The Hindu, Kerala- Kochi

Tourism model ‘unsustainable’

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Kerala Tourism Watch, a coalition of activists and local communities, will organise a convention against “malpractices in Kerala Tourism” at the Achutha Menon hall, near Public Library, on Saturday.

A press release issued by the organisers termed the international conference on responsible tourism being organised by the Tourism Department “a publicity stunt and intended at marketing the destination without addressing the fundamental issues.”

Geo Jose, member of the coalition, said the current discussions were not addressing the concerns of the affected population, which need urgent and immediate steps to stop the damages of tourism caused to them.

He said local stakeholders have been denied permission to participate in the discussions to be held at the conference.

The coalition members said the ill-affected model demonstrated how unregulated and weak policies have facilitated unsustainable tourism development in the State. It alienated the local population, especially the marginalised, from their peaceful life and livelihood, they said.

The release said there was no paradigm shift in the way Kerala was developing its tourism sector. The current discussions were just a hype to change the fading image of Kerala tourism and portray it as a responsible destination in the international market, it said.

URL : http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/21/stories/2008032161470300.htm