Friday, Apr 26 2019 | Time 21:34 Hrs(IST)
image
  • Protest sparked after pregnant lady dies in Jammu hospital, board of doctors set up
  • CBI lodged FIR on selling of 7 sugar mills during BSP regime in UP
  • LS polls : 91 nominations filed in Punjab on 5th day
  • Laws for poor and common people became possible due to strong Left: Brinda Karat
  • BJP demands action against Arup Patnaik for utilizing Biju Yuva Vahini in election campaign
  • Interstate gang arrested for stealing buses
  • Youth gets 7-yr RI for raping minor tribal girl
  • Ex-HP Minister Vidya Sagar passes away
  • Centre accepts Amarinder's request to relax wheat norms for procurement
  • Badals, Captain playing friendly match: Brahmpura
  • Constitution under threat under BJP govt : Hooda
  • No one can stop Modi from becoming PM again: Yogi
  • Officer dies in blaze on aircraft carrier 'INS Vikramaditya'
  • Kerala CM condemns PM on Varanasi speech
  • A policeman injured in militant attack on police station in Srinagar
States » SouthPosted at: Jan 28 2019 5:45PM


Kerala world leader in Responsible Tourism: ICRT founder

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 28 (UNI) Albeit major business progress and changes are happening across the world in Responsible Tourism (RT) sector, at the destination level Kerala is now long way ahead and has emerged the world leader in RT, Dr Harold Goodwin, Founder and Director, International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) said here on Monday.

“Places like South Africa, Gambia and Barcelona are doing a great deal in the sector. But the community participation in the state is a unique element,” Dr Harold noted while speaking at the International symposium on “PEPPER Project and Experiential Tourism Packages,” organized by the State Responsible Tourism Mission and Department of Tourism here.

People’s Participation for Participatory Planning and Empowerment through Responsible Tourism (PEPPER) was launched in November 2017.

“RT provides access for people with disabilities and socially disadvantaged people. It transforms negative elements into beneficial factors that elevate the lives of local population. The aspiration of RT is to use tourism rather than to be used by it,” the British National said.

He also stressed the need for strong private sector engagement and multi-stakeholder partnerships for the growth of RT. According to him, experience for money is becoming more important than value for money in the present.

“Kerala offers authenticity, which is a powerful stream in consumer desire, at a higher degree in RT sector. Quality and depth of the experiences create memories that lead to viral marketing,” he remarked.

Dr Goodwin reminded that sustainability and responsibility are not the same things. “RT is about taking responsibility for achieving sustainable development through tourism. It is characterized by transparency, which is the heart of it. Kerala involves local people in decision making process than in any other part of the world,” he explained.

Commenting on the threats to the sector, Dr Harold said the integrity and quality of RT products need to be maintained. “The products need to be bandaged, “trade marked” and annually inspected.
Exploitation by tour operators need to be countered. Panchayats need to step up control to this. Water pollution and traffic congestion in small streets are also need to be addressed,” the expert added.

Noting that RT is a business strategy, Mr P. Bala Kiran IAS, Director, Tourism, said that the current 13,500 RT units will be increased to one lakh before 2021. “It will create 2.5 lakh direct and indirect beneficiaries.”

Mr Rupeshkumar. K, Coordinator of the Kerala RT Mission, in his presentation on the concept of PEPPER, highlighted the four key intervention areas which are quality of experience to the traveler through innovative products; destination development, quality of life of local people and local economic development.

Mr Manesh Bhaskar, CEO, Adventure Tourism; and Mr Anishkumar, P.K, Member, State Tourism Advisory Board, were also present at the function.

Mr Ravisankar. KV, Member, State Tourism Advisory Board; Mr Sibu. K.R; Nila’s Heritage Homestay; Mr Thomas Palakkan, Vembanad Lake Villa; Mr Thomas. J. Cherukara, Cherukara Farm Stay; Mr Babu Paul, Pranayakulam Yoga Centre; Ms Biji Xavier, Mission Co-coordinator, RT Mission. K.S, Backwater Kayakers participated in the panel discussions held on various topics at the event.
UNI DS CS 1745
More News

Two held in cricket betting, Rs 4 70 lakh cash seized in Hyderabad

26 Apr 2019 | 8:55 PM

Hyderabad, Apr 26 (UNI) The city police has arrested two businessmen for indulging in cricket betting and seized cash of Rs 4.

see more..

East Godavari District administration geared up to meet cyclone threat: Collector

26 Apr 2019 | 8:50 PM

Kakinada, Apr 26 (UNI) East Godavari Collector Kartikeya Mishra on Friday said that the district administration had been geared up to meet any eventuality in view of the weather forecast on the possible cyclone threat to the coastal areas.

see more..

Indian Coast Guard patrol vessel Priya Darsini commissioned

26 Apr 2019 | 8:48 PM

Kakinada, Apr 26 (UNI) Indian Coast Guard additional director general KR Nautiyal has commissioned the
high speed patrol vessel Priyadarsini at a function held at the Jetty in the deep water port here on Friday.

see more..

Telangana Govt to take action against unauthorised layouts in HMDA area

26 Apr 2019 | 8:38 PM

Hyderabad, Apr 26 (UNI) The Telangana government on Friday warned that if any unauthorised layout is detected after May 10 in HMDA areas, would be initiated disciplinary action against the officers responsible for not preventing such layouts.

see more..

Technology should be relevant to society: Guv

26 Apr 2019 | 8:36 PM

Hyderabad, Apr 26 (UNI) Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, ESL Narasimhan on Friday said
technology should always be for societal relevance.

see more..
image