Thiruvananthapuram: The Caravan Tourism initiative by the Kerala Tourism Department has stopped midway, with only one fully equipped caravan park currently operational in the state. Despite the initial registration of 373 entrepreneurs registered to introduce 1,590 caravans and 115 entrepreneurs registered to establish 162 caravan parks, only 11 caravans are currently in operation. Private hotel tourism entrepreneurs are being pointed to as the reason behind this setback.
Caravans were intended to operate in various locations, including Thiruvananthapuram, Vagamon, Wayanad, Malappuram, Thodupuzha, Kochi, Aluva, and Kodungallur. The journey, designed for six people, came with a cost of 20,000 to 25,000 rupees per day for an 80-kilometre ride, followed by a charge of 60 rupees per additional kilometer. Despite these offerings, tourists have been hesitant to embrace the project since its inception.
Initially, the government assured that it would provide ample parking facilities and active promotion, but later the promises became like a line drawn on water. Entrepreneurs involved in the initiative cite a lack of tourist interest and inadequate caravan parks as key problems.
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