International conference begins to boost rural tourism
A four-day international conference on 'Responsible Tourism' began here to promote rural tourism in Kerala as that will improve the rural economy of the state.
By PTI |
KOCHI: A four-day international conference on 'Responsible Tourism' began here on Friday to promote rural tourism in Kerala as that will improve the rural economy of the state.
Tourism can bring about significant improvements in incomes and living standards of rural folk, Union Tourism Secretary Shilabhadra Banerjee said at the conference.
The Tourism ministry has partnered with UNDP in the innovative Rural Tourism Project in 36 rural sites in 20 states, including Kerala, he added.
The scheme's main objective is to pass on the socio-economic benefits of tourism to rural areas. Local handicrafts, culture and heritage are being showcased in partnership with local NGOs and village youth, he said.
Responsible tourism is crucial for the very survival of the tourism industry. This approach would ensure that all sections of society benefit from tourism and it would not deplete natural resources and sustain India's cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Kerala Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, said state level Responsible Tourism committee and Responsible Tourism practices are being implemented in four destinations-- Kovalam, Kumarkom, Thekkady and Wynad on a pilot basis.
The tourism department encourages souvenir production with the objective of improving welfare of labourers of both handicrafts and traditional industries and there were plans to start handicrafts and heritage villages, he said.
Tourism can bring about significant improvements in incomes and living standards of rural folk, Union Tourism Secretary Shilabhadra Banerjee said at the conference.
The Tourism ministry has partnered with UNDP in the innovative Rural Tourism Project in 36 rural sites in 20 states, including Kerala, he added.
The scheme's main objective is to pass on the socio-economic benefits of tourism to rural areas. Local handicrafts, culture and heritage are being showcased in partnership with local NGOs and village youth, he said.
Responsible tourism is crucial for the very survival of the tourism industry. This approach would ensure that all sections of society benefit from tourism and it would not deplete natural resources and sustain India's cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Kerala Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, said state level Responsible Tourism committee and Responsible Tourism practices are being implemented in four destinations-- Kovalam, Kumarkom, Thekkady and Wynad on a pilot basis.
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The tourism department encourages souvenir production with the objective of improving welfare of labourers of both handicrafts and traditional industries and there were plans to start handicrafts and heritage villages, he said.
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