The Hindu Business Line : Kerala focuses on responsible tourism

Kochi, March 23 Kerala has embarked on its responsible tourism initiative with a focus on economic responsibility, said Dr Venu V., Secretary-Tourism, Government of Kerala. The State Government has, in fact, declared responsible tourism as official policy, he stated at the ongoing second international conference on ‘Responsible Tourism in Destinations’ in Kochi.

Aimed at ‘creating better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit’, responsible tourism focuses on three key aspects — the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism.

The decision to focus on economic responsibility was taken following a series of workshops, surveys and dialogue with various stakeholders from across the State, he explained. This process, which started early last year, led to the decision to implement responsible tourism projects in four destinations — Kumarakom, Kovalam, Thekkady and Wayanad.

The focus was on creating economic linkages, local entrepreneurship, leadership of local government and ensuring benefits to the poor. Kerala’s State Poverty Eradication Mission or Kudumbashree, with its network of women’s self-help groups, was roped in to implement the economic aspect of the project.

The emphasis was on developing micro enterprises that used local resources to supply hotels at the selected destinations with produce such as fruits, vegetables, milk and meat.

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Kerala focuses on responsible tourism