All You Need To Know About Kerala's New Initiative For Women Travellers

In an era where more women embrace the freedom of solo adventures or embark on exciting group getaways, Kerala Tourism has taken a step forward. Introducing their innovative mobile application, the state is revolutionizing women-friendly tourism experiences. This new app will boast a comprehensive list of carefully curated tourism packages, trusted women operators and guides, and an array of amenities specifically designed for the convenience of women travellers exploring the state. The contents of this new app will include location-specific information and mesmerizing images and are being prepared by the State Responsible Tourism Mission (RT Mission), the driving force behind the 'Women-Friendly Tourism' project. 

What Will the App Offer

Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas affirmed that creating a "conducive ambience for women tourists" is a priority for the Kerala government. By offering this app dedicated to women-friendly tourism initiatives, Kerala seeks to ensure that women travelling individually and in groups have a delightful and stress-free experience in Kerala.

Empowering Goals

Inspired by the principles of the UN Women's 'Gender Inclusive Tourism' concept, which champions women's empowerment in the tourism industry, Riyas initiated this endeavour back in October last year. As an extension of this project, the tourism department is rolling out a diverse range of women-friendly tourism products and packages, further enriching the travel experiences of discerning women travellers. The release said that this project has a grand goal of engaging 1,50,000 women from Kerala and enjoys the support of various organizations, including the UN Women. The aim of creating 10,000 women-led ventures and generating 30,000 jobs in the tourism sector is a testament to the state's dedication to fostering gender equality and economic empowerment.

Other Benefits

Beyond providing essential information about Kerala's tourism centres, the app will provide a comprehensive guide to women-friendly tourism products and packages, luxurious resorts and hotels, women-led enterprises, tour operators, travel agencies, charming homestays, and knowledgeable women tour guides. The app also celebrates women-led handicraft and souvenir production and sales units while ensuring access to essential amenities such as restrooms, camping sites, licensed houseboats, caravan parks, and places offering ethnic cuisine. Additionally, the app promises to showcase the vibrant tapestry of festivals and offer an extensive selection of experiential and adventure packages, allowing women to immerse themselves in Kerala's culture.

The RT Mission has embarked on an extensive information-gathering exercise to curate this app. Simultaneously, they are diligently examining women's safety in tourism centres, ensuring that women travellers feel secure throughout their journey. As the nodal agency entrusted with implementing the 'Women-Friendly Tourism' project, the RT Mission has already provided training to approximately 1,800 women, equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge across various facets of the industry. An upcoming training session is scheduled for July to empower women representatives further.

(With PTI inputs)

Cover photo credit Shutterstock

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