Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission Earns Global Recognition from UNWTO

Kerala‘s pioneering Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission has achieved global acclaim by securing a spot on the prestigious list of Case Studies curated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). This recognition not only reflects the mission’s commitment to eco-friendly tourism but also serves as an inspiration for further advancements in promoting sustainable travel.

Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission’s global recognition by UNWTO stands as a testament to its impactful initiatives and dedication to sustainable tourism practices. The acknowledgment by UNWTO not only places Kerala on the international stage but also reinforces the importance of responsible tourism in the global travel landscape. As the mission continues to champion eco-friendly and community-centric tourism, its achievements serve as an inspiration for other regions to adopt similar practices for a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.

Global Recognition by UNWTO

The inclusion of Kerala’s RT Mission in the UNWTO’s global list of Case Studies is a noteworthy achievement, positioning it alongside Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve project as the only Indian representatives on this esteemed list. These two case studies from India stand among seven G20 countries recognized by UNWTO, which include Mexico, Germany, Mauritius, Turkey, Italy, Brazil, and Canada.

Key Points of UNWTO Recognition:

• Promotion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): UNWTO has acknowledged Kerala’s RT Mission for its role in promoting the travel industry within the state while adhering to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. This recognition underscores the mission’s alignment with global sustainability objectives.
• Utilization of Local Resources: Kerala’s efforts to utilize local resources and products to boost its tourism industry have been specifically commended. The mission’s focus on incorporating indigenous elements contributes to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector.

About Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission:

• Inception and Launch: The Kerala RT Mission was officially launched on October 20, 2017, by Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala.
• Nodal Agency for Responsible Tourism: Designated as the nodal agency by the Government of Kerala, the RT Mission is entrusted with disseminating and implementing the principles and initiatives of Responsible Tourism throughout the state.
• State Nodal Agency for Rural Tourism Development: Additionally, the mission serves as the State Nodal Agency as designated by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for the implementation of its Rural Tourism Development Project. This dual role highlights the mission’s comprehensive involvement in shaping tourism practices across different domains.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

• United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary-General: Zurab Pololikashvili;
• United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Headquarters: Madrid, Spain;
• United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)  Establishment: 1975.