Kovalam sees tourist slump despite peak summer season

Thiruvananthapuram: The state's most popular beach destination is going through a rough patch. Kovalam is recording a considerable dip in tourist arrivals this month compared to April last year— a worrying sign given that summer holidays typically drive a surge in domestic tourism.Hotels are reporting a reduction in occupancy and falling revenue from both rooms and food and beverage sales. Most visitors drive in from nearby areas, including districts in southern Tamil Nadu, but these footfalls generate little meaningful business. The troubles began last month when an LPG shortage, triggered by the US-Israel war with Iran, disrupted hotel and resort operations and dented tourist experience. Though gas supplies have since normalised, tourist arrivals have reduced to a trickle. Travel and tour operators feel the Middle East conflict may be partly responsible, as it has affected the arrival of NRIs from Gulf countries. However, the absence of tourists from other Indian states remains harder to explain. Visitor numbers are clearly down compared to last April, but it is impossible to pinpoint a single reason, said Sudheesh Kumar, patron of the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association. Already, the destination is seeing a shift in the profile of its visitors, marked by more frugal spending. Domestic travellers are increasingly replacing foreign tourists even during peak season. Most prefer short stays, avoid hotel dining, and opt for street food and small eateries instead. This shift is eroding tourism revenues. In 2024, Kovalam received 6.07 lakh domestic tourists and 79,000 foreign tourists. The destination no longer ranks among the state's top draws for either category. Hoteliers are hopeful that arrivals will improve once elections conclude in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, which have traditionally sent large numbers of tourists to Kovalam. The foreign tourist season is also yet to begin. The beach destination draws tourists from northern states such as Rajasthan and Gujarat, in addition to travellers from neighbouring regions. Hotel owners are hopeful that arrivals will pick up in the coming days, as elections in Tamil Nadu have concluded and those in West Bengal are nearing completion. However, the destination's struggles are compounded by long-pending infrastructure neglect. Beaches remain unkempt, walkways need repair, parking remains chaotic, and the entry road off the highway still lacks proper markings. Work that should have been completed before the summer season remains unfinished.The hoteliers' associations have repeatedly urged the govt to enhance nightlife, create designated entertainment zones, promote water sports such as surfing, and develop tourist-friendly events centred around Kovalam. The state tourism department is yet to launch a Kovalam-specific destination marketing campaign targeting either domestic or foreign tourists.
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