Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s famed Responsible Tourism (RT) found another state officially emulating the pioneering initiative, as Madhya Pradesh today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state for implementation of the Kerala model, which involves local communities and makes tourism a tool for rural development.
The two states signed a joint declaration under which Kerala will extend a series of services under a 16-point programme. The MoUs were exchanged at a ceremony by the state’s Tourism Minister, Shri Kadakampally Surendran and his Madhya Pradesh counterpart Ms Usha Thakur.
“Responsible Tourism is the only tool for sustainable development of tourism as it creates better places for people to live in and visit. RT takes responsibility for the economic well-being of society. It ensures social and cultural stability besides environmental protection. The pact with Madhya Pradesh is another milestone for Kerala Tourism and its RT Mission”, said Kerala Minister.
“I am overwhelmed by the way the tradition, culture and heritage of Kerala are being preserved here. With the help of RT Mission of Kerala, the rustic beauty, life and heritage of Madhya Pradesh could be highlighted on the world tourism map. There are several tribes like Bhil, Sahariya and Gond living in our state, and we want to showcase their traditional value, attire and food habits to the entire country and outside word with Kerala’s assistance. India is a country of villages and its soul lies in the villages. We want to show it to the world with your cooperation”, said the Minister from MP.
Kerala Tourism Secretary, Rani George; Kerala Tourism Director, P Bala Kiran; Kerala RT Mission coordinator, K Rupeshkumar; Sonia Meena, Deputy Secretary and Additional MD of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, spoke.
In the next week, a 13-member team from Bhopal, led by the Minister will tour different parts of Kerala to gather first-hand knowledge about RT in the state.
Today’s MoU entrusts Kerala RT Mission with the task of implementing RT projects in Madhya Pradesh in ways that suit that state. Kerala will help MP chart its RT masterplan and ready the human resources to implement the project.
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