State clinches gold for 3rd year in a row
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 31: For the third time in a row, Kerala Tourism received the prestigious Gold award of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, India Foundation (ICRT India) for 2024 – this time for its Comprehensive Responsible Tourism project in Beypore of Kozhikode district.
At an ICRT conference in the national capital today, Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society (KRTM Society) CEO K Rupeshkumar was presented the prestigious honour by Uttarakhand for Tourism and Culture, Shri Satpal Maharaj.
Kerala Tourism won the award in the “Employing and Upskilling Local Community” category, considering its activities planned and implemented in Beypore for leveraging tourism potential of the area and for generating jobs and economically empowering the local community, especially women.
The function at Yashobhomi Convention Centre was attended, among others, by Director General of Tourism Smt. Mugdha Sinha and ICRT (India Chapter) Founder Director Manisha Pandey, besides ICRT founder Dr Harold Goodwin, who is chairman of the international jury.
This is the third consecutive year that Kerala is receiving the Gold award for its globally-acclaimed, sustainable and inclusive Responsible Tourism initiative, implemented through KRTM Society. The achievement earned KRTM Society the distinction of becoming the first governmental agency in the country to win the award back-to-back three times.
Kerala Tourism Minister Shri PA Mohamed Riyas said RT has been gaining steam by making “fullest use” of the state’s immense potential in travel and hospitality to the benefit of the local people. “We have been consistently winning international honours; they help us realise the changing global trends in tourism so as to tune our industry to the new needs. Our products show our excellence,” he added.
Earlier this week, Kerala Tourism bagged the globally-acclaimed Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award 2024 for its online contest ‘Holiday Heist’ in the Digital Marketing Campaign category. The honour, which was presented in Bangkok, made the state the only destination from India to bag the recognition this year.
Tourism Secretary Shri K Biju said the new products of the Department have been attracting domestic and foreign tourists alike to the state. “RT has enabled improved local participation in tourism. The 2021-launched project in Beypore is one instance,” he added.
The first four phases of the project are slated for completion by November this year. So far, 112 RT units have been formed in the area, engaged in a variety of activities and services.
Tourism Director Smt. Sikha Surendran said RT has been providing a “complete experience” blending nature and people. “The Beypore project is part of our efforts to reinforce the status of Kerala on the international tourism map,” she added.
Beypore, known for its rich maritime history dating back to centuries and stunning scenic charm, was one of the world’s busiest ports that attracted traders from West Asia and the Mediterranean lands to the Malabar Coast.
The KRTM initiatives have turned Beypore into a major tourism destination in north Kerala, and the venue for an international water tourism festival that brings rowers, surfers and water sports enthusiasts from all over the world to compete and enjoy the scenic beauty and local flavour.
