Kerala is offering a range of responsible and eco-tourism holidays for 2019 as part of its ongoing efforts towards providing sustainable tourism.
Speaking to Travel Bulletin at SATTE, officials from the state tourism board said that holidaymakers should visit the tropical state to enjoy its warm beaches and hill stations.
"One doesn't need a long-haul holiday to witness Kerala. Even a short break as short as four to five days is good to explore an itinerary comprising beaches, backwaters, and hill stations, all witihin a distance of 200km to 250km," one on-stand official commented. The tourism board also encourages visitors to choose homestays as they will receive a more authentic experience of the lifestyle of the people and contribute to the local economy.
Alappuzha is India?s first 'barrier-free' or differently-abled-friendly beach. As part of this, Kerala Tourism has built a 50m ramp on one side of the beach. It has set up signage in Braille, made available audio-visual aids as well as provisions for automatic wheelchairs. Similar projects have also been taken up on other beaches in the state.
A nodal agency, RT (Responsible Tourism) Mission, was formed by the state government in 2017. It is envisaged with a 'triple-bottom-line' mission which comprises economic, social and environmental responsibilities. Making tourism a tool for the development of villages and local communities, eradicating poverty and giving emphasis to women's empowerment are the main aims of the Responsible Tourism Mission. The mission aspires to provide an additional income and a better livelihood to farmers, traditional artisans, and marginalised people along with creating a social and environmental equilibrium.
The eco-tourism initiatives aim to create awareness amongst travellers on the need for conservation of the environment with the help of local people, who are mostly tribal. Each of the destinations earmarked for this purpose caters to the tastes of both ardent nature lovers and those adventurers who want to live their lives on the edge.
To find out more, visit www.keralatourism.org
