The Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission (RT Mission) is the nodal agency of the Government of Kerala for promoting RT. It was launched in 2017 with the following objectives:
- To promote tourism that is economically beneficial to the local community, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.
- To develop and implement RT standards and guidelines for all tourism establishments in Kerala.
- To create awareness about RT among tourists, tourism service providers, and the general public.
- To facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in RT between Kerala and other countries.
The RT Mission has identified four key areas for its interventions:
- Community development: The RT Mission works with local communities to improve their quality of life through tourism. This includes providing training and employment opportunities, promoting traditional arts and crafts, and developing sustainable livelihood options.
- Environmental conservation: The RT Mission works to protect the environment and natural resources of Kerala. This includes promoting eco-friendly tourism practices, reducing pollution, and conserving wildlife.
- Social inclusion: The RT Mission works to ensure that tourism benefits all sections of society, including women, the differently-abled, and the poor. This includes providing equal opportunities for employment and participation in tourism activities.
- Sustainable tourism: The RT Mission works to ensure that tourism is developed in a sustainable manner that does not harm the environment or the local community. This includes promoting responsible travel practices, such as minimizing waste and using renewable energy.
The RT Mission has been successful in promoting RT in Kerala. It has developed a number of RT standards and guidelines, and has trained over 10,000 tourism service providers in RT practices. The RT Mission has also facilitated the exchange of knowledge and best practices in RT between Kerala and other countries.
Some of the responsible tourism destinations in Kerala include:
- Kumarakom: A beautiful backwaters village known for its lush green paddy fields and tranquil canals.
- Thekkady: A hill station located in the Western Ghats, famous for its wildlife sanctuaries and tea plantations.
- Alappuzha: A coastal town known for its houseboats and backwaters.
- Munnar: A hill station located in the Western Ghats, known for its stunning mountain views.
- Kovalam: A beach resort town known for its white sand beaches and palm trees.
If you are planning a trip to Kerala, We encourage you to choose a responsible tourism destination and practice responsible travel habits. This will help to ensure that your trip has a positive impact on the state and its people.