ALAPPUZHA
Blame it on accidents on Vembanad Lake or airfares, the houseboats in Alappuzha are getting its lowest turnout of customers in a decade.
Jomon Konnakappally, president, Kerala Houseboat Owners’ Association, says the tourist vessels have been recording only 10 per cent occupancy in the past five months, a slide from the 50 per cent during the corresponding period last year.
“Domestic airfares have increased. A tourist will have to shell out Rs.8,000 to Rs.9,000 for a flight ticket to Kerala. This is holding many back,” he says.
N. Sreekumar, general secretary, All Kerala Houseboat Owners’ Association, says the high domestic flight charges, coupled with the economic slowdown, have affected the industry.
Full report here Hindu
