≡-Kerala Unveils Ambitious Plan to Make Munnar a Global Responsible Tourism Destination by 2025 with Focus on Eco-Friendly Practices – Viral of Today

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Home » ASIA » Kerala Unveils Ambitious Plan to Make Munnar a Global Responsible Tourism Destination by 2025 with Focus on Eco-Friendly Practices Tuesday, July 1, 2025Kerala has launched a bold initiative to transform Munnar into a globally recognized Responsible Tourism Destination by 2025, aiming to redefine travel through sustainability, inclusivity, and environmental protection. The plan focuses on implementing eco-friendly practices, including eliminating single-use plastics, promoting net-zero carbon tourism, empowering local communities—especially women—and integrating village-based experiences into mainstream tourism. With a dedicated ₹50 lakh investment and a structured roadmap led by the Responsible Tourism Mission, Kerala is setting the stage for Munnar to emerge as a model for green, responsible, and resilient travel in South Asia.Vision for Sustainable TransformationThis reimagining of Munnar is not a superficial rebranding, but a comprehensive, government-led initiative to redefine how tourism interacts with nature and communities. Spearheaded by the state’s Responsible Tourism Mission, the project focuses on integrating eco-conscious strategies into every layer of the destination’s tourism economy.A sanctioned budget of ₹50 lakh is already being utilized to support outreach, community training, and destination infrastructure—all geared toward achieving the goal of a low-impact, high-value tourism model.A New Benchmark for Indian Hill StationsMunnar, nestled in the Western Ghats, already attracts over twelve lakh overnight tourists annually. When day visitors are included, the real footfall could be closer to forty lakh. These figures make the hill station a focal point for tourism planning in Kerala—and a prime candidate for a sustainable makeover.Once designated as a responsible and resilient tourism zone, Munnar will gain an edge on international travel platforms that increasingly favor eco-friendly and socially conscious destinations.Women at the Center of the InitiativeA standout feature of this transition is the emphasis on gender inclusivity. The upcoming tourism framework will be built around empowering women—as entrepreneurs, guides, hosts, and decision-makers. New programs are underway to train women in tourism-related services, helping to create a safe, supportive, and equitable tourism environment.This shift goes beyond simple participation. It’s about embedding gender equity into the structure of Munnar’s tourism economy and creating opportunities for leadership, financial independence, and social empowerment.On-Ground Action Already UnderwayMultiple sustainability efforts are already unfolding across Munnar in anticipation of the December 2025 declaration:Ban on Single-Use Plastics: Comprehensive efforts are being made to eliminate plastic waste. Authorities are working with local businesses to replace plastic packaging and materials with biodegradable alternatives.Rural Tourism Experiences: Curated village experiences are being designed to give tourists a glimpse into the everyday life, cuisine, and culture of the region. This not only enriches the tourist experience but also brings direct income to rural communities.Responsible Hospitality Standards: Hotels, resorts, and homestays are being audited and classified based on their environmental practices, energy usage, and social responsibility, promoting a green standard across the accommodation sector.Signage and Visual Awareness: Information boards, eco-reminder signage, and short films are being deployed to increase awareness about responsible travel behavior among visitors.Training for Local Service Providers: Auto drivers, local tour operators, and hospitality workers are receiving orientation on responsible tourism principles, helping to create a seamless visitor experience that aligns with the larger mission.Shaping a Net-Zero DestinationCentral to this initiative is the goal of turning Munnar into a net-zero tourist destination. That means balancing every emission or impact with compensatory action—through carbon-reducing measures like improved waste systems, clean transportation options, and sustainable infrastructure planning.This holistic model prioritizes long-term ecological protection over short-term tourism revenue, placing Munnar at the forefront of a new travel paradigm.Paving the Way for Global RecognitionThe transformation of Munnar reflects Kerala’s growing reputation as a leader in responsible tourism within Asia. This new designation is expected to create ripple effects across the Indian travel industry, encouraging other destinations to follow suit in building tourism frameworks that protect ecosystems and empower people.Kerala has launched a bold plan to transform Munnar into a global Responsible Tourism Destination by 2025, focusing on eco-friendly practices like plastic-free initiatives, net-zero goals, and inclusive community-led tourism.«Enjoyed this post? 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