Kakkadampoyil is set to get a comprehensive tourism development master plan, with the Koodaranhi grama panchayat in Kozhikode and the adjoining Oorngattiri grama panchayat in Malappuram planning to coordinate efforts to develop the prominent hill station as a major tourism destination. The plan under discussion with the State government will seek to integrate infrastructure development, tourism promotion, environmental conservation and local economic development under a common framework approved by the Tourism department. The initiative, according to the local administrators, is aimed at unlocking the tourism potential of Kakkadampoyil while retaining the natural landscape and biodiversity of the place.

“A well-organised two-day travel mart is the first plan as part of the efforts to position the destination on the national and international tourism map. The event to be held in November in the presence of State Ministers is expected to bring together tour operators, travel agencies, hospitality sector representatives, investors and tourism experts,” says Thiruvambady MLA C. K. Kasim. He adds that it will provide a platform for all to showcase the destination’s tourism potential and explore investment and business partnerships.

Inputs from entreprenuers

According to Mr. Kasim, the proposed master plan with innovative projects like Flower Valley and eco-tourism centre, will also incorporate the suggestions of local tourism entrepreneurs operating under the Kakkadampoyil Tourism Organisation. The concerns and requirements of local investors and tourism operators will be taken into account while formulating the development framework, he adds.

A number of local investors and stakeholders have already begun preliminary discussions on the proposed development and participated in seminars recently organised by the tourism organisation to clear the roadmap. More interactive meetings are on the cards to give them a clearer understanding of the infrastructure gaps, tourism requirements and priorities identified by stakeholders in the sector.

Crucial role

“The proposed development assumes significance as Kakkadampoyil’s tourism landscape extends across the jurisdictions of Koodaranhi and Oorngattiri panchayats. The local body heads have already promised their cooperation for the initiative,” says a functionary of the Kakkadampoyil Tourism Organisation. He says the local bodies will have to play a crucial role in the timely completion of various allied infrastructure development projects.

The Kakkadampoyil-Poovaaramthode road is among the major infrastructure projects expected to receive attention. Local body members from the tourism village say improved connectivity is considered essential for facilitating tourist movement, ensuring safety in the hilly terrain and supporting the growth of local tourism enterprises.

“Ensuring that tourism contributes to the local economy is another important element of the proposed plan. The panchayats are looking at opportunities to generate employment and encourage local entrepreneurship so that residents can participate more directly in the tourism economy,” says a local tourism entrepreneur from Koodaranhi who was part of the project planning. He points out that the proposed model is expected to improve the business of local accommodation providers and attract more foreign tourists to the village.