With the buzz around responsible tourism gaining momentum, Kerala is starting to see small enterprises play a bigger role. The part that micro and small enterprises could play in imparting the much talked about responsibility in tourism initiatives in the state has been clearly drawn up by the government.
According to Kerala's Minister for Tourism Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the state tourism department would rope in the efforts of Kudumbashree, the state poverty-eradication mission, in a significant manner in its responsible tourism initiatives. "Kudumbasree units would be encouraged to supply farm produce to hotels and manufacture souvenirs for tourists," he said.
The initiative has already kicked off in tourist destinations such as Kovalam and Kumarakom in south Kerala. Destinations in the northern parts of the state such as Wyanad and Thekkady will see the efforts being unveiled in the days to come.
The state has identified the involvement of micro enterprise-level efforts under Kudumbasree in making the responsible tourism initiative a success. Balakrishnan added the Kerala Department of Tourism had already zeroed in on as many as 110 products to be manufactured as souvenirs by these units and made available to travellers on a Kerala jaunt.
"Besides, members of Kudumbasree units would be imparted training in various aspects such as production, packaging and marketing of these products," he added. The government will also come up with responsible tourism implementation cells in all major destinations to monitor and correct shortcomings, he added.
Avenues of prime importance have been thrown open before Kudumbasree, the agency has a crucial role to play. A Kudumbasree official said the supply of vegetables, fruits and livestock products to tourism players such as hotels and resorts is an activity that the agency can play to perfection. Manufacture and supply of souvenirs to leisure and business travelers also can be undertaken on a grand scale.
"The products, made locally and supplied to the service industries like hotels, resorts and similar organisations in the responsible tourism areas can be analysed and an understanding between the service sectors and Kudumbasree would be made to ensure timely supply of demanded items in coordination with the tourism department," the official added.
As per the plans drawn up by Kudumbasree, the agency would focus on local economic development by exploiting every potential for micro enterprise-led income generation.
"Experiences and studies reflect that the problems faced by entrepreneurs are lack of market and lack of awareness about scientific and advanced production methods. The responsible tourism initiative gives local entrepreneurs an assured market," notes a Kudumbasree document.
With micro and small entrepreneurs now ready to be exposed to a brand new marketing avenue, the Kerala Tourism-Kudumbasree venture is expected to raise entrepreneurship to new levels.
