Challenging reforms affect tourism in Munroe Island; dip in tourist flow this year

The dip in the number of tourists visiting Munroe Island is a cause of concern. The residents believe that the tourism sector will improve if the infrastructure is improved, the island is made attractive, and better campaigns are initiated. All of these might increase the inflow of tourists to the island next year. 

For around 300 families on Munroe Island, the tourism sector is their direct source of livelihood. Thousands of families receive ancillary income through tourism. The 99 percent of the income that is generated through this sector goes back to the natives themselves. Along with a rise in the local businesses, buildings are also erected destroying the natural ecosystem on the island.

Strong measures should be taken to prevent illegal construction. Planting hibiscus, jungle geraniums and other floral plants on the hedges will add to the beauty of the island. Strong measures should be taken to control pollution and littering. Measures should be taken to control noise pollution as well. 

Challenges in the reforms:

Local tourists prefer backwaters, however, foreigners like to travel across small streams. Through the journey across the creeks, the life and natural beauty of the village can be thoroughly enjoyed. However, in these small streams, larger boats cannot be used as their navigation is difficult especially during high tides.

With an increase in accidents and casualties, stringent rules are put into effect.If these rules are implemented, carrying foreigners across small streams would be stopped. Residents of the island hope that the officials will cancel these reforms, as these rules may become disadvantageous to tourism and stop foreigners from visiting the island.

The Monroe Island Tourism Development Co-operative Society has been formed for those working in the tourism sector who will be eligible for membership. The aim of this Cooperative Society is to provide financial assistance to those working in the field of tourism to help them arrange facilities for the tourists, to organise programmes to woo chartered tourists, and to provide training to obtain the certificates required in this sector. 

This Society was initiated under the leadership of the former Grama Panchayat president Binu Karunakaran.