Kerala Tourism will help Madhya Pradesh
in implementation of its successful ‘Responsible Tourism’ model in the Central
Indian state.
A pact for the same has been signed by Rani George, Secretary
Tourism, Government of Kerala, and Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Principal Secretary to CM
and Tourism Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
As per the agreement, the Responsible Tourism Mission will be
the implementing agency for Kerala and the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board will be
the implementing agency for Madhya Pradesh. Rupesh Kumar K, State RT Mission
Coordinator, will be the Nodal Officer for Kerala and Dr Manoj Kumar Singh,
Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, will be the Nodal Officer for Madhya
Pradesh.
The agreement is valid up to 2022. As per the agreement, the Kerala
Tourism will help MP in the following areas:-
— For implementation of Responsible Tourism in Madhya
Pradesh.
— Preparation of a Master Plan for Responsible Tourism with
focus on destinations.
— Mapping of potential RT Project having appropriate
provisions for sustainable livelihood along with creating database for the
same.
— Assist in preparation of classification guidelines of
Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays
— Formation of Cultural forum and experiential tour
packages.
— Training for Community Tour Leaders/Guides
RT Mission activities has changed the face of Kerala Tourism
and strengthened local community involvement in tourism. RT Mission has more
than 17000 registered units under various categories which can be directly or
indirectly linked with tourism and around one lakh beneficiaries across the southern
state.
The units under RT Mission together generated Rs 28 crore from
Tourism sector in the last two and half years. The activities of RT Mission are
well appreciated at the international level as model responsible tourism
practices/activities and recognised by various national and international
awards including WTM Gold awards and PATA Award for Women Empowerment.
“Activities of Responsible Tourism Mission in Kerala is the
best example for participatory approach in Tourism sector. It is a proud moment
that Madhya Pradesh is starting Responsible Tourism with the guidance and
support of Kerala Tourism through Responsible Tourism Mission,” said Minister
for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran.
