Kozhikode tourism committees idle, slowing projects and promotion

Kozhikode district’s beach and eco‑tourism destination management committees have been largely dormant, with few new projects and mandatory meetings missing, local tourism stakeholders say. The committees were set up to spot tourism development chances and push infrastructure upgrades such as access roads, pathways, parking areas, public toilets, lighting, signboards and information centres. They are also meant to work with the District Tourism Promotion Council, the state tourism department and local self‑government bodies to carry out approved works. Entrepreneurs and investors claim many committees have not been re‑formed with active members who are keen to improve tourism facilities, leaving only a small number of representatives shouldering duties without sufficient backing. Tourism department officials had urged the creation of more jobs for local entrepreneurs and the promotion of regional arts, but the suggestions have been overlooked. An eco‑tourism entrepreneur from Thiruvambadi warned that the performance of the committees at various eco‑tourism sites needs review and that swift re‑constitution is required if delegated tasks are not being fulfilled. He added that elected officials should take the lead in appointing committed members. A former DTPC official noted that beach spots in the city have strong potential for attracting visitors if modern amenities are added, and that past focus on basic upkeep no longer meets current needs. A young entrepreneur highlighted the lack of destination promotion, citing the need for advertising campaigns, digital platforms, tourism fairs, cultural programmes and linked tourism circuits. A functionary from the city’s Tourism Promoters’ Association said the committees should monitor approved projects, gather visitor feedback and recommend improvements, but such activities happen only rarely due to poor coordination. Some members pointed to insufficient funding as a barrier to proposing and executing new initiatives, while also noting that a few sites stay in good condition thanks to the continued effort of active committee members.

Context

Inactive tourism committees hinder the district’s ability to upgrade visitor facilities and market local attractions, limiting economic benefits for nearby communities.