11/10/2020
Subject : The Domestic Tourists are now allowed to Visit Kerala.
Friends,
The Tourism industry in Kerala has been affected badly due to the pandemic COVID 19 and is without any business for the last 6 months. Those dependent on the tourism sector for livelihood are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
Considering this, the Government of Kerala has taken the decision to reopen the destinations in a phased manner. Destinations which are not crowded like Hillstations, Adventure Tourism centres, Backwaters can be opened now following SOPs and COVID protocol .
Destinations like Beaches which would be comparatively crowded are allowed to be open from 1st November 2020 following strict SOPs and protocols.
The destinations have been listed out to be opened in two phases.
The Department has also prepared Guidelines for reopening the destinations, both with controlled access and without controlled access.
The domestic tourists are now allowed to visit Kerala by following COVID protocol. They have to register on the covidjagratha portal and follow the Guidelines. Tourists visiting for less than 7 days are exempted from quarantine.
Tourists visiting for more than 7 days have to bring RT PCR negative certificate from ICMR/ State Approved Laboratory or test on arrival at cost from ICMR/ State Approved Laboratory. Otherwise, they will have to be on quarantine for 7 days and test on the 7th day or continue on quarantine for another 7 days.
The stakeholders in the tourism industry have to be responsible by following the SOPs and Guidelines as we have to ensure that this will not create a surge in the number of COVID positive cases. Any laxity on the part of the stakeholders will adversely affect all.
The Department officials have to take steps to ensure that SOPs and COVID protocols are followed.
The tourists visiting should also follow the Guidelines and COVID protocols.
Two Government Orders are being issued, one for reopening the destinations and the other for allowing domestic tourists to visit Kerala.
The GOs have already been approved by the Chief Secretary. I will circulate the authenticated copy of the GOs tomorrow morning as it is to be issued with signature of the official of the Tourism department .
Hope the two orders issued now along with the Revival package measures taken by the Government of Kerala would help the tourism industry to become active again and enter the Revival path.
Regards
Rani George
Secretary Kerala Tourism