March 28, 2014
Kerala
Tourism has won the prestigious UN award for Excellence and
Innovation in Tourism this year (2014). The award was conferred on
22nd
of January, 2014. This is for the first time that an Indian
organisation has been conferred with such an honour at the global
level. The award is honoured by the United Nations World Tourism
Organisation (UNWTO).
While
reading this news clip, I came across a catchy phrase called
‘Responsible Tourism’. It is for the excellent management of this
‘Responsible Tourism’ in Kumarakom the top honour has been given.
So, I was curious to know more about Responsible Tourism.
Responsible
Tourism is an offshoot of Eco Tourism, which is also known as
Sustainable Tourism. This project aims at creating awareness about
eco-balance, conservation of local environment, respecting local
culture and the project encourages more and more involvement by the
local people by supporting the local economy. It is a team work
involving both the host ad the guest. The project is making news
globally and already a network involving major countries of the world
has been formed.
What
is the role of India in this project? India, being a multi-cultural
nation, is an important member of Responsible Tourism. Kerala has
been a major contributor in this regard and the project was initiated
in Kerala in the year 2008. Kerala selected Kumarakom region as its
field of work and today the destination is regarded as a model for
Sustainable Tourism.
Kumarakom
project in Kerala has promoted local crafts and culture in the global
scenario. Efforts have been made to co-ordinate among the natives by
inviting the villagers, travel agencies, academicians, farmer groups,
NGOs, local businessmen and leaders to join the network of
responsible Tourism. Travel and hospitality sector of this project
functions in an environment-friendly way.
In
a nutshell, the scope of Tourism has been expanded by making it
responsible, socially and economically as to help the local people.
Four destinations of Kerala state have been functioning on this
project. They are Kumarakom, Kovalam, Thekkady and Waynad in Kerala.
Won’t
you be interested to explore the destinations mentioned above?!
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