Tourism Minister opens RT Mission’s Beypore water fest art fair

Friday, December 29, 2023

The Minister of Tourism, Shri P.A. Mohamed Riyas, outlined the state government’s objective of elevating Beypore into a globally recognized Responsible Tourism (RT) hub. This vision involves implementing projects that directly benefit local communities. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the Responsible Tourism and Textile Art Festival, held as part of the third edition of the Beypore International Water Festival (BIWF). The BIWF, which commenced on Tuesday, is an annual event featuring thrilling water sports competitions and diverse programs.

The festival, organized by Kerala‘s Responsible Tourism Mission (RT Mission) at E.K. Nayanar Mini Stadium in Nallur, Feroke, is scheduled to conclude on Friday.

Shri Riyas emphasized the importance of demonstrating increased responsibility in welcoming tourists. He highlighted Responsible Tourism’s role in empowering women within local communities, citing the engagement of approximately 1.5 lakh families in RT Mission’s initiatives. He also noted that in Kerala, a rapidly expanding tourism sector significantly benefits local communities, with 80 percent of the 25,000 RT units being led by women.

The Minister emphasized that the RT fest, showcasing various traditions like pottery, weaving, and dress-making across 52 stalls, would contribute to fortifying Beypore’s position as an RT destination.

Furthermore, Shri Riyas disclosed the government’s plan to enhance beach tourism by introducing more water sports activities along Kerala’s coastlines. Discussions are underway to develop plans for Kozhikode beach as part of this initiative, revealed during the ‘Tourism Investors Meet’ (TIM), where a substantial number of investment proposals focused on beach tourism.

Despite facing opposition, the government remains resolute in its commitment to developing water sports facilities on beaches. Shri Riyas assured that fundamental requirements such as safety, hygiene, and travel amenities for tourists would be prioritized.

During the event, Block Panchayat President Smt T K Shailaja praised the meticulous planning of such programs, foreseeing a boost to RT activities in the area. District Collector Shri Snehil Kumar Singh graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The festival, according to RT Mission State Coordinator Shri K. Rupeshkumar, is the first of its kind in Kerala, serving as a platform for various sections of society to converge. It aims to exhibit India’s diverse handicraft traditions in line with the state’s promotion of sustainable and inclusive tourism, showcasing art and craft traditions from 17 states.

The expo encompasses textile traditions, handicraft displays, and agricultural and food products from units associated with the State RT Mission, all available at reasonable prices. Kerala’s agricultural produce, promoted in collaboration with Agrifarm Tourism Network units, will be showcased, featuring organic food products, spices, and Village Experience packages from different districts.

The festival received support from a spectrum of travel and tourism stakeholders, including HATS, women’s RT clubs, and adventure tourism agencies. States such as Tamil Nadu, Assam, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Puducherry, Odisha, and Maharashtra participated in this vibrant celebration of culture and tradition.

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