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Kerala Tourism has once again been honored with the prestigious Gold Award by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) India Foundation, marking the third consecutive year, this time for its Comprehensive Responsible Tourism (RT) project in Beypore, Kozhikode district. The award, presented during an ICRT conference in New Delhi, recognizes Kerala’s efforts to employ and upskill the local community, particularly through initiatives that economically empower women and harness the tourism potential of Beypore.
Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society (KRTM Society) CEO, Shri Rupesh Kumar K., received the award from Uttarakhand’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri. Satpal Maharaj. The event was attended by notable figures, including Director General of Tourism Smt. Mugdha Sinha, ICRT (India Chapter) Founder Director Manisha Pandey, and ICRT founder Dr. Harold Goodwin.
This recognition marks Kerala's third consecutive Gold Award from ICRT, making KRTM Society the first governmental agency in India to achieve this distinction. Kerala Tourism Minister Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas emphasized that the state’s consistent international accolades reflect its commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism, benefiting local communities while adapting to global trends.
Earlier this week, Kerala Tourism also received the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award 2024 for its ‘Holiday Heist’ online contest in the Digital Marketing Campaign category, further solidifying its reputation as a leading tourism destination.
The Beypore RT project, launched in 2021, has seen significant progress, with 112 RT units established and the first four phases expected to be completed by November. The project highlights Beypore’s rich maritime history and scenic beauty, transforming it into a major tourism hub in North Kerala and the venue for an international water tourism festival.
Tourism Secretary Shri K. Biju and Tourism Director Smt. Sikha Surendran both noted the importance of responsible tourism in enhancing local participation and preserving Kerala’s cultural and natural heritage. The Beypore initiative is part of ongoing efforts to maintain Kerala’s status as a prime international tourism destination.
