The International Conference on Responsible Tourism (RT) opened today with agreement among all stakeholders that the tourism industry can remain sustainable in the long term only if it conserves the unique social, economic, cultural and environmental needs of individual destinations. 

Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) Dr K Chiranjeevi, in his message to delegates at the conference, said that while India today can boast of an unparalleled range of destinations and products, it has much to do in developing these in a responsible manner. 

“Our concerns today include overreaching carrying capacity, the unhygienic conditions of our tourism destinations, lack of proper coordination in waste management practices, a lack of concern for nature and environment and above all lack of commitment to preserve our culture and heritage,” the Minister said in his message, which was read out by his private secretary Dr Sai Pratap IPS, at the inaugural function at Backwater Ripples resort here. 

The conference is being organised by Kerala’s Department of Tourism in association with RTSchool@KITTS from June 27-29, 2013. 

Dr Chiranjeevi lauded the state government’s efforts to develop tourism in a responsible manner and said his ministry will support such efforts wholeheartedly. “The protection of Silent Valley reserve, development of the Muziris project, and improvements made in backwater tourism are some of the examples we are all proud of,” he said, adding that similar initiatives in AP, MP, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have demonstrated to the world the positive effects of sustainable tourism development. 

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri A P Anil Kumar said Kumarakom has made remarkable progress on socio-economic fronts it was chosen as one of four destinations in the state to pilot RT practices. 

He said when it was decided to elevate Kumarakom to an international destination on the pro-poor RT model, steps were taken to mobilise informal sectors like self help groups, farmers groups and homestead farmers to produce, procure and supply goods and services needed by the tourism industry.  

“In this process care has been taken to ensure quality, authenticity, regularity of supply and reasonable prices of products. Today above 1,500 families are connected to RT initiative and are making a decent living,” he added. 

Shri Anil Kumar said that the target now is to make Kumarakom a “zero-waste destination”. As part of waste management in the destination, the entire community, industry and visitors are being sensitised; sewage treatment plant and biogas plants have been established and plastic bags have been replaced by eco bags. Ecosystem regeneration programme, reconversion of fallow land to cultivable land, campaign against conversion of prairie land and use of pesticides and chemicals for cultivation are some of the other major initiatives implemented at Kumarakom, he said. 

Shri. Sitaram Yechury, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture said all debates on RT over the past decade have recognised that it cannot be achieved without sustainable development. 

He said Kumarakom is an example of the spirit of RT in that it has created a better place to live for the local people and a better place to visit for tourists. 

But nationwide, there are still concerns to be addressed and a long way to go in dealing with issues such as unregulated tourist arrivals, alienation of local communities and waste management. 

“Responsible Tourism is not just about economy and livelihood, it is also the removal of debris generated by tourists, not just the physical debris, but the economic, psychological and cultural debris. It is necessary to preserve our cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible.” 

Shri. Suman Billa, Secretary, Kerala Tourism said in his welcome address that there is a demand and appreciation worldwide for the model that has been evolved in Kumarakom. “We have successfully aligned the interests of all the stakeholders – the industry, local self government bodies, the community and the government. We have created a successful four-way partnership.” 

He said recognition has also come from the Centre with the approach paper to the 12^th five-year plan, devoting three out of 15 pages on tourism solely to Kumarakom experience and explaining how this is model is an example of pro-poor tourism and how it should be adopted by all the other states in India. 

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