Over two dozen social media influencers are set to visit Wayanad today as part of an initiative to revive tourism in the district, which was severely impacted by the Chooralmala landslides. This effort is part of Kerala Tourism’s broader campaign, “My Kerala, Beautiful As Ever,” aimed at restoring the region’s appeal to global tourists.
Kerala Tourism’s New Campaign
The “My Kerala, Beautiful As Ever” campaign was launched to promote the state’s natural beauty and encourage holidaymakers worldwide to visit Kerala. The campaign has been designed to counter the negative impact of the Chooralmala tragedy on Wayanad’s tourism. Tourism and Public Works Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas will officially launch the campaign video and meet with social media influencers to discuss the region’s recovery efforts.
Influencers to Showcase Wayanad’s Beauty
The visiting influencers will explore various tourist destinations in Wayanad, documenting their experiences and creating content to showcase the region’s scenic beauty. Their posts will help rebuild Wayanad’s image on social media, emphasising that the district remains as beautiful as ever, much like the rest of Kerala.
Impact of the Chooralmala Landslide on Tourism
Following the Chooralmala landslides, Wayanad’s hospitality industry faced numerous booking cancellations. Negative reports on social media contributed to travellers reconsidering their plans. “The tourism sector was hit badly, as many referred to the landslides as the Wayanad disaster, although it was limited to a small area,” Shri Riyas explained. This misrepresentation led to cancellations even in areas far from the affected region, significantly impacting the livelihoods of many local families.
Government’s Efforts to Revive Tourism
Shri Riyas highlighted that the state government had implemented strategies to revitalise Wayanad’s tourism sector. These efforts have resulted in a resurgence of visitors, making the district a top destination once again. However, the landslide tragedy had caused the district to lose some of its momentum, particularly after the success of the Safe Kerala campaign post-COVID-19.
Hope for a Tourism Revival
The minister expressed optimism that the “My Kerala, Beautiful As Ever” campaign would rejuvenate tourism not only in Wayanad but across the entire state. He reiterated that this initiative is part of a series of global campaigns designed to attract more visitors to “God’s Own Country.”
