Kottayam: The International Conference on Responsible Tourism (RT) opened here on Thursday 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. 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, unhygienic 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, during the inaugural function at Backwater Ripples resort here. The conference is being organised by Keralas Department of Tourism in association with RTSchool@KITTS from June 27-29, 2013. Dr Chiranjeevi lauded the state governments efforts to develop tourism in a responsible manner and said his ministry will support such efforts wholeheartedly. Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar said that 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 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visitors are being sensitised, sewage treatment plants and biogas plants have been established and plastic bags have been replaced by eco-friendly bags. Sitaram Yechury, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture said, 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. Suman Billa, Secretary, Kerala Tourism said, 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. The UNTWO has identified two destinations which will be the global observatories for Responsible and Sustainable Tourism the first of which will perhaps be Kumarakom. A video message on Responsible Tourism from Mr. Taleb D. Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWTO, was aired at the inauguration. Anil Kumar published a brochure on the Kumarakom Life Experience. Suresh Kurup MLA, was the guest of honour. The inaugural function was followed by a plenary session on the conference theme: Responsible Tourism: Looking back. Moving Ahead with speakers from India and abroad recounting RT experiences and evaluating possibilities. ayamkudyspotnews@gmail
Posted on: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 01:21:57 +0000