Munnar: A Responsible Tourism Destination

Context

The Kerala government is launching a campaign to brand Munnar as a 'Responsible Tourism Destination'. The state aims to officially declare Munnar as a "Responsible and Resilient Tourism Destination" by December 2025.

Concept of Responsible Tourism Destination

Introduction:-
A Responsible Tourism Destination is a place that actively works to minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, local communities, and cultures, while maximizing the positive effects.

Objective:-
To create a tourism experience that benefits both the visitors and the destination, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the place.

Key Features

• Environmental Sustainability:-
  Such destinations prioritize the protection of natural resources, reduction of pollution, and promotion of biodiversity conservation. This includes initiatives like waste management, water conservation, and the use of renewable energy.
• Social and Cultural Responsibility:
  Respect for local traditions, cultures, and communities is essential. This involves supporting local businesses, authentically engaging with cultural experiences, and ensuring fair labor practices.
• Economic Viability:
  The goal is to equitably distribute economic benefits among local communities. This includes supporting local enterprises, promoting community-based tourism, and ensuring that tourism revenue contributes to local development.
• Community Participation:
  Local communities are actively involved in the planning and management of tourism activities. Their voices are considered in decisions that impact their livelihoods and environment.

Munnar as a Responsible Tourism Destination

• Munnar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala, attracting nearly 1.2 million tourists annually (based on hotel stay data).
• The state government has sanctioned ₹50 lakh for various branding programs.
• Gaining the status of a Responsible Tourism Destination will enhance Munnar’s popularity on global tourism platforms and attract more tourists to the state.
• According to a government order, Munnar will be developed as a "Net-Zero Tourism Destination" by implementing responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while protecting the sensitive ecosystem surrounding the hill station.
• Recently, the state organized a three-day Global Women’s Conference on gender-inclusive and responsible tourism in Munnar. All these efforts are part of the initiative to declare Munnar a global tourism destination.

Also Know!

• The status of a Global Responsible Tourism Destination is granted by international organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the World Travel Market (WTM), and the Responsible Tourism Partnership. These organizations work to promote and support responsible tourism practices.
• Kerala has already been recognized as a "Global Responsible Tourism Destination" and is the first state in India to officially adopt a "Responsible Tourism Policy".