How is Kerala Investing Rs 6 Crore in Responsible Tourism?

Thiruvananthapuram, May 19 (NationPress) The Kerala government has allocated Rs 6.01 crore to support initiatives aimed at enhancing eco-friendly waste management and providing training for various Responsible Tourism (RT) units, with a focus on women-led projects.

The funding will facilitate the establishment of biogas plants for homestays, the creation of carbon-neutral packages, training programs, and awareness campaigns.

State Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas highlighted that promoting responsible tourism is a fundamental aspect of government policy.

"This financial support will rejuvenate the sector and solidify Kerala's standing in the global tourism arena," stated Riyas, who is related by marriage to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Biogas facilities will be made available to women-operated homestays registered with the State RT Mission Society.

Moreover, two waste treatment plants will be allocated to one Experience Ethnic Cuisine and one Agri Tourism unit in each district.

Five kayaking units recognized by the RT Mission Society will each receive Rs 40,000 as financial support to launch carbon-neutral packages.

Additionally, funds have been allocated to implement recommendations from the Kerala Digital Science Innovation and Technology for other environmentally responsible programs.

A total of Rs 50 lakh has been earmarked for environmental projects, while Rs 75 lakh is designated for various training initiatives across different RT Mission societies.

This includes training focused on digital marketing and artificial intelligence within the tourism sector, alongside workshops for newly elected local government representatives on RT projects.

Approximately 100 workshops will be held statewide to educate teachers and students at Plus One, Plus Two, and college levels about RT principles and packages, encouraging visits to RT project sites during their educational tours.

Furthermore, allocations have been made for raising awareness about these projects, conducting special training in the Athirapally region to engage the tribal community through responsible tourism and general tourism activities, operating the RT Mission Society Training Centre, and managing various training programs, including a digital training initiative.

The state has set aside Rs 76 lakh for a cultural exchange program and a workshop to develop a tourism policy that highlights the significant local interventions of the RT Mission's initiatives, such as STREET, PEPPER, and Model Tourism Villages, to an international audience.

This initiative also includes training to promote cultural tourism and formulate policies that connect with global RT communities.

Furthermore, the government has allocated Rs 2 crore to enhance the promotion and marketing of the RT Mission Society, along with another Rs 2 crore for regular operational expenses.