Kerala

Poovar in Thiruvananthapuram to be a responsible tourism destination

Poovar island

As part of expanding its area of operation and to provide the benefits of sustainable tourism to the local people, Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission adds Poovar in Thiruvananthapuram District to its list of responsible tourism destinations.

Poovar Panchayat President Ajith Kumar MS inaugurated the project at a function held at Geethu International Hotel at Poovar on Sunday. The function was presided over by the Vice President of the Panchayat, Jisthi Maitheen.

Inauguration of the Project 

Poovar is a picturesque coastal region, where Neyyar River joints the Arabian Sea. It is the south most part of the district, just 12 km away from the tourism hotspot, Kovalam beach. Poovar has been getting tourist attention as one of the sought after water tourism destination in south Kerala.

A one-day workshop was held after the inaugural function, which was led by K Rupesh Kumar, State coordinator of Kerala RT Mission.

Rupesh Kumar explained features of the responsible tourism project and the benefit that would generate for the local people. He made a presentation on ‘activities under Responsible Tourism Kerala’.

Biji Xavier, RT Mission coordinator took class on use of online platforms, while District Coordinator Midhun MK spoke on the activities of the RT Mission in Kerala.

RT Mission State Coordinator Rupesh Kumar addressing the gathering

RT Mission is the nodal agency formed by the Government of Kerala to spread and implement the ideologies and initiatives of Responsible Tourism all over the State. Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala launched the Responsible Tourism Mission on 20th October 2017. The Mission is envisaged with a ‘triple-bottom-line’ mission, which comprises economic, social and environmental responsibilities.

Making tourism a tool for the development of village and local communities, eradicating poverty and giving emphasis to women empowerment are the main aims of the Responsible Tourism Mission. The mission aspires to provide an additional income and a better livelihood to farmers, traditional artisans, and marginalized people along with creating a social and environmental equilibrium.