Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Responsible Tourism comes to Kovalam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The famed beach resort of Kovalam will become the second tourist destination in the State to introduce Responsible Tourism with its formal launch on Wednesday.

Kumarakom was the first tourist centre in the State that adopted the Responsible Tourism concept. Thekkady and Wayanad are the other two tourist destinations where Kerala Tourism is launching the project on a trial basis.

The Destination-level Responsible Tourism Committee has taken the initiative to establish a link between local entrepreneurship and the tourism industry. A survey of the consumption pattern of the 100-odd hotels housed in the beach resort was taken up. Based on the findings, steps have been taken to mobilise a part of their needs from the local community.

The plan is to deliver locally available products, especially farm produce, to the hotels, thereby establishing the critical linkage. Kudumbasree units are expected play a key role in the initiative.

Official sources said that an agreement had been reached to supply locally produced vegetables to a couple of hotels in Kovalam as per their needs. In addition, the self-help groups would take steps to make available eco-friendly baskets and paper bags.

Responsible Tourism aims at minimising negative economic, environmental and social impacts, generating greater economic benefits for the local society, and enhancing the well-being of host communities. It also focuses on improving working conditions and access to the industry, involves local people in the decision-making process that affects their lives.

Stakeholders ranging from the local community, tour operators to educational institutions are involved in the initiative. Women under self-help groups have been mobilised to take up vegetable and dairy farming enterprises.

Minister for Tourism Kodiyeri Balakrishnan would launch the initiative.

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