting Kerala's Tourism Infrastructure
The introduction of these Union government-run facilities is expected to be a major advantage for Kerala's tourism landscape. Destinations like Munnar and Alappuzha consistently attract a high volume of visitors, with weekends being particularly busy. The new holiday homes will help ease the pressure on existing accommodation and offer more choices to travelers.
This move aligns with the Kerala state government's own efforts to promote lesser-known local destinations in every district. The combined strategy of central and state initiatives is set to create a more robust and accessible tourism ecosystem, encouraging Indians to explore their own country's diverse attractions.
By focusing on affordable stays, the government aims to make travel more inclusive, allowing a wider segment of the population to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Kerala, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth in the region.
