Kollam tourism set for a mega makeover

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

The View From India Looking at World Affairs from the Indian perspective.

First Day First Show News and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming.

Today's Cache Your download of the top 5 technology stories of the day.

Data Point Decoding the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers

Health Matters Ramya Kannan writes to you on getting to good health, and staying there

The Hindu On Books Books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features.

With a vision to welcome 20 lakh travellers each year, the Department of Tourism is set to unveil a vibrant tapestry of projects to transform Kollam into a premier global destination.

Speaking after a series of high-level discussions following his visit to Kollam, Tourism and Culture Minister P. C. Vishnunadh said that international-standard entertainment facilities will be developed centering around Ashtamudi Lake. Catering to changing demographics, modern gaming zones will be established keeping not just Gen Z but also Gen Alpha in mind. Additionally, accommodation facilities will be upgraded to encourage family tourism, with the primary objective of encouraging tourists to extend their stay in the district.

The initiative also envisions the development of a dedicated market for local products, which is expected to significantly elevate the living standards of the local community. The construction phase of these modern facilities will generate immediate employment opportunities, while their completion will further boost direct and indirect employment in the region. The government expects a minimum annual revenue of ₹50 crore from the sector through these interventions.

As part of the plan, houseboat cruises through the backwaters and short-distance tourism capitalising on the potential of the historic Thangassery Lighthouse will be introduced. To add cultural value to the tourism experience, the department will organise cultural programmes, showcase traditional art forms, and create dedicated spaces for local artisans. High-quality infrastructure will also be integrated into the project through public-private partnerships.

“A sustainable tourism model will be curated for future generations while strictly ensuring the protection of biodiversity. Among the upcoming attractions is a floating restaurant on the backwaters capable of accommodating 100 people at a time, alongside extensive facilities for water sports. Guided tours into the mangrove forests will also be arranged to