In an effort to revitalize caravan tourism in Kerala, the state government has appointed Vishnuraj P., Additional Director General of the Tourism Department, as the nodal officer to address the challenges faced by the project. Launched three years ago with high expectations, caravan tourism was anticipated to be a transformative initiative for Kerala’s tourism industry, similar to the introduction of houseboats in the 1980s. However, the project has struggled to gain traction despite various measures taken by the state to attract investors and tourists.
The lack of industry support and stakeholder engagement has contributed to the project’s stagnation. Despite the state’s efforts, caravan tourism has not resonated with tourists or investors. A caravan owner expressed his frustration to The Hindu, highlighting the challenges faced by the industry. “Although a private caravan park was operational in the state until recently, it was on the verge of closure due to poor response,” he stated. “I invested around ₹80 lakh in purchasing the caravan and have been spending a considerable amount on maintaining the staff and vehicle. However, there are virtually no caravan parks available in the state. We’ve been sustaining ourselves by renting out the vehicle for cab services, corporate pick-ups and drops, medical tourism activities, events, marriage functions, and pilgrim tours.”
The high cost of renting caravans has also been a deterrent for tourists. The owner explained that they charge ₹25,000 per day, requiring tourists to hire the vehicle for at least two days to explore a destination in one night. This pricing model contrasts with the Western approach, where caravans are marketed as a more affordable option for overnight stays in remote locations. “Here, we position it as a luxury premium product, which is the main difference,” the owner noted.
As of July 1, there are 13 caravans operating in Kerala. The state government has invested ₹95.5 lakh in subsidies to encourage private investment in caravans and an additional ₹95 lakh for promotional activities. The budget for the current financial year includes ₹3.10 crore for further promotion of the project.
In response to the lack of private investment, the Tourism Department has sanctioned ₹2.75 crore for the establishment of caravan parks at KTDC-owned Bolgatty Palace Hotel in Kochi and another at Bekal in Kasaragod. These initiatives aim to provide dedicated spaces for caravans and boost the project’s appeal among tourists and investors.
The appointment of a nodal officer and the development of new caravan parks reflect the government’s commitment to overcoming the challenges faced by caravan tourism in Kerala. By addressing these issues, the state hopes to unlock the potential of this unique tourism offering and create a sustainable model for future growth.
