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Now start exploring God's Own Country in the comfort of a luxury Caravan! Worry no more about your stay while planning your trip to Kerala. We are all set to welcome you for a caravanning experience. Three decades after the historic houseboat experience, Kerala Tourism is ready to bestow you a new, safe, customized and closest-to-nature travel experience. Keravan Kerala is developed on a Public-private partnership mode with private investors, tour operators and local communities being key stakeholders. The two major components of this activity are Tourism Caravans and Caravan Parks. While the first involves specially-built vehicles for travel, leisure and stay, the Caravan Parks are designated places to park the vehicles and enable the visitors to spend a night or a day or station for an extended period to explore the destination. Caravan Tourism will also promote Responsible Tourism activities for sustainable growth and for the benefit of the local communities, promote eco-friendly practices and market for local products. There will be two types of caravans. In one model, two guests shall be accommodated, while the other is for a family of four members. The tourism caravans will have all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay such as sofa-cum-bed, kitchenette with fridge and microwave oven, dining table, toilet cubicle, partition behind the driver, Air-conditioner, internet connectivity, audio-video facilities, charging system and GPS. Eco-friendliness being a major feature of Caravan Tourism, preferably Bharat Stage VI compliant vehicles will be pressed into service. Assuring complete security of the guests, there will be IT-enabled real-time monitoring of caravans. A fool-proof approval mechanism is also put in place to grant approval for the operation of caravans based on the procedures set by the State Motor Vehicles Department in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The caravan parks are to be developed in the private sector, public sector or in the joint sector. The configuration of parks will vary from location to location, even though the fundamental attributes remain the same. A caravan park will be a completely safe and secure zone offering a hassle-free and stress-free environment to tourists, protected with necessary features like compound walls, adequate security and safety arrangements, patrolling and surveillance cameras. The Park authorities will maintain effective coordination with local authorities and medical establishments to attend to medical emergencies. The Bharat Benz along with Autobahn Trucking rolled out a new feature-laden vehicle, the first-of-its-kind in the coach industry for the Department of Tourism, Kerala. The customized stylish vehicle, equipped with all the accessories for a peaceful travel and comfortable stay, was jointly launched by Mr P A Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism and Mr Antony Raju, Minister for Transport.

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For owners, operators, team members, and anyone else interested in camping, glamping, or the rv industry., caravan tourism in kerala: a promising project struggles to gain traction.

• /   July 10, 2023

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Two years ago, Kerala launched a caravan policy with the aim of catapulting caravanning in the region onto the global tourism map. Around 10 caravans were introduced as part of this tourism project, which was billed as the next game changer in the industry. 

However, the project has struggled to attract tourists, and a significant number of caravans are now being used for other purposes, such as marriage functions and medical tourism.

An entrepreneur in north Kerala has been renting out caravans for these alternative uses to meet daily expenses and repay loan installments. The daily rent for a caravan ranges from ₹20,000 to ₹25,000. 

Despite the initial enthusiasm for the project, with the Tourism department receiving applications from investors to operate 439 caravans and 146 caravan parks, only 10 caravans are currently operational in the state, along with a caravan park at Wagamon.

One of the major setbacks for the sector is the absence of private caravan parks at idyllic locations, according to a report by The Hindu.

The delay in obtaining a no-objection certificate from departments to start caravan parks has also dissuaded investors. An official has stated that the project will not take off as long as private investors shy away from the sector.

One entrepreneur who invested ₹2.5 crore to set up a caravan park at Malampuzha had his project served a stop memo by local body officials and then by Irrigation department officials when the project was about to be commissioned last year. Despite waging a legal battle, he is yet to receive the NOC for commissioning the project.

The caravan policy was launched with high hopes of boosting tourism in Kerala. However, the challenges faced by the project highlight the complexities of implementing new tourism initiatives. 

The experiences of the entrepreneurs involved underscore the need for clear and supportive regulatory frameworks to facilitate the growth of innovative tourism sectors like caravanning .

