Global experts in Kumarakom for Responsible Tourism conference

Kottayam, June 26: A key three-day international conference on Responsible Tourism (RT) attended by subject experts, researchers and practitioners from around the country and from abroad opens in Kumarakom tomorrow (Thursday, June 27).

Dr. K. Chiranjeevi, Hon. Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) will inaugurate the event which is being organised by the Department of Tourism in partnership with RT School@KITTS to review experiences and challenges in Responsible Tourism as well as discuss RT best practices that will help promote sustainable tourism in Kerala and globally.

The inaugural function at 11.00 am at Backwater Ripples resort in Kumarakom
will be presided over by Shri A P Anil Kumar, Hon. Minister for Tourism. Shri. Sitaram Yechury, Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture will deliver the keynote address and Shri. Suresh Kurup will be the guest of honour. Shri. Jose K. Mani, MP, will publish a brochure on Kumarakom Village Life Experience.

Shri. Suman Billa, Secretary, Kerala Tourism will welcome the guests; Shri. S. Harikishore, Director, Kerala Tourism will present a report and Dr. Rajashree Ajith, Director, KITTS will propose thanks.

A video message on RT from Mr. Taleb D. Rifai, Secretary General, UNWTO, will also be screened at the inauguration. Dignitaries at the function will include Shri Anand Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism; Smt. Nirmala Jimmy, President, Kottayam District Panchayat; Shri Vijayan Thomas, Chairman, KTDC Hotels & Resorts; Shri. Ajith Kumar, District Collector, Kottayam and senior tourism officials and public representatives.

The inaugural function will be followed by a plenary session on the conference theme: “Responsible Tourism: Looking back. Moving Ahead”. Speakers will include Dr. Harold Goodwin, Mr. Adama Bah, Mr. Mason Florence, Mr. Karma Tshering, Mr. Srilal Miththpala and Mr. Gopinath Parayil. Leading RT practitioners will share their experiences from the field at a session moderated by Shri U. V. Jose, Director GKSF & Addl. Director (Planning & Projects) Department of Tourism.

Case studies will also be presented on Tourism & Livelihood – Experiences from Kerala. RT Cultural groups will present cultural programmes in the evening. The conference will conclude with RT site visits in Kumarakom on June 29.

Also read: Kumarakom gears up for international conference on Responsible Tourism