Keeping tourism sites clean and green vital for growth: Minister Riyas
Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 27: In a pioneering initiative on World Tourism Day, Kerala today launched the “Destination Adoption” programme as part of the activities of tourism clubs, aimed at keeping clean and green the tourism sites across the state.
Inaugurating the World Tourism Day celebrations organised by the Tourism Club at Veli Tourism Village here, Tourism Minister Shri P A Mohamed Riyas said this initiative will be marked as a creative intervention by the youth, as maintaining destinations clean, green and hygienic is vital for growth of tourism.
“You are making the declaration regarding “Destination Adoption”. This is indeed a creative initiative to mark the World Tourism Day. This is going to be different from normal cleaning campaigns,” the Minister said, interacting with members of the Tourism Club.
Noting that “Tourism and Peace” is the theme of World Tourism Day 2024, Shri Riyas said this concept aligns well with Kerala, since the state is known for its eclectic and inclusive culture. “Kerala is reputed the world over for its secular ethos and social harmony.Our social milieu compares well with the European nations that value peace and harmony highly,” he said.
The festivals of Kerala are celebrated by all. This inclusive culture adds to Kerala’s appeal as a land of natural charm. Kerala is also famed for the hospitality of the people. These factors contribute immensely in attracting tourists, he said.
“Tourists who conduct themselves responsibly and destinations that are maintained responsibly” should be the basis of the state’s tourism development. The Tourism Clubs can contribute significantly in fulfilling this vision, Shri Riyas said.
While adopting destinations, each tourism club should strive to set an excellent model. Keeping destinations clean and hygienic will considerably enhance their appeal. This calls for each club having a “vision” about the destination it adopts, based on which an “active calendar” of the works to be taken up before the next World Tourism Day should be prepared. The idea of tourism clubs marked a qualitative shift. Its success depends on how creatively each club functions and fulfils the responsibilities entrusted to them, the Minister said.
Kerala is also set to make a pioneering initiative by setting up an Innovation and Incubation Centre for startups to thrive in the tourism sector, which will enable many of the members of the tourism clubs to become entrepreneurs in the future.The Tourism clubs can serve as a conveyor belt for this significant transition, Shri Riyas added.
The members of the tourism club shared with the Minister their views and suggestions on keeping Veli Tourism Village clean and beautiful.
