Kerala has emerged as a leading destination for gender-inclusive tourism, advocating for practices prioritizing women’s safety and empowerment within the travel industry. The recent Global Women Conference on Gender Inclusive and Responsible Tourism, held at the scenic Munnar hill station, marked significant strides as stakeholders united to promote these ideals. The Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society, partnering with UN Women, brought together various organizations and experts to discuss the future of women-friendly tourism.
The conference culminated with the endorsement of the "Kerala Declaration of Gender Inclusive and Women Friendly Tourism," which outlines priorities for fostering gender equality and accessibility across the tourism sector. This declaration recognizes the urgent need for embracing sustainable practices and inclusivity, directly benefiting women. "Gender inclusivity and climate-responsiveness must be integrated deeply within our tourism strategies," stated P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Kerala's Tourism Minister, highlighting the conference's commitment to transforming the hospitality sector.
During the three-day event, attendees shared inspiring stories of women overcoming obstacles to thrive within the tourism industry, emphasizing the necessity of creating equitable opportunities. For example, Shyni Rajkumar, known for her incredible achievement of riding over 500,000 kilometers on her motorcycle, narrated her experience of establishing the first Women’s Bullet Club in Kerala. Such anecdotes served as motivation for many and signified the strength and resilience women hold.
Tourism Director Sikha Surendran expressed pride over Kerala's innovative approaches to inclusive tourism. "This conclave has showcased Kerala's modern outlook on responsible, gender-diverse practices", she stated during the event's conclusion. Mountainside communities were encouraged to leverage technology, like AI, and implement supportive measures such as designated helplines and mobile applications to promote woman-friendly tourism operations.
The conference's discussions also emphasized the necessity for systemic changes to eliminate discrimination against women within the tourism workforce. Alongside these initiatives, the government pledged to organize skill development and training programs aimed at empowering women within the sector. "Public awareness campaigns around women and child-friendly tourism practices are also on our agenda," Surendran added, reflecting the proactive measures being put forth.
Notably, the conference kicked off with speeches from various dignitaries, including Susan Ferguson, the UN Women India Country Representative, who outlined the global importance of integrating gender-equitable practices within tourism frameworks. The sentiment echoed widely, emphasizing women’s substantial impact on local economies through responsible tourism, which not only preserves culture but empowers communities.
Participants left the conference with actionable insights and commitments to uplift women leaders within the tourism industry. A core part of the declaration was the pledge to promote joint efforts among stakeholders to secure equal rights and opportunities for women and gender minorities.
The newly released ‘Call to Action’ included strategies for ensuring safe working conditions for women, developing policies against harassment, and encouraging local community partnerships. "By addressing gender disparities and enabling women to participate fully, we create tourism ecosystems where everyone can thrive," Dr. Harold Goodwin, Chairman of the International Centre for Responsible Tourism Global, remarked at the conference.
This initiative is seen as part of Kerala's broader mission to not only establish itself as the safest destination for tourists but also as the go-to model for women-friendly tourism on the global stage. Kerala's efforts to create this inclusive environment are expected to catalyze similar changes across the world, fostering leadership roles for women and ensuring their voices resonate within the tourism narrative.
The entire initiative is aligned with sustainability goals, echoing Kerala’s longstanding commitment to protecting the environment and rural communities through tourism. By 2023, the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society had registered over 25,000 units, with more than 17,000 led by women, demonstrating tangible progress toward creating equitable economic opportunities.
Kerala’s focus on these initiatives underlines the importance of developing tourism as not just an economic driver but as a platform for social change and empowerment. The state is actively paving the path for others to follow, reinforcing the message: tourism is powerful not just for generating income but for fostering societal transformation.
The conference drew to a close with enthusiasm, as participants committed to championing gender inclusivity. The Kerala initiative embodies the belief shared by many: tourism should be inclusive, accessible to all, and centered around sustainable and responsible practices.
This commitment sets the stage for Kerala not just to be recognized as the leading destination for tourists but truly as the vanguard for gender-inclusive tourism globally.