Kerala hotels may get alcohol licenses to boost MICE business
Friday, 21 Feb, 2016
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Kerala hotels, struggling after a state ban on serving alcohol, may be offered a lifeline.
The Economic Times reports hotels will be given short term dispensation to serve booze during events, meetings and exhibitions held on the premises.
A state law enacted last year only allows five star hotels to serve alcohol.
Other hotels can apply for a one-time liquor license but the industry says costs are prohibitive.
"MICE needs a transparent liquor policy and the recent policy announcements have had some impact on this business. Soon a new directive will come, which will allow hotels conducting MICE events to avail themselves of short-term liquor licence and that too at an affordable price," said Nandakumar KP, deputy director of Kerala Tourism.
The hotel industry has been pushing for a more liberal policy as it competes with other states and neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka for lucrative MICE business.
Meetings and incentive travel makes up nearly 30% of tourism revenue in Kerala.
Nandakumar says any change in rules will likely have to wait until after state assembly elections in a few months.
"We are hoping it comes up before the next tourist season," he said.
Nandakumar also said Kerala is targeting Indian cities and overseas markets such as Russia, China and Japan to position the state as a preferred destination for weddings and MICE events.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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