The Hindu Business Line : Floating cottage launched at Poovar

TOURISM has grown into an important industry in Kerala, but unscientific and unhealthy growth is a serious problem in some of the State's major tourist destinations, said Mr K.V. Thomas, State Minister for Tourism and Fisheries. He made this observation while launching a new `eco-friendly' floating cottage at the Poovar Island Resort near the city.

In the light of the issues confronting the tourism sector, local bodies such as panchayats and municipalities should ensure that all tourism-related businesses in a particular area are in harmony with the locality's ethos, he said. Initiatives such as the `Clean Kerala, Green Kerala' project will work only if local government bodies are actively involved in the effort, he added.

Similarly, the people living in a locality should be involved in efforts to preserve the eco-system of the area, said Mr Thomas. Innovative tourism products such as the `eco-friendly' floating cottage are new avenues for growth.

Called an `eco-floatel,' the cottage at the Poovar Island Resort is intended for use by guests undergoing ayurvedic treatment at the resort. Built using natural material such as coconut timber and treated soft wood, the two-room cottage has a thatched roof. The fittings in this cottage, which has a wind-based ventilation system, are made of medicinal wood. According to officials of the resort, the total energy consumption in each room of the cottage is less than 100 watts.

Meanwhile, the resort is in the process of adding a 10,000-sq. ft. ayurvedic treatment centre and spa. This facility will offer guests a choice of both ayurvedic and non-ayurvedic therapy options under the supervision of qualified personnel, said Mr M.R. Narayanan, Managing Director, Poovar Island Resort. The resort is also in the process of adding more rooms, including a few floating cottages built on laminated ferro-cement platforms.