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Acknowledging the synergy between the goals of Kerala Tourism and the theme of National Tourism Day, Tourism Minister Mr P. A. Mohamed Riyas emphasised that the state has become a globally acclaimed hub for sustainable and inclusive tourism, setting a lasting example as an experiential tourism destination.
National Tourism Day is celebrated on January 25 every year to build awareness of the country's economic benefits from tourism. This year’s theme was ‘Sustainable Journeys, Timeless Memories.'
“The theme for this year aligns seamlessly with Kerala's recent initiatives and the notable achievements of the state's Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission. The mission's core objective is to attract visitors while conserving Nature and cultural heritage, with a focus on actively engaging local communities as partners,” Mr Riyas said.
“The global Responsible Tourism Award 2023, the most valued honour given for sustainable and inclusive tourism initiatives, presented to Kerala is a major endorsement of the sustainable and women-inclusive initiatives successfully promoted by the RT Mission,” the minister said.
The Global Responsible Tourism Award 2023 is established by the Responsible Tourism Partnership and the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) under the category of Best for Local Sourcing, Food, and Craft.
This award is also given for linking women-led, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to tourism activities, and ensuring effective marketing of indigenous products.
Mr Riyas mentioned that the STREET (Sustainable, Tangible, Responsible, Experiential, Ethnic, Tourism) project has emerged as a model for sustainable and community-focused tourism initiatives, both in India and abroad. He further noted that, through inventive approaches, the state has successfully maintained a consistent influx of tourists to Kerala.
