Statistics Book 2007.pdf - Kerala Tourism

· Kerala was awarded the PATA Grand Award for ZERO WASTE in the ‘Environment’ category. PATA
also conferred Gold Awards for Kumbalangi Tourism Village and the book Ayurveda-Mantra of
Niramaya.
· UNESCO awarded Kerala its Asia Pacific Heritage Award for heritage conservation in 2006.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
None of these awards and acknowledgments would be possible without tremendous amount of planning,
coordination and resources at every level. India’s National government has taken the lead in this endeavor
by creating tourism related legislation, committing technical expertise, manpower and financial resources.
The outcome of this commitment is seen in the quality of the promotional and marketing products which
have been developed. The afore mentioned award winning promotional film is an example. The
development of the infrastructure in and around Kerala has seen constant improvements. This is a direct
result of the Government’s technical and financial commitment to Kerala and the tourism initiative.
Government is also active in researching and encouraging private sector investments in Kerala. Although
this is not limited to tourism, the overall benefits of this financial investment improves the quality of the
area.
Within India, the development of Tourist Centers, staffed with specially trained employees who and
provided with professional quality tourist information products, has been one of the more meaningful
programs the Government has supported. The Government supported the opening of “Kerala Houses” in
several cities within India to promote Kerala as the premier holiday destination.
Coincidental with the development and promotion of Kerala as a top class tourist destination is the need
for providing an abundant opportunity for qualified people to work in tourist related businesses.
Government, in concert with private sector initiatives, is involved at every level in educating and employing
qualified people. Educational programs directly related to tourism and hospitality are in place to meet
the demand for highly qualified professional and trained staff. Maintaining the highest possible standards
of hygiene and cleanliness continues to be one of the areas where government plays a vital role. These
areas include food handling and preparation, pest control, and water quality.
Other, equally important areas of government involvement revolve around the development of new
resources and upgrading already existing tourist activities. The development of tourist related products,
development of wayside facilities, and the conservation of nature, history, heritage, and culture are
essential, and the involvement of the government in these aspects is vital.
Government is also actively engaged in the promotion of tourism in Kerala. Cultural programs, rural
tourism, eco-tours, farm related tourism, and adventure tourism are all receiving promotional boosts
from the State and Central Government. Government is also active in linking traditional, industrial and
agricultural industries to the tourism initiative. Directly related to this activity is the promotion of
responsible tourism as a way to benefit the local population in economic, social, and environmental
aspects. Local government is responsible for the approval and classification of tourism units, including
homestay programs. It conducts Tourism Impact Studies to maintain a constant stream of data from which
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