![The services have resumed after a long covid induced halt](http://media.assettype.com/outlooktraveller%2Fimport%2Foutlooktraveller%2Fpublic%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Ftravelnews%2Fshutterstock_1147591781.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Gradually bouncing back from a long halt, the houseboat services in Kerala have now resumed. The services had been suspended for a long time owing to the widespread pandemic and various lockdowns across the country, and as well as the shutting of borders and the restrictions on air travel.
Heavily dependent on tourism, Kerala and the boat owners took a severe hit, losing out on tourists, due to the pandemic. Now with an increase in the footfall of travellers, the boat owners have something to look forward to. Even though international travel is yet to pick up, the owners are looking forward to resuming their business after a break. The owners are also aware of the necessary covid protocols and are following the same.
However, the houseboat owners have also seen a recent dip in the number of bookings in the month of January due to rise in the number of Omicron cases.
The state tourism department also recently organised the Beypore Water Fest, one of the biggest water themed event in the country, in order boost tourism and to promote water and adventure sports in Kerala.