kottayam post covid19 the trend in tourism is set to change in the state with social distancing to remain as part of our daily life destinations that used to attract masses will give way to lesserknown and unexplored destinations tour operators and kerala tourism have launched an initiative to tap domestic tourism potential they are also banking on the nris that are set to return to the state the difficulty in travelling to destinations outside the state in the postcovid19 era is the main reason that will give a chance to the natives to explore their own land the tourism sector will also look to tap this potential as the flow of tourists from abroad will take time to pick upsreekumar a tour operator here said keralites used to spend good money on sightseeing trips outside the state and country for the next one year these package trips will not be there and these people will have to travel within the state he said he was apprehensive about nris spending money on travel as their financial situation was not clear salaried employees who travel may also face some difficulties as in many cases allowance like lta have been taken away he said also talks are held with hotels and resorts to slash rates for travellers within the statehowever the responsible tourism rt mission of the state tourism department is looking at the current scenario as an opportunity to tap the potential of the unexplored destinations in the state already rt has identified destinations and have created promotional videos about these places the rt is also promoting art performing arts and native food of the state along with the new destinations we are trying to create an opportunity for keralites to discover their own land they can get a firsthand experience of art forms like theyyam visit rare destinations and taste ethnic food said roopesh kumar state coordinator of rt mission rt has also planned a cultural experience package for those natives who are keen to learn more about art forms like theyyam and theeyattu we want to give a natural feeling for the travellers for example in theyyam we have performers registered with us we will arrange the performance in the local temple or in the house of the artist the travellers can stay in the village have local food and get a firsthand experience said roopesh