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To keep prime tourism destinations plastic and garbage-free, RT Mission in association with Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) and local self-government institutions in Kerala organized a two-day workshop to mark the launch of “Clean Kerala Initiative. Leaders of the tourism industry have unanimously agreed on the action plan for implementing a “Green Code of Conduct” in nine major tourist destinations and accommodation units in Kerala.
As per the action plan, at least two of these centres will be converted into RT practicing destinations before December 31. Besides, by September 30, possible accommodation units in different parts will be declared plastic-free.
Mr.Kadakampally Surendran Minister for Tourism, Co-operation, and Devaswom launched the initiative in which nine destinations– Kovalam, Munnar, Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Wayanad, Fort Kochi, Kollam, Thekkady, and Bakel– have been identified for the implementation of the new project in the first phase from a list of 21 destinations. The project will take these tourist centers to Green Certification platform by making them the focus of eco-friendly and responsible tourism activities.
On the concluding day, cloth bags for the selected nine destinations were distributed. Shri N. Jagajeevan, Consultant, Haritha Keralam Mission, inaugurated the programme by handing over a cloth bag to Shri Baby Mathew Somatheeram, President, KTM.
Mr. Rupeshkumar K, Coordinator, Kerala RT Mission, presented a draft of Classification Guidelines for destination certification and roadmap for “Clean Kerala Initiative” on the occasion.
Mr.Abraham George, Managing Trustee, KTM; presented “KTM Nine Point” agenda that includes reducing the use of plastics, local purchase, organic farming promotion, and green protocol.
Mr.N. Jagajeevan presented a paper on the topic “Waste Disposal and Responsible Tourism.”
With the implementation of the project in places where RT activities in socio-economic sectors have already become successful, the state will have tourism destinations that have adopted cent percent RT initiatives. Mr.Jayakumar, Assistant Planning Officer, Tourism; Mr. Ravi Sankar.K.V., Member, Advisory Committee, Tourism; and Mr. Jose Mathew, Treasurer, KTM were also present.
