Responsible tourism initiatives in Kerala 'benefiting communities'
Local communities are becoming increasingly involved in responsible tourism initiatives in the Indian state of Kerala, it has been reported.
News agency Asian Lite revealed that farmers, craftsmen, fishermen and many of the women in the area have all benefited from sustainable tourism projects.
The drive for more responsible tourism in Kerala started three years ago and now sees a number of the hotels and resorts in the area sourcing items such as vegetables, fish, milk and rice from local farmers and fishermen.
According to the news provider, some of the self-help groups set up for women have been particularly successful, with some producing ethnic crafts such as cloth bags and woven dining linen that can be used by the resorts and hotels.
Rupesh Kumar, the state coordinator for the Responsible Tourism Programme, explained that locals are getting involved with every aspect of the tourism industry.
"The women host backwater village tours to allow the guests to experience village life," he stated.
Kerala's backwaters are made up of an extensive network of rivers, canals and lakes that cover some 900 km and link many of the region's villages.
