Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Tourism has launched what it calls a 'bio-bubble model' to create protective layers of mostly inoculated service providers to be able to host tourist visitors as the state opens itself for the next season, subject to strict Covid-19 protocols as made applicable by the State government.  A bio-bubble is meant to be a protective shield that is used to host sporting events during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  With the opening of tourism centres in Kerala on Monday after several months owing to Covid-19 infection, the state could set an example for the whole country in protecting tourists from the infection under the 'bio-bubble' model.

These tourism centres will now be accessible to tourists who have taken at least a single dose of Covid vaccine or possess a negative RT-PCR test certificate taken in the last 72 hours. This rule is applicable to hotels, resorts, home stays, houseboats and open spaces for tourists. Bio-bubbles are sanitised, safe and secure environments where people within them who are likely to come into contact with tourists are vaccinated.

The protective ring of the bio-bubble will ensure that tourists reaching any airport in Kerala meet only vaccinated ground staff. From the airport they can reach their destination by cabs provided by accredited tour operators whose drivers are all vaccinated.

Kerala Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas said the 'bio-bubble' model forms part of a set of well-planned and time-bound schemes initiated by the state tourism department for an early revival of the pandemic-ravaged travel and hospitality sector by turning all tourism spots cent per cent safe zones.

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