Chasing the monsoon is a new tourism fad and come June visitors throng Kerala. This year not only are the rains delayed, but the shadow of the Nipah virus looms large too. With one person testing positive for the deadly virus, the State is on high alert and travel agencies are getting bombarded with calls.

According to Kapil Goswamy, MD, BigBreaks.com, there is a dip of about 25-30 per cent in last minute bookings by domestic travellers who fly to Kerala this time of the year. He, however, added that “so far there has been negligible impact on tourism in the State”. The summer vacation travel is in its last phase, he said.

“We have not seen any cancellation so far. Life is normal in the State and we are in touch with our partners who have confirmed to us that there is no panic at all,” said Karan Anand, Head, Relationships, Cox & Kings.

According to Cox & Kings, in 2018, despite the Nipah outbreak, floods and other incidents, Kerala received a record 16.7 million tourists which was 5.93 per cent higher than in 2017.

“After one person tested positive for Nipah virus, hotels are seeing a mixed response. While ayurvedic properties have not been affected, we are witnessing room cancellations by the guests who had travel itinerary across Kerala. However, the situation is not as bad as it was last year,” said Suresh M Pillai, Finance Secretary, South Kerala Hoteliers’ Forum, and Managing Director of Hotel Horizon in Thiruvananthapuram.

Meanwhile, industry experts are of the view that as there is a a fall in last minute bookings to Kerala, many Kerala-bound travellers may now opt for Darjeeling, Ladakh and hill stations in South India.

Last year, Kerala Tourism circulated an advisory issued by the health department. This time, the advisory has been issued by the District Collector of Ernakulam where the person tested positive for Nipah virus is getting treated. “There is no restriction on public movement as of now,” the advisory said.

“We think that the problem is more localised this year and as things are under control there is no reason to be panic,” said P Bala Kiran, Director, Kerala Tourism.

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