Liquor not a prerequisite for tourism: stakeholders

Amid growing concerns over the impact of Kerala Government's new liquor policy on tourism industry, many stakeholders in the sector believe that liquor is not a prerequisite for tourism promotion.
Some resort operators said the new policy, envisaged to cut short the availability of liquor, might affect the tourism industry in the initial stages but the impact could be overcome with proper awareness in the long run.
The success of tourism industry in Gujarat, where total prohibition exist, was the best example for Kerala to emulate, they said.
With regard to the anxiety that arrival of foreign tourists might be hit badly with the new policy, major tour operators pointed out that "foreign tourists are not crazy about liquor. As far as they are concerned alcohol is only a part of their food habit."

IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI) National Director P B Bose told PTI that it was wrong to say that foreign and domestic tourists were coming to Kerala just to savour liquor.
"Most tourists come to experience the culture and see places and watch development of each state," he said, adding, what was required now was to create an awareness among potential tourists about the new law in the state.

"Tourists would definitely respect the new law", he said.
"We have already started an awareness programme in this regard through the tour agents," he said.
However, he said certain anxiety has been generated with queries coming on the new policy, but there has been no major cancellation of any tourist booking in the name of liquor policy.