SWTD Cruises Attract 1.55 Lakh Tourists with Vega and See Kuttanad

Swift Summary

• Vega adn See Kuttanad Services:

– The State Water transport Department’s boat services Vega and See Kuttanad are highly popular among tourists for scenic backwater cruises in Alappuzha, Kerala.
– Vega (120-seater) launched in December 2020 generated ₹5 crore revenue from carrying 1.15 lakh tourists over 55 months,recovering its ₹2.10 crore investment earlier than expected.
– See kuttanad (90-seater) launched in November 2022 transported over 40,000 tourists in two years, earning ₹1.55 crore revenue close to recovering its ₹1.90 crore construction cost.

• Tour Features:

– Cruises pass through landmarks like Punnamada backwaters, Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal island; serve conventional Kerala food such as pearl spot fry and clam roast onboard.
– Departure times: Vega at 11 a.m.; see Kuttanad at 11:30 a.m., both starting at Alappuzha boat jetty.

• Ticket Details:

– Non-AC tickets: ₹400; AC seats: ₹600 (Vega).- lower deck tickets: ₹400; upper deck tickets: ₹500 (See Kuttanad).
Result possible advanced booking.

• Upcoming Initiative:

SWTD plans to launch “Kuttanad Safari,” an immersive tourism service modeled after desert safaris offering full scenic coverage of the region.

indian Opinion Analysis

The swift success of Vega and See Kuttanad highlights Kerala’s ability to leverage its natural resources into economically sustainable tourism ventures while offering authentic cultural experiences. generating meaningful revenue within short operational periods suggests high tourist interest in affordable yet immersive travel options focused on regional heritage and landscapes.

Operationally recouping investments earlier than projected demonstrates efficient management by the SWTD that could serve as a model for public-sector-led tourism initiatives across India. Additionally, the upcoming “Kuttanad Safari” underscores efforts to diversify offerings for prolonged visitor engagement with the region’s unique geography.

From an economic outlook, these ventures contribute directly to local employment-from transport operations to Kudumbashree-cooked meals onboard-creating ripple effects that align with rural development goals.however, long-term success will depend on maintaining ecological balance within fragile ecosystems like backwater wetlands while expanding services responsibly amidst growing demand.

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