'Other states can follow Kerala's path on Responsible Tourism'

Commending the 'Responsible Tourism' initiatives of Kerala, a senior government official today said other states in the country could follow Kerala's path in taking such steps.
The state government is giving thrust to cleanliness, safety and inclusiveness to improve the quality of experience of tourists to the country, said Girish Sankar, Additional Director, Union Tourism Ministry, at the concluding session of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) here.
Responsible Tourism initiatives of Kerala are worth being emulated by other states, he said.
While efforts are being taken to increase tourist arrivals in the country, it is necessary that everyone gets the benefit from the sector, he added.

Kerala Tourism Secretary Suman Billa said spice route will take the state to next level.
He outlined the need for drafting a road map for empowering the relevant community towards their social and economic fulfilment while speaking at a seminar earlier.

While citing examples of successful inclusion of local artists, artisans, agriculture producers and self-help groups in ensuring the responsible participation, the Mart participants expressed the need to explore ways to widen the relevant community spread.
Travel industry overwhelmingly welcomed the prestigious spice route project, which connects 31 countries and features important heritage destinations and experiences.
Expressing the commitment towards furthering responsible tourism projects, tourism industry officials announced 'Clean up Kerala' initiative.