Published on : Tuesday, January 29, 2019
The UNWTO also expressed its desire for development of closer ties with Kerala Tourism, emphasizing the importance of further association which would help spread the message of sustainable tourism forward.
Responsible Tourism is gaining popularity across the world as the best way to maximize the positive impacts of tourism and minimize the negative ones.
Kerala launched the initiative in 2007, in four destinations – Kovalam, Kumarakom, Thekkady and Vythiri on a pilot basis. In 2012, the initiative was extended to three more destinations – Kumbalanghi, Bekal and Ambalavayal.
Kumarakom was the first place in the country to successfully implement RT.
In 2013, Kerala Tourism was bestowed the top United Nations Award – The UNWTO Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism, for its global leadership in creating innovative initiatives for sustainable tourism at Kumarakom. This was the first time that India ever won the recognition.
After the successful implementation of Kumarakom, RT was implemented in other tourist destinations across the State.
‘Responsible tourism’ is helping travellers, the local population and the trade with the greatest possible benefits from tourism, without causing any ecological or social damage.