Arrival of foreign tourists to south India has gone up by 30% after the bombings in Sri Lanka

CHENNAI: The Easter bombings in Sri Lanka and consequent cancellation of inbound tourist arrivals has made south India an alternative destination for tourists. Tour operators are getting enquiries for Tamil Nadu and Kerala from inbound travellers from Europe and the US, after their countries have issued travel advisories.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head - Holiday, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd said, "Domestic customers are looking for viable/apt holiday options this summer and the upside is that India has now come into the spotlight- especially south Indian locales given the similarity in climate, topography and culture-cuisine among other factors. We have been witnessing an increased demand for destinations like Tamil Nadu's Kodaikanal, Puducherry and pilgrim spots like Madurai, Thanjavur, Mahabalipuram and Kancheepuram. Resorts inside tea plantations in Nilgiri's Conoor, Kerala's Munnar, Allepey, Thekkady, Wayanad, Kovalam and Kumarakom and hence a significant shift of over 30%. "

Charles M, secretary, Tourist Guides' Federation of South India, said a group of 185 tourists from France have recently shifted their tour plans from Sri Lanka to Tamil Nadu. "The group is on an incentive tour and was scheduled to visit Sri Lanka. However, they have decided to visit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry after the bombings rocked the island nation."

Foreigners are keen on security which is unpredictable in Sri Lanka right now, and prefer south Indian states, although travel and accommodation are comparatively expensive, he added.

Industry sources said Sri Lanka has emerged as a popular destination because of its affordability. Kerala had lost a chunk of foreign travellers to the island nation. But, things are back to square one. Travelxs founder J Sethuraman said larger tour operators are still trying to promote Sri Lanka in a bid to revive tourism there. "But small operators, who do not have that kind of a leverage, have started to offer Kerala and Tamil Nadu as an alternative to the island nation. This year we may profit because of this trend."

Approved Tour Guides Association president P Asoka said anywhere between 60 and 80 groups have been enquiring about tourist spots in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. "The size of these groups vary from 10 to 15 from countries like Germany, France, Spain, UK and the US. One of the groups, which is negotiating with the local operators told me that they have reversed their earlier decision on flying down to Sri Lanka."

Rajeev Kale also said that operators look forward to return of normalcy in Sri Lanka and a resurgence in tourism. "Given the current situation, coupled with the government's advisory, our domestic customers are looking for viable or apt holiday options. Destinations in Karnataka have also become popular," he added.

