Kumarakom: After attracting international attention for its Responsible Tourism initiatives during the pre-COVID-19 days, Kumarakom village in Kottayam district of Kerala is now transforming itself into a ‘Workation tourism’ destination as the threat of the global pandemic subsides.
Professionals from several Information Technology (IT) firms in the country are already spending quality time in the pristine backwater tourism spot. In fact, employees of eight IT firms are regularly arriving in Kumarakom and spending at least a week in the village.
Resorts spruced up
There are 23 resorts and hotels in Kumarakom and almost all of them have arranged facilities for guests to work such as high-speed internet and office rooms. “The tourism sector in Kumarakom has come alive again thanks to ‘workation tourism’,” say Sanjay Verma and K Arun Kumar, president and secretary respectively of the Chamber of Vembanad Hotels and Resorts Association.
Various IT firms ensure that resorts are equipped with proper internet connectivity, comfortable rooms, leisure area, hall, COVID-19 protocols and clean environment before sending their staff for the ‘workation’. In fact, company representatives themselves stay at the resorts and hotels for some days before carrying out the booking for employees.
Attractions
Among the major attractions for travellers in Kumarakom are backwater cruise, cool breeze on the lakeshore, dip in the swimming pool and exquisite cuisine.