Kerala Sets New Benchmark in Inclusive Tourism with Women at Its Heart

Strategic Insights -

Kerala, a southern Indian state, is revolutionizing the tourism industry with its innovative approach to placing women at the forefront of tourism development. The State's Responsible Tourism Mission (RT Mission) and Gender-Inclusive Tourism Policy have made it a national model for gender-responsive and women-friendly tourism. By empowering local communities, especially women, Kerala aims to make every destination safe, inclusive, and economically beneficial for women.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kerala's Responsible Tourism Mission has involved over 17,000 women as entrepreneurs, guides, homestay owners, and tour operators in its initiatives.
  • The Maravanthuruthu STREET Project is designed to develop small, sustainable tourism hubs in rural areas, showcasing local culture, heritage, cuisine, and everyday life.
  • Training programs, micro-enterprise grant support, and skill-building workshops have enabled women to start small ventures, such as souvenir shops, food stalls, nature guides, and homestay operators.
  • Under the new tourism policy, 10,000 women-led ventures and 30,000 jobs are expected to be created over the next few years.
  • Kerala has completed gender and safety audits in several tourist locations, identifying infrastructure and behavioral improvements needed to ensure travel safety for host women and women travelers.
  • Five destinations will receive a 'Women-Friendly' certification tag, marking them as secure and welcoming for women travelers.
  • The State is working with UN Women India to train women leaders and strengthen community-based tourism networks.
  • Kerala's gender-responsive tourism model has drawn expertise from countries such as Thailand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, United Kingdom, Nepal, Romania, and Italy.

Statistics:

  • Over 17,000 women are involved in Kerala's Responsible Tourism Mission initiatives.
  • 10,000 women-led ventures are expected to be created under the new tourism policy.
  • 30,000 jobs are expected to be created over the next few years.
  • 5 destinations will receive the 'Women-Friendly' certification tag.

Sources:

  • Wijeya Newspapers Limited (2022)
  • UN Women India