Speaking at the opening of the three-day Global Women Conference on Gender-Inclusive and Responsible Tourism in Mankulam near Munnar, Riyas revealed that an audit report has been completed to assess the current state of women-friendly environments in Kerala’s tourism industry, as stated in a government release.
The findings will be shared at the conference, which is organised by the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society (KRTMS) in partnership with Kerala Tourism and UN Women, Riyas noted.
The minister also highlighted that international experts are participating in the event, and that further steps will be shaped by the insights gained from the discussions during the conference. Dean Kuriakose, Congress MP from Idukki, who attended the event, expressed pride in hosting a major global conference on gender justice in the hill district, a region known worldwide as a top tourism destination.
Devikulam MLA A Raja, who chaired the event, praised Kerala Tourism’s initiatives, emphasising that they are based on trust and community involvement, positioning them as “a model for other regions.” Dr. Harold Goodwin, Global Chairman of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, delivered the keynote address, recognising Kerala as the first state globally to conduct a gender audit before implementing a gender-inclusive tourism policy.
“Kerala has undeniably positioned itself at the forefront of global responsible tourism, with its democratic commitment being a driving force in this achievement,” he stated, according to the release.
Sikha Surendran, Director of Kerala Tourism, presented the state’s inaugural Gender Audit Report for Tourism, carried out by UN Women in collaboration with the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society. She assured that similar audits would be conducted periodically moving forward.
“We will continuously gather feedback from women tourists to refine and improve women-friendly initiatives,” she said, according to the statement.
The event will feature a three-day exhibition and a B2B networking session designed to encourage collaboration, build partnerships, and share innovative ideas, the release added.
Additionally, the conference will celebrate and honor women entrepreneurs and grassroots leaders in the tourism industry.
Launched in 2008, Kerala’s Responsible Tourism (RT) initiative has grown into a large grassroots network, with 25,188 registered units, 17,632 of which are owned or led by women. Over 52,000 people have directly benefited from the initiative, and 98,432 have seen indirect benefits, primarily in rural areas. The RT projects also support arts, crafts, and traditional livelihoods, earning numerous national and international awards, the statement concluded.