Despite the current challenges, the potential of caravan tourism in Kerala remains significant. The state’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for tourists seeking a unique and flexible travel experience. 

With the right support and infrastructure, caravan tourism could still become a major contributor to Kerala’s tourism industry.

While the caravan project in Kerala has faced significant challenges, it represents an innovative approach to tourism that aligns with global trends towards more flexible and personalized travel experiences. The experiences of this project offer valuable lessons for future tourism initiatives in the state.

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• Kerala gets first campervan as ‘Keravan Kerala’ gains momentum

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• Published On Dec 5, 2021 at 02:00 PM IST
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Keravan Kerala project to take new direction

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : With Keravan Kerala, the much-hyped caravan tourism project of Kerala Tourism, failing miserably to woo investors and tourists, the tourism department is gearing up to amend its caravan policy. This will involve mini caravans or camper vans, which will soon be rolled out in the state, according to sources.

Even after two years of its launch, caravan tourism has failed to catch on. The government failed to ensure coordination between its departments, say operators.

Many investors who came forward as part of the caravan policy have landed in hot water because of poor returns, especially owing to the lack of infrastructure at caravan parks. Currently, there is no functional caravan parks in the state, though there are around 13 active caravans, it is learnt. Interestingly, theses vehicles are now being used for luxury rides, marriage trips and, even to transport patients. “Caravans have failed to serve their actual purpose and are being repurposed. Lack of coordination is a major concern and many of the projects are caught up in red tape. The tourism department is eager to help but the system is slow,” an investor said on condition of anonymity.

Kerala Tourism plans to launch mini caravans or camper vans that, compared to luxury caravans, are more convenient to access remote locations, official sources said.

“The amended policy is under the consideration of the state government. There are plans to introduce camper vans/mini caravans that can be driven by tourists,” said a source. The new policy is, however, going to take some time. “Introducing caravans will require clearances from the motor vehicle department. Moreover, the policy will need to be vetted by the law department,” an official said.

The department is providing subsidies, to the tune of 15%, to those investing in caravans. “Three caravan parks are coming up on KTDC property in Ponmudi, Bolgatty and Bekal. The government has granted administrative sanction for these projects. The parks will be attached to existing KTDC properties. More infrastructure will be developed to facilitate caravan tourism,” a department official said.

However, caravan operators are not happy with the revised plan. “The department should study and identify tourist spots that can accommodate caravans. What is the point of parking them along side KTDC hotels? We should offer guests facilities at spots that are safe and where they can camp and stay overnight,” said an operator.

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Kerala’s Caravan Tourism project gets a KSIDC leg up; loans on offer

Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation to finance purchase of vehicles to be used in Caravan Tourism

The pandemic lull that had crept into the tourism scenario in Kerala had been offset to a great extent with fresh measures undertaken by the state’s Department of Tourism. Among them was the unique Caravan Tourism project, christened Keravan Kerala.

The Caravan Tourism policy, announced by Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas in September, has already generated good response from the industry since its online registration process began a month ago.

Envisaged as a stakeholder-friendly project, Keravan Kerala is set to bring tourism back on its on wheels. Furthering the boost that has been provided to the project, the state’s investment promotion agency Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) has come out with an attractive scheme to provide loans up to Rs. 5 crore to purchase tourist caravans and set up caravan parks.

Enterprises keen on Caravan Tourism can avail loans

As per the scheme, an enterprise is entitled to get a loan of up to Rs. 1 crore per caravan, or 70 per cent of the cost, for purchasing up to five vehicles. The range of loan is between Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 1 crore per vehicle. The loans will be available only to buy new vehicles, said a Kerala Tourism source.

The interest would be at a floating 8.75 per cent, with a 0.5 per cent rebate for prompt repayment. The loan would have to be repaid in 84 months after a 12-month moratorium.

Enterprises such as existing resorts and resort groups, fleet owners and tour operators and repatriates would be eligible for the loan.

