Amidst concerns of increasing cases, the Kerala government has launched a mass drive to make the tourism destinations in the state 'complete vaccinated zones' by giving vaccination to everyone working in the sector.

With thisend in view, on Tuesday, Kerala Tourism and Public Works Minister P A Mohammed Riyas inaugurated via online the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the tourism sector at Vythiri in northern Wayanad district, a sought after holiday destination. The state-wide drive was being carried out with the support of the Health Department. He said the state would soon be made a safer holiday destination after completing 100 percent vaccination of those working in the sector.

After the implementation of the pilot project at Vythiri and Meppady village panchayats, it would be extended to all holiday destinations in the state in a phased manner, the minister said.  ''The government has decided to implement 100 percent vaccination in the tourism sector as part of its rejuvenation plans. It is inevitable to regain the confidence of the sector and for its revival which has most adversely been affected due to the spread of the COVID-19,'' Riyas said.

Besides the health department, 'Doctors for You', an NGO, is also associated with the drive and has offered three mobile vaccination units and the service of expert doctors for the initiative, the department sources said.

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