Kerala tourism to classify RT initiatives to check on quality
In order to ensure quality of services, Kerala Tourism is bringing out a classification system for enterprises practicing Responsible Tourism by May 2018. The pilot project was launched in Kovalam, Kumarakom, Thekkady, and Wayanad in 2008, and is now getting ready to implement in all the 14 districts in Kerala.
Responsible Tourism Mission has worked out a criteria for the classification system in line with the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC). The norms have been customised for Kerala in view of the experiences of RT initiatives in the last 10 years. The classification system, a voluntary procedure that assesses, audits, and monitors, is an assurance to the holidayer that a business, product, process, service, or management system conforms to a specific standard.
Evaluation process will involve site inspection and discussions with stakeholders. The classification certificate will be valid for three years. The units and services classified will get the logo and certificate for displaying.
Currently, RT classification norms for homestays are already in place. The Mission has come up with draft guidelines for the classification of 800 registered houseboats across the State. The guidelines for classification of ayurvedic centres, tour operators, farmstays and tented accommodation are also being worked out.
The RT Classification Committee will be headed by the Secretary, Tourism and the Director of Kerala Tourism, will be the convenor. Three experts from social, economic and environment fields and two representatives each from the tourism accommodation providers and tour operators adhering to RT principles nominated by the government, will be part of the committee.