Kochi has immense potential to be developed as a destination for experiential tourism, considering the heritage value of the scenic seaside town known for its vintage looks and multi-ethnic population. It was opined by Kochi MLA K J Maxy during a workshop organized by the Responsible Tourism Mission.
Kochi MLA K J Maxy inaugurates the workshop
Fort Kochi has already come under the state’s Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission, which is the nodal agency for introducing and implementing sustainable tourism models for the state.
“With its distinct demography and socio-historical status, Kochi merits more prominence on the tourism map,” said the MLA, while inaugurating the day-long sessions and awareness lectures.
Rupeshkumar K, Kerala RT Mission coordinator, said tourism destinations across the world were increasingly tuning in to becoming experiential.
“As for Kerala, Fort Kochi will be among the best locations to be developed vigorously on those lines,” added Rupesh.
“Experiential tourism covers a wide range of topics that can add to the fun of the visitor and make him more curious about the locality,” said Rupesh Kumar.
Experiential tourism aims at giving the tourists to experience the raw village life in its real form. They can see how a pot is made out of mud or try tapping a rubber tree using tradition chisel. Weaving mat with coconut leaves, planting paddy saplings are other things can be experienced by the visitors.
“They should find joy in climbing up the coconut tree and taking a selfie from up there. Or using Kerala’s traditional kitchen tools to prepare chutney or crush grains using the wooden mortar,” added Rupesh.
The MLA said such initiatives also help sustain and revive traditions of a locality.
“Responsible Tourism involves common people and ensures their participation. Fort Kochi is one of the most suited places for RT projects,” he added.
MLA George Fernandez, Tourism Department deputy director D Kamalamma, District Tourism Promotion Council secretary S Vijayakumar and RT Mission Ernakulam district coordinator K Arunkumar etc. were part of the workshop. Kochi Municipal Corporation councillors Shiny Mathew, Seenath Rashid and A R Shamina were also present on the occasion.
