KERALA HOUSEBOATS FORCED TO MODERNIZE AGAINST UNIVERSAL TRENDS IN TOURISM
Most tourism hubs in the world are making a return to the roots, to cater to the discerning tourist who yearns to be with Nature. There are a few sectors in Kerala though, which are being forced to unwittingly adapt their products to cater to the demands of cash-rich tourists who want to be in the lap of luxury.
One such is the State’s traditional houseboats, the famed ‘kettuvalloms’ that were built using bamboo mats, wood and coir. A dozen house boats were exhibited at the venue of the Kerala Travel Mart that concluded in Kochi on Sunday. Barring a houseboat operated by CGH Earth that was built traditionally, most other vessels were decked up with the latest luxury fittings – from costly furniture and lamp shades to air-conditioned bedrooms and toilets. Thus, many of the air-conditioned vessels are priced between Rs.8,000 and Rs.25,000 for a 22-hour hire, depending on their size. The non-AC ones that cost less are preferred more by foreigners and guests from within Kerala.
“Foreign tourists are willing give up on luxury and adjust to the humid climes of the State. On the contrary, many domestic tourists from other States are willing to pay up to 40 per cent extra and opt for vessels with air-conditioned rooms. This despite the fact there is a cool breeze along the backwaters most of the time,” says Tomy Pulickattil, a pioneer in the field who owns 12 houseboats.
The secretary of the Kerala Houseboat Owners’ Association and the MD of Alappuzha-based River and Country Tours, Tomy Joseph said that boat owners are being forced to cater to the demand from a section of domestic tourists who want air-conditioned comfort.
