Kovalam Destination Development
Kovalam, today, is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, ferrying thousands of tourists from all over the world. Tourism has supported the local community, as well as interdependent sectors and has considerably contributed to the State’s GDP. Kovalam, being one of the most visited beaches in Kerala, presented itself as one of the best destinations to be developed in this context, focusing on Integrated Infrastructure Development. Acknowledging the scope of development, the Ministry of Tourism made a plan for the intervention of various factors in Kovalam, to attract more tourists to the destination. According to the guidelines of Scheme for Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development,
With the rise in tourism, there has been a great development in the infrastructure and hospitality industry at Kovalam. The healthcare industry has also greatly flourished in the region with special reference to Ayurveda, a branch in natural therapy.
The recent years witnessed a considerable fall in the number of foreign tourists. Domestic tourist pattern varies significantly. Many of the entrepreneurs have expressed their concerns. The deteriorating quality of physical infrastructure and environment and highly unorganized destination character were considered as major issues besides recession that lead to a decline of the tourists.
The main areas of interventions are :
- Development of common amenity block ( Facilitation centre)
- Road development
- Waste management
- Parking area
- Drinking water
- Storm water
- Preparation of destination maps
- Proposal for Integrated Destination Signage
- Proposal for Integrated Destination Lighting etc
This will add to the beauty of the destination and will reduce the congestion and pressure on the existing situation. This will help in attracting a wide number of tourists to the place. The project will also support the local community and entrepreneurs. The process will in turn support the tourism revenue in the State.