Visit to Kerala is like a pilgrimage, says Ukrainian tour operator

The Ukrainian lady wants to promote Kerala’s Ayurveda, globally

Kochi / May 8, 2022

Kochi, May 8: A trip to Kerala is like embarking on a pilgrimage for Ukrainian tourist and tour operator Irina Gurieva, who has been visiting the state for the last 22 years. Through her annual ‘pilgrimage,’ she has also become an ardent promoter of Kerala’s Ayurveda and its tourism-related products. 

“Each ‘pilgrimage’ gives me an immense stress-relieving feel and gets me entwined to the culture of God’s Own Country,” said Mrs Gurieva, MD, Top Tours, who hails from Odessa, a port city in Ukraine. She had arrived in Kerala in December 2021 before the Ukraine-Russia war that broke out in February this year.

While participating in the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) as an Ayurveda tour operator, Mrs Gurieva gushed about tourists’ footfall to Kerala, post-pandemic.   

“I’m overwhelmed to see things are back to normal and travel business is improving here after the strong challenge that was faced by the world. I’m praying that the Covid period starting from March 2020 never comes back,” said Mrs Gurieva.

The Ukrainian national is planning to bring in tourists from Europe, especially from Germany, The Netherlands and Latvia, to Kerala for Ayurveda wellness programmes.    

“As a regular visitor to Kerala, I see huge changes this time in the state. The infrastructure, hotels and the living standards of people have changed significantly,” she noted.

About KTM-2022, Mrs Gurieva said she was glad to see her old clients, hoteliers, friends, travel agents and partners at the event. “It’s an opportunity to bolster my bond with Kerala’s Ayurvedic tradition once again. The positive vibes I see in Kerala Tourism gives me ample confidence to bring in more tourists, who are keen to experience Ayurveda and its practices,” she remarked.  

She also shared the emotional pangs of a mother as her son is still residing in the war-torn country. “Obviously, there is no tourism in Ukraine now and people are unable to travel. So far, about seven million people have been safely evacuated to Europe. I hope this nightmare will have a conclusion soon,” she added.  

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