Focus on mutual benefit for locals and tourists

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The second phase of responsible tourism to be implemented in the state would focus on economic, social and environmental responsibility.Apart from Kochi, Thekkady, Kumarakom and Wayanad, three more places including Kumbalangi, Bekkal and Ambalavayal (Wayanad) would be included. The Kerala Institute of Travel and Tourism Studies (KITTS) is the nodal agency appointed by the government to implement the project. KITTS principal B Vijayakumar said that a report would be prepared to provide all the materials that were locally made. This would be a new experience for the guests which would ensure quality and benefit the local community along with the tourism industry.“Good energy management, waste management and environment practice would be implemented. Locally produced egg, fish and meat would be provided to all hotels in these places,” he said.In the second phase, those who produce quality vegetables and hoteliers who purchase it would be honoured. A certificate will be issued to those who practice responsible tourism.Each product would be tagged to enable the guests to know from where it is produced. With the implementation of  responsible tourism, the tourists would get a real village experience.Hotels would be classified and training provided when the project would be implemented. The local community would be empowered with the help of local self-government and those in the tourism industry for their mutual benefit.Responsible tourism was first implemented in Kumarakom and it was a big success. Kudumbashree was appointed as the consultant for effective implementation.Vegetable cultivation would be undertaken by the Kudumbashree members at the land provided by the local bodies. The tourists would also get a first hand information on the locally- made products with the facility to visit the farms.