Two contests in Kerala on World Tourism Day

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 (IANS) Kerala Tourism will launch two contests Saturday on World Tourism Day to take the community participation in sustainable tourism development to a higher level.

A photo contest for amateur photographers and a state-wide idea contest open to all tourism clubs, both on the subject of the Responsible Tourism initiative of the state tourism department, will be the highlights of the World Tourism Day celebrations in Kerala.

‘Tourism and Community Development’ is the theme of ‘World Tourism Day’ this year.

The winners of the ‘Photo Contest’ will get a holiday package in Kerala while the best ideas on ‘How to take the Responsible Tourism activities in Kerala to the next level’ will get cash prizes.

Kerala Tourism Minister, A.P. Anilkumar, said as the world leader in sustainable tourism, the state will celebrate World Tourism Day in the most befitting manner by endeavouring to find ways to intensify initiatives to achieve tourism growth in a sustainable manner.

In January this year, the state tourism department received the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s top prize for excellence in sustainable tourism for its ‘Responsible Tourism’ model in Kumarakom, which links the local community with the hospitality industry and government departments to achieve community development and eco-friendly tourism.

"Only with the participation of the people, we can find more suitable ways to develop tourism in our state while remaining a global leader," said Anilkumar.

First launched in Kumarakom six years ago, the ‘Responsible Tourism’ initiative of Kerala Tourism has spread to three more destinations – Wayanad, Thekkady and Kovalam.

For the photo contest, open to amateur photographers, the entries should be on the subject of communities, people and situations that make Kerala a ‘Responsible Tourism’ destination.

Photographs of the ‘Responsible Tourism’ destinations in the state will also be eligible for the contest. The participants will be required to uplink their entries on the Kerala Tourism website (www.keralatourism.org) before Oct 31, 2014.

For the idea contest open to all Tourism Clubs across the state, each club should send in at least one idea on how to take the Responsible Tourism activities in Kerala to the next level along with a comprehensive project proposal to the tourism department before Nov 30.

The best ideas will be shortlisted by an expert panel and the top five will be awarded Rs 10,000 each.