Kerala model Responsible Tourism (RT) initiative which involves local communities and makes tourism a tool for rural development has been officially emulating in Madhya Pradesh and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has signed with the state.
The two states signed a joint declaration under which Kerala will extend a series of services under a 16-point programme. The MoUs were exchanged at a ceremony by Mr.Kadakampally Surendran the state’s Tourism Minister and Ms. Usha Thakur, Tourism minister. Madhya Pradesh.
Responsible Tourism is the “only tool for sustainable development of tourism” as it creates better places for people to live in and visit. “RT takes the responsibility of the economic well-being of society. It ensures social and cultural stability besides environmental protection,” he noted, terming the pact with Madhya Pradesh as “another milestone” for Kerala Tourism and its RT Mission. said, Mr. Surendran.
Kerala did not have a practical model to follow or replicate when it launched RT. Today, the Mission has more than 20,000 units comprising small-scale entrepreneurs, artists, craftspeople, traditional workers, farmers, and other service providers. “They are local communities at the grassroots, linked directly or indirectly with tourism,” he added.
“The RT Mission’s projects earned Kerala’s tourist map several micro destinations. It has, during its function since October 2017, generated an income of Rs 35 crores amid disruptions owing to Nipah, two floods, and now Covid -19.”
Ms. Thakur said she was overwhelmed by the way the tradition, culture, and heritage of Kerala are being preserved here. She pointed out that with the help of RT Mission of Kerala, the rustic beauty, life, and heritage of Madhya Pradesh could be highlighted on the world tourism map.
“There are several tribes like Bhil, Sahariya, and Gond living in our state, and we want to showcase their traditional value, attire, and food habits to the entire country and outside world with Kerala’s assistance. India is a country of villages and its soul lies in the villages. We want to show it to the world with your cooperation, she added.”
Ms.Rani George Kerala Tourism Secretary said that the success of RT in Kerala has always been a public and private partnership. “Community should be benefitted and empowered through RT. So it’s high time other states thought about embracing RT,” she said, adding that a team from Kerala will be visiting Madhya Pradesh as part of this collaboration.
Ms. Sonia Meena, Deputy Secretary and Additional Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board gave a presentation on the proposed RT activities in the central Indian state.
The MoU entrusts the Kerala RT Mission with the task of implementing RT projects in ways that suit Madhya Pradesh.
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