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The Responsible Tourism model in Kumarakom, which was recently honoured by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with the Ulysses Award, will be extended to 112 local self-governments (grama panchayats) in the first phase.
The Kumarakom Model has been very successful in developing tourism by actively involving the local communities. The State government will take all necessary measures to reproduce the Kumarakom model in the selected 112 Panchayats.
"We want a tourism culture that is in sync with the environment and the social and cultural fabric of our State. The UNWTO Ulysses Award is a major recognition for Kerala and the people of Kumarakom," said Mr. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister of Kerala.
"The responsible tourism model has opened up revenue generation opportunities for the local communities and the State needs to tap its potential to further spur tourism and economic growth. In the last two years, the government has been able to launch different initiatives to give a boost to tourism," the Chief Minister added.
"The government wanted to develop the model into major revenue generating one for the local communities. The benefits of tourism should not be limited to a select few in the industry. The local people should get the benefit of growth in the State’s tourism sector. We will take forward the successful implementation of the model across Kerala through public participation," said Mr. A. P. Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism.
Conceived with three kinds of responsibilities and termed as ‘triple bottom-line’ it includes economic, social and environmental responsibilities. Responsible Tourism (RT) mainly aims to generate greater economic benefits to the local people and enhance the well-being of the local communities.
