Kerala allots Rs. 4.5 cr for its Responsible Tourism mission

Kadakampalli Surendran, Minister of Tourism, Government of Kerala, recently inaugurated the ‘Responsible Tourism Mission’ project, aimed at the development of local communities and growth of tourism in the state. The project comprises various Onam packages for tourists, which will be available till September 30, and will also integrate small enterprises run by the local communities and responsible tourism units. The packages range from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 8000, and are aimed to benefit the Kudumbasree units in the villages, weaving centres, homely meals enterprises and others. Through this project, tourists can enjoy travelling while participating in household Onam celebrations.

On this occasion, Surendran said, “The government has allotted Rs. 4.5 crore for the new venture and all the projects executed by Responsible Tourism mission are aimed at the development of the local community. A human resource directory has been prepared to provide jobs to people across the state. Additionally, we have announced some special tour packages for this season during Onam, and we have received an overwhelming response in the initial phase itself.”

“Started in 7 destinations, the project will be extended across the state in the coming season. Hitherto, as many as 126 households, 63 home stays and 34 restaurants have come forth for the package. Around 650 families across the seven destinations have registered to explore the feast Onasadya. Furthermore, we hosted around 170 international tourists and 146 domestic tourists under Onam packages of responsible tourism,” said P Balakiran, Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala.