Wednesday, August 21, 2024 For the third consecutive year, Kerala has been honored with the prestigious Gold award for its globally recognized, sustainable, and inclusive Responsible Tourism initiative. The award was granted by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, India Chapter (ICRT India), for the Comprehensive Responsible Tourism project implemented by Kerala Tourism in Beypore, located in Kozhikode district. The Beypore project received the Gold award in the category of “Employing and Upskilling Local Community,” acknowledging the efforts made to harness the tourism potential of the area to create jobs and economically empower the local community, particularly women.
This recognition marks the third year in a row that Kerala has won the Gold award for its acclaimed Responsible Tourism initiative, which is executed through the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society (KRTM Society). Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society ’s efforts have successfully transformed Beypore into a significant tourism destination in North Kerala. The area now hosts an international water tourism festival that attracts rowers, surfers, and water sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
The first four phases of the project are expected to be completed by November this year. To date, 112 Responsible Tourism units have been established in the area, engaging in a wide range of activities and services. Among the community empowerment initiatives are the establishment of Kerala’s first government-run surfing school and training programs for local youth in various enterprises.
Additionally, tourism-oriented village assemblies (grama sabha) were conducted in the area for the first time, with 459 participants attending four sessions. Local tourism clubs have also been formed to involve the community in tourism development. Incorporating digital technology, an e-resource directory, e-brochures, and other promotional materials highlighting the area’s key features have been developed.
The Gold award will be presented at the two-day IRCT India conference scheduled to take place in New Delhi starting on August 30. Kerala Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas expressed his excitement about the achievement, stating, “It is truly thrilling to see Kerala once again winning the esteemed ICRT India Gold award, especially with Beypore being recognized for this honor.” “This achievement underscores the success of Kerala’s sustainable and inclusive tourism development model, which focuses on the social and economic empowerment of the local community by leveraging the vast potential of tourism,” Riyas added.
Tourism Secretary K Biju highlighted the impact of the Responsible Tourism initiative, saying, “The RT initiative has significantly contributed to adding new destinations to the state’s tourism circuit, with active participation from the local community.” Tourism Director Sikha Surendran emphasized the broader benefits of the project, stating, “The RT project in Kerala has demonstrated that tourism can be a powerful tool for local empowerment, particularly for women and youth. It also plays a vital role in preserving nature and heritage, enhancing the overall experience for visitors to Kerala.
” KRTM Society CEO K Rupeshkumar shared insights on the project’s long-term vision, “Launched in 2021, the project aims to position Beypore on the global tourism map as a successful model of participatory development in tourism.”.
