Kovalam Tourism Faces Transport Standoff
Tourism stakeholders in Thiruvananthapuram are raising alarm bells as the ongoing confrontation between traditional transport unions and ride-hailing services in Kovalam threatens to derail the local tourism economy. Travel operators, tour companies, and hoteliers express deep concern that the state government has failed to provide a clear resolution to the blockade against app-based taxi services.
Government Inaction Fuels Industry Anxiety
Instead of mediating discussions between conflicting parties, the transport ministry has shifted focus by declaring that ride-hailing applications require official registration to operate legally. This regulatory stance comes at a critical time when over 70% of Kovalam's visitors are domestic tourists, many accustomed to the convenience of app-based transportation.
Industry sources reveal that tourists arriving from metropolitan cities strongly prefer transportation modes they regularly use back home. "It is unfair for the unions to stake a claim that only their vehicles should be hired," stated one frustrated tour operator. "The auto/taxi unions have maintained significantly higher rates for journeys from Kovalam to the city or airport, making travel expenses unreasonable for budget-conscious tourists."
Structural Division Worsens Situation
The administrative separation between transportation and tourism departments has exacerbated the problem. While taxis and autos fall under the transport department's jurisdiction, destination promotion remains the tourism department's responsibility. This division has created a regulatory gap where neither department ensures tourist-friendly transportation services in Kovalam.
M K Ajit Kumar of India Tourism Forum highlighted the damaging consequences of union practices. "Taxi unions in Kovalam are consistently overcharging visitors, leading to negative reviews and damaging Kerala's reputation as a welcoming destination," he explained. "This matter must be recognized as affecting Kerala's overall tourism image rather than being dismissed as merely a taxi union issue."
Minister's Declaration Raises Concerns
Transport Minister Ganesh Kumar has declared Uber and Ola operations illegal across Kerala, citing their lack of approval from state transport authorities. The minister noted that another ride-hailing application has sought proper approval, though he hasn't consulted with his counterpart in the tourism department regarding this decision.
Kumar emphasized the broader implications: "Limited transportation options will undoubtedly discourage visitors, ultimately harming tourism revenue and local businesses dependent on tourist spending."
Faced with government inaction, travel operators and Kovalam-based business owners are now organizing collective action. They plan to submit a formal representation to the government, urging immediate intervention to resolve the transport deadlock before it causes irreversible damage to Kerala's tourism industry.