According to MG Rajamanickam IAS, Managing Director, KSIDC, “Keravan Kerala is going to be an initiative that redefines tourism in the state. The response to the policy within a short span of its announcement has been encouraging. As the Government’s nodal agency for industrial and investment promotion, KSIDC sees it as a highly rewarding investment avenue for entrepreneurs.”

Loan scheme to add thrust to the project

It is expected that the KSIDC loan scheme would provide additional muscle to the project, which is set to take off soon. The policy offers attractive incentives for the investors. The two components of the initiative are caravan operation and setting up caravan parks across the state, for which clear-cut procedures and protocols have been laid down to ensure a pleasant experience for visitors.

Going by the policy that has been outlined, the first 100 caravans will get a subsidy of Rs 7.50 lakh or 15 per cent of the cost. The next 100 vehicles will get Rs 5 lakh or 10 per cent of the cost.  For 201 to 300, it will be Rs 2.50 lakh or 5 per cent of the cost. The subsidy will be available for five caravans for an individual investor or a group, for three years, the tourism department source added.

Automotive companies, travel and hospitality players, and local self-government institutions have already elicited interest in the Keravan Kerala project, and the numbers are expected to gro w.

Sanjeev Ramachandran

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Caravan tourism gets fillip in Kerala Budget 2022

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Budget presented on Friday included a key announcement as part of the major initiative to boost the tourism sector in the post-Covid scenario.

Finance Minister KN Balagopal said that the government will keep aside Rs 5 crore for the keenly awaited caravan tourism project in order to start caravan parks and to provide basic amenities there. 

As part of the Caravan Tourism Project, the trimonthly tax rate stipulated in the KMVT Act 1976 will be amended and reduced conditionally from Rs 1000 per square meter to Rs 500 per square meter for the rented and contract caravans of the Tourism Department. 

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The launch of cruise tourism connecting Kovalam, Kollam, Kochi, Beypore, Mangalore and Goa will give impetus to the tourism sector. Rs 5 crore has been allocated for this project.

Key allocations in the tourism sector 1. Rs 10 crore is allocated for infrastructure development and maintenance of eco-tourism centres.

2. An amount of Rs 2.5 crore is set apart for the upgradation of Alappuzha port into a marine tourism destination with a coastal passenger terminal.

3. Initiatives will be started for establishing an airstrip network for the air travellers of Kerala who intend to fly from one domestic tourist spot to another, by using 20-40 seater planes, helicopters, and for drone-based transportation.

4. An amount of Rs 362.15 crore has been earmarked for the planning and implementation of initiatives like tourism hubs and destination challenges. 25 eco-friendly and self-sufficient tourism hubs will be set up in the state within 5 years.

5. Rs 81 crore has been allocated for formulating marketing strategies and other promotional activities of the tourism sector.

6. Rs 132.14 crore has been earmarked for the schemes like ‘One Panchayath - One Destination’, viability gap funding to attract private entrepreneurs to the tourism sector and renovation/rejuvenation of existing destinations/products.

7. Vallamkali (boat race), the traditional tourism attraction of Kerala is getting more active now. Rs 15 crore is set apart to transform the Champions Boat League into an Indian Pre League model world-class sport with twelve venues.

8. Pilgrim tourism circuits will be strengthened. A detailed plan will be prepared for pilgrim tourism circuits such as Sabarimala, Achankovil, Aryankavu, Kulathupuzha, Kottarakkara, Panthalam, Chengannur and Erumeli.

Caravan tourism Kerala has initiated caravan tourism to host domestic and foreign guests. The state's first Caravan Park was opened at the scenic tourism spot at Vagamon in the hilly district of Idukki in February. The park, the first of its kind in Kerala, as part of the state government's new Caravan Tourism policy, was thrown open to travellers on February 25.

As many as 226 caravans and 85 caravan parks have registered under the Caravan Tourism Project launched by the Tourism Department. Applications have been received for opening the parks in all districts and leading the list are Idukki (18 parks), Wayanad (16) and Palakkad (14).

