Though Kerala is considered the cradle of houseboat tourism in the country, not a single houseboat could find a place on the list of high-end houseboat category when houseboats were classified into silver, gold and diamond categories. The categorisation was done on the basis of facilities offered and the quality of service.
Now Kerala Tourism has decided to modify its checklist for classification in order to bring more houseboats into the high-end luxury category.
According to an order issued by the Tourism department, the State government has decided to modify the checklist of facilities and services included in the scheme for classification of houseboats operated in the backwaters of the State. The decision was taken after it was found that no houseboat could be classified in the high-end category of ‘diamond vessel’ due to non-compliance with certain conditions stipulated in the guidelines. Alternate sources of energy for heating and lighting, use of bio gas stove, and green energy efficiency are included as ‘necessary’ criteria for classifying a houseboat as a diamond vessel.
