The long association of Gulf Travelers and Tourists with the Coast of Malabar/Kerala and its culture is millenniums old. However, their strong presence on the beautiful landscape of Kerala was sporadic until the historic migration of working hands into West Asia in the last decades of the past century. Monsoon rains, mists, clouds and backwater attractions pulled in few medium budget Arab tourists to this land during rainfall months of June to September which was considered off-season in consideration to Western Tourism. Arabs were lured to this destination by word-of-mouth rather than glossy multi-colour brochures speaking their psyche and language, or descriptions of facilities, amenities and services carved specifically taken into account cultural preferences or social distinctiveness of Arab guests. Thanks to integrated efforts of tourism development ministries of the State and the Center coupled with charismatic endeavours of visionary operators who boldly raised to the occasion, Arab tourism has done away with the peak season and off-season concepts altogether. Arab tourists on the Kerala map are throughout the year now. Language no longer is a barrier and cultural inhibitions do not exist at all up to the level of opening the heart to ask the kind of service or information they are in need of. A large pool of Arabic speaking Gulf experienced chauffeurs/drivers and a host of restaurant chefs familiar with West Asian and Mediterranean cuisine give a feeling at home. Opening up natural healthcare avenues and water ride/recreation facilities where Arab families can trust while preserving their pristine culture have widened the scope and measures of travel and tourism further.
What makes Kerala an Arab favourite destination!
Nestling between the Western Ghats and the Southwest coast of India, Kerala’s unique position provides easy access from the Arabian Gulf. Leisure travel is at its best in Kerala. Waterways are unique and houseboat travel through these marine blue surfaces is rated far above the world’s Venetian joy rides. Some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, abundant thick forests, rich green plains, and misty heights go in parallel to the waterways. Kerala is also home to the most beautiful tropical forests. The huge assortment of flora and fauna here is the delight of any naturalist. A joy ride atop an elephant facilitates a lasting experience for a long. Kerala has it all, aptly surnamed God’s Own Country.
Major components that set the trend and tread the path for the present boom:
Gateway Malabar Holidays – Arabs own Gateway
Gateway Malabar Holidays Pvt. Ltd when founding in 2006 aimed to foray into the Arab clientele introducing moderate vacation tour packages to the land of Kerala. In the first year of inception 25 satisfied Arab families were hosted and now the company name is a synonym for Arab tourism. GMH (P) Ltd., with a boldly built reputation in Kerala’s Tourism industry as a huge producer of inbound travel business during the off-season (June to September) with an overall production of 23,000 rooms during the last offseason, has a strong buying power. The company offers the best rates in the industry including in high-end hotels in Kerala and is recognized by KTM (Kerala Travel Mart society) and ATTOI (Association of Tourism Trade Organizations, India). It is the first and only travel company in Kerala accredited by Crescent Rating-a body based in Singapore that certifies the Halal-friendly tourism promoters around the globe.
Gateway Malabar’s immaculate efforts to promote Arab tourism to the land of Kerala are widely acknowledged by both Governmental and non Governmental fraternities. Gateway Malabar was one of few delegates who visited Saudi Arabia as part of the Kerala Tourism Roadshow along with the Minister for Tourism and other dignified officials.
Some areas demanding heightened focus:
Arab traveller to India at present has some concerns over the visa formalities. Once visited and returned back, a subsequent visit will be possible only after six months to the date of departure. This makes an impediment on the cultural front. In order to ensure utmost comfort and safety for spouse and accompanied family members as well as to identify additional preparation needs before the programmed tour an initial visit to the destination by family headman is a standard procedure in some close-knit social sections. Six months of regulation stands on the way and it is high time for India to expand its tourism horizons in facilitating the issuance of visas at the airports.
On the accommodation front, some Arab societies, irrespective of the fact how affluent they are, essentially would not be comfortable with five stars houses and outbound services catered in a regular fashion. Similar to western tourists who may have their preferred recreational choices, Arab tourists enjoy cooking their own food in a family orientation ambience which would not be practical in a high-end hotel atmosphere. Therefore high-end furnished apartments with kitchen facilities or fully equipped family houses where guests prepare their food will take Arab tourism a long way positively in our land and culture.
Print Materials on behavioural and cultural issues:
Many unpleasant exchanges or unsavoury situations occur between guests and service personnel due to deficient communication or inadequate information on particular aspects or services. A wide range of attractive bilingual print materials supported by descriptive images will broaden the awareness spectrum of the guests and those who interact with them.
The picture on Kerala-Arab Tourism Map Tomorrow
Arab tourism to Malabar Coast should not be confined as a matter of school closure holiday travels or limited in Ayurvedic in-house treatment of elderly alone. Definitely, the avenues of understanding between the Arab Tourist and Kerala are expanding at an amazing range. Special care and attention to a few essentials and details will go a long way in making this opportunity favourable for both, the host country and the curious traveller.
Jihad Hussain
Gateway Malabar