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Creating new memories of Moscow

Typical Russian souvenirs include nesting dolls (matryoshki) and models of St. Basil’s. Pictured: View Point at the Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills) in south-west Moscow. Source: RIA Novosti / Vladimir Fedorenko

Nearly 75 percent of Russians are city dwellers, and more and more they are thinking about how to make their cities better. Creating a positive urban brand is essential in an increasingly globalized world where cities compete for residents, business people and companies. Cities that make a good first impression hold the advantage in this competition.

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Russia has long had a reputation as a cold, unfriendly country and Moscow, as the capital, has absorbed this stereotype. Russian blogger Ilya Varlamov, known on the Internet under the handle “zyalt,” recently proposed 10 measures that could help turn Moscow into a “city for people.” Included in Varlamov’s list are bike paths, more benches and a ban on vehicles into the city center. But steps like this will take time to implement; for the moment, Moscow city authorities have decided to take a more cosmetic approach.

In April, local authorities announced a tender to develop a new tourism brand for the city. Participants in the competition must submit an “original and organic logo to project Moscow as a global tourism center;” come up with a slogan in English and Russian; and present visuals, colors, videos and a brandbook that describes all the key elements.

The bear created for the 1980 Olympic Games has become a popular symbol of Moscow. Source: Press Photo

“We understand that creating a recognizable brand is only a way to attract attention,” said Georgy Mokhov, Deputy Chairman of the Moscow Tourism and Hotel Committee. “Our main goal is to create comfortable conditions for tourists to come and enjoy Moscow. We’ve taken a number of steps last year: set up a call center for tourists as well as a Web portal travel2moscow.com , added signs in English throughout the city and published guides in eight languages like ‘Unusual Moscow Museums and Monuments’ and ‘Moscow’s Metro.’”

The city’s Committee on Tourism and several local entreprenuers have also decided that the souvenirs tourists take home from Moscow could also use some updating. The Russian capital is associated with the standard souvenirs that can be found anywhere in Russia: nesting dolls (matryoshki), scarves, samovars, painted tablewear and fur hats.

Alexander Elzesser, a young Muscovite, wants to prove to tourists and Russians alike that Moscow, indeed, has a heart. His company, Babushkov, is working to develop a brand it calls Heart of Moscow . Through a blog and the sale of a wide range of products, Babushkov is trying to make as many people as possible fall in love with the Russian capital.

Elzesser from the earliest years of his life lived in the center, by day suffocating in traffic jams and by night enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the city. “I know that Moscow has a lot of problems, but I love my city,” Elzesser said. “And if everyone can come to consider it the best city on Earth, then everything will change very quickly.”

The Heart of Moscow is a symbol in the shape of one of the domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, colored in with red and white stripes. Elzesser has put the symbol not only on items that are traditionally associated with Russia, such as winter socks and mittens, but on notebooks and covers for smartphones.

The Wow Moscow Web site also offers souvenirs that cannot be bought anywhere else. All the goods on the site feature the same symbol: a stylized smile.

“We feel that Moscow has a lot to offer that can pleasantly surprise, cause one to smile and make foreign guests say ‘Wow!’ This was all reflected in the project,” said Alexander Sapov, one of the founders of the Capital City – International Cultural Center movement, which was involved in developing the brand.

The Moscow Committee on Tourism recently spent 5 million rubles ($160,000) to develop souvenirs that will appeal to the modern traveler. Their new items include U.S.B.-drives in the form of nesting dolls, mouse pads featuring a panorama of the city, and ballpoint pens mounted in wooden spoons. Currently, the committee is using the souvenirs as promotional items, giving them away at international tourism trade shows.

The goal of the city project, like that of Wow Moscow and Heart of Moscow, is to contradict the stereotype that Moscow is a city of stressed, frustrated, cold people. They all want to show the world that the Russian capital has heart, and a smile for visitors, too.

Tourists buying souvenirs in central Moscow. Source: ITAR-TASS

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

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