Renewed curbs deal a body blow to village tourism entrepreneurs in Kozhikode

Homestays, food joints worst hit

Containment zone regulations in some of the panchayats in Kozhikode district after the spike in COVID-19 cases are again posing a challenge to local tourism entrepreneurs who run homestays and village food joints. With the intensified checking by local bodies and curbs on entry of tourists to such spots, many small-scale investors are again heading to a financial crisis. Village tourism entrepreneurs from Thiruvambady, Koorachundu, Kakkayam, and Peruvannamoozhi lament that only their sector is now being barred from functioning. “While all other business firms and shops are functioning under regulations, we are not allowed to operate,” they say. Many local homestays run by farmers and entrepreneurs have remained closed for more than a year. Unable to withstand the maintenance cost, many such rural units have already been closed. Those who run food joints are now experimenting with takeaway delivery which is yet to generate a good income.