The London based Tourism Concern asks supporters “to lobby the Government of Kerala of the diversion of tsunami rehabilitation meant for rebuilding the lives and livelihoods of tsunami-affected communities in Kerala, India, to develop tourism”. Read the briefing document from Tourism Concern Riding the wave: Tsunami rehabilitation funds diverted for tourism and see the campaign call to send fax messages to the Chief Minister for Kerala and the Minister for Tourism expressing concern over the diversion of tsunami rehabilitation funds for the development of tourism.

Kerala Tourism Watch declares its moral and political solidarity to the striking workers of the Houseboat Industry in Kerala. Workers have launched an indefinite strike demanding better wages. Kerala’s tourism industry which often talks about responsible tourism stands thoroughly exposed in the wake of the strike. The houseboat industry has grown disproportionate to the carrying capacity of Kerala backwaters and it provides direct employment to nearly 2000 workers staffed by over 600 houseboats

EQUATIONS raises concern on the way in which public consultations have been arranged by CEE. It is noted that in many places CEE failed to include complete participation from all stakeholders. The question arises whether CEE had sent letters to a wide range of the stakeholders in the state and had informed them about the dates of the meeting and the venue? While the schedule is available on the website of CEE, many communities and movements do not have ready access to internet or use it as the regular mode of communication. Informing them sufficiently in advance and ensuring that they participate, their voices are heard and their concerns are documented and responded to is most critical, as they represent the most vulnerable communities on the coast.

Letter to Tourism Authorities in India/Kerala from International Organizations supporting the demand for the Closure of Trivandrum Golf Club

From Tourism investigation & monitoring team (tim-team), On behalf of the Global Anti-Golf Course Movement's (GAG'M).

Coordinating groups: Third World Network (TWN); Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), Malaysia; Friends of the Earth (FoE), Malaysia; Tourism Investigation & Monitoring Team (tim-team) Thailand; Global Network for Anti-Golf Course Action (GNAGA), Japan; Helping Our Peninsula's Environment (HOPE), USA; GAG'M liaison initiative UK (Desmond Fernandes)

Additional signatories: Forest Peoples Programme (FPP), United Kingdom; Tourism Action Group, Philippines 

We are inspired by the Kerala people's expression of their outrage and resistance against irresponsible tourism managed from Kerala government's Department of Tourism. Voices from the Third World against the rapacious greed of globalization are getting stronger even as industry planners and their paid hacks of  consultants try hard in vain to deodorize these by such euphemisms like 'Responsible Tourism'.  Participants attending the official Convention on Responsible Tourism may well heed the  call or advise, unsolicited though it be, to join the ranks of protesters outside the 5-star convention hall and instead help prevent tourism's annihilation of people's resources. This way, their participation in the so-called Convention of Responsible Tourism attain its real meaning and away from false promises of anti-poverty measures through tourism.

ONWARD WITH THE KERALA PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT FOR CONTROL OF THEIR RESOURCES, THEIR LIVES, THEIR FUTURE!!!


In Solidarity,

Giovanni B, Reyes
Tourism Action Group - Philippines