Before the pandemic, thousands of tourists flocked to Alleppey for houseboat cruising, making it one of Kerala’s most popular tourist attractions. However, during the COVID-19 crisis, only under 10% of houseboats were operational due to stringent regulations set by the Kerala Health Department. Strict health protocols required thorough sanitization of boats after each guest visit, leading to increased costs and reduced availability of services. Despite the drastic drop in tourist numbers, the rates of houseboat rentals remained unchanged because very few boat owners were operating at the time. The lack of tourists severely affected boat operators, workers, and businesses dependent on houseboat tourism, adding to the overall economic distress in the region.
Impact on Houseboat Tourism in Alleppey
Before the pandemic, thousands of tourists flocked to Alleppey for houseboat cruising, making it one of Kerala’s most popular tourist attractions. However, during the COVID-19 crisis, only under 10% of houseboats were operational due to stringent regulations set by the Kerala Health Department. Strict health protocols required thorough sanitization of boats after each guest visit, leading to increased costs and reduced availability of services. The lack of tourists severely affected boat operators, workers, and businesses dependent on houseboat tourism, adding to the overall economic distress in the region.
The New Year season in Alleppey has once again proven to be an extremely busy time for houseboat tourism. Both December 2024 and early January 2025 saw an overwhelming demand for houseboats, Leaving many tourists disappointed because of limited availability. With the rising popularity of Alleppey, it’s crucial for travelers to consider the Alleppey houseboat rate 2025 and make early bookings to ensure a memorable experience on the serene backwaters.