Kerala Tourism amends star-rating norms to include driver facilities.

Kerala Tourism to push for driver facilities in star-rating norms for hotels and resorts The Kerala Tourism department has announced plans to amend the star-rating criteria for hotels and resorts in the state to include facilities for drivers, following days of protests by drivers demanding better treatment. The move comes after a group of taxi drivers in Kerala’s financial hub, Kochi, staged a protest last week, demanding that luxury hotels provide them with clean, well-maintained washrooms. The protest, which began on June 15, gained widespread attention and drew support from various sections of the society, including the opposition parties..

The protesters claimed that many luxury hotels in Kochi charge exorbitant sums for parking, while denying drivers access to basic facilities such as toilets. They also accused the hotels of treating drivers poorly, often denying them even a cup of water. Mohamed Riyas said that the government will shortly be amending the star-rating norms for hotels and resorts to ensure that they provide adequate facilities for drivers..

We will make sure that all hotels and resorts in the state provide clean toilets, drinking water, and other basic facilities to drivers, the minister said. He added that the new norms will also include separate parking facilities for taxis and other vehicles driven by professionals. The Kerala Tourism department will convene a meeting with hoteliers and other stakeholders to discuss the proposed changes to the star-rating norms..

The department will also set up a committee to monitor the implementation of the new norms. We will make sure that all hotels and resorts are in compliance with the new norms by the end of this year, the minister said. The protest by drivers last week highlighted the poor treatment they receive at the hands of hoteliers..

Many drivers said they are forced to urinate on the roads or in the open, while others said they have been denied even a cup of water. We are not asking for much, just a clean toilet and a cup of water, said a protesting driver. The hoteliers, however, argue that they are unable to provide facilities for drivers due to the lack of space and other facilities..

They claim that the new norms will put them at a financial disadvantage, as they would be forced to invest in new facilities to attract and retain drivers. The Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA) said that the new norms will increase the cost of operation for hotels, which may affect employment in the sector. The KHRA also argued that the new norms will create an uneven playing field for hotels, as some may not have the facilities to accommodate drivers..

The association requested the government to reconsider the new norms and to engage in a dialogue with hoteliers to find a solution that works for all stakeholders. Kerala has been a popular tourist destination in India for decades, attracting millions of visitors from across the country and abroad. The state’s tourism industry contributes significantly to its economy, with a large number of people employed in the sector..

However, the sector has faced numerous challenges in the past few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected tourism globally. The new norms, which are expected to be implemented shortly, will be a significant departure from the existing criteria for star-rating hotels and resorts. The existing norms do not have any specific provisions for drivers, and many hotels have taken advantage of this loophole to deny drivers basic facilities..

The new norms are expected to address this issue and provide a more level playing field for hotels to treat drivers with respect. The implementation of the new norms will be monitored by the Kerala Tourism department, which will conduct regular checks to ensure that hotels and resorts are in compliance. The department will also engage with hoteliers and other stakeholders to discuss any challenges they may face in implementing the new norms..

The government has also requested the Kerala Police to provide support to the Tourism department in implementing the new norms. The police will conduct joint checks with the Tourism department to ensure that hotels and resorts are in compliance with the new norms. The Kerala Police have assured the government that they will provide full support..

The new norms are expected to be a significant step forward for the state’s tourism industry, which has been plagued by issues related to the treatment of drivers. By including facilities for drivers in the star-rating norms, the government is sending a strong message that it values the contributions of drivers to the tourism sector. It is also a step towards creating a more tourist-friendly destination in Kerala..