Kerala’s plantation industry pins fresh hope on tourism potential
Kochi / January 21, 2024
Kochi, Jan 21: Kerala’s plantations can boost the state’s tourism in the wake of the government forming a directorate for this sector under the Industries Department, according to the Association of Plantations of Kerala (APK).
Quite a few plantation owners have begun homestays in their sprawling plots along the hills of the state, APK Chairman Prince Thomas George said. “Such facilities, however small, are a big step in a new direction,” he said, noting that the trend has been catching up after the constitution of the Plantation Directorate in end-2021.
The ongoing Kerala Plantation Expo 2024 has given the efforts a fresh boost with the state government announcing the plan for a single-window system to speed up the use of five per cent of the state’s plantation sector for other purposes, Shri George said. This, he said, referring to Industries Minister Shri P. Rajeeve’s statement at the inaugural session that authorities were making moves to overcome practical hazards in getting official approval for non-plantation projects in the sector.
Several plantations have homestay's heritage value, while the estates themselves are located in scenic hills of the state, Shri George pointed out. “Making good use of such facilities can add value to the tourism industry. It can be mutually beneficial,” he added at the ongoing expo being organised by the Plantation Directorate of the State Industries Department at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Noting that the young generation has interests in adventure tourism, he said the location of plantations in hills and mountains makes the estates attractive for them.
Vinod Jacob, who is into plantation tourism, said the expo here has provided information on travel groups that roll out packages such as zip line, jeep safari and rowing.
R. Sam Raja of Tyford Tea in Elappara of rugged Idukki district said commerce alongside tourism will woo more travellers and boost the brand value of industrial ventures.
The January 20-22 expo has 166 stalls by 120 entrepreneurs, open for the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Entry is free for the public.
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