(Kerala Tourism Secretary K. Biju IAS inaugurates the seminar at Global Travel Market (GTM) 2026. Also seen are Tourism Director M. Anjana IAS; Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society CEO, Rupeshkumar K, GTM CEO Siji Nair, SKHF Secretary Prasad Manjali, Responsible Tourism Mission Gender Audit and Safety Audit Team member and Escape Now founder Indu Krishna, and RT Club Leader Indira.)
TTT NEWS NETWORK
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM | 5 JUNEÂ 2026
Sustainable tourism practices, environmental conservation, and community participation must remain at the core of Kerala’s tourism growth strategy, said K. Biju, Secretary, Tourism, Government of Kerala. Shri Biju was inaugurating a seminar on “Responsible Tourism for Inclusive Growth and Community Development” at the Global Travel Market 2026 (GTM 2026), held at the Golden Palace International Convention Centre here on Friday.
Over the years, Kerala’s responsible tourism has evolved into a successful model expanded across several districts and villages, he said. The next phase of tourism development should focus on strengthening sustainable and clean tourism practices Shri Biju said, adding sustainability is not about distancing Kerala from its roots but about preserving and showcasing its natural and cultural heritage more effectively. “Kerala’s greatest tourism asset is its rich natural environment. Protecting ecosystems, water bodies, and landscapes is essential for ensuring long-term growth and maintaining the state’s appeal as a tourism destination,” he said.
Highlighting the social dimension of tourism, he stressed that local communities must be active stakeholders and beneficiaries of tourism development. Empowering local producers, promoting indigenous products, and ensuring community participation are critical to creating inclusive growth, he added.
Today’s travellers increasingly seek authentic experiences rather than luxury. Visitors are drawn to Kerala’s festivals, village life, local traditions, and interactions with communities, making even small local enterprises an integral part of the tourism ecosystem, he said. Shri Biju also pointed out that Kerala’s unique harmony among diverse cultures, communities, and faiths leaves a lasting impression on visitors and often reshapes their perceptions of society and human relationships.
Responsible Tourism must become a central pillar of Kerala’s tourism strategy. In an era where experiences increasingly drive travel decisions, he called for renewed efforts to expand responsible tourism initiatives across the state while preserving Kerala’s natural and cultural heritage and ensuring shared prosperity for local communities.
Smt. Anjana M, Director, Kerala Tourism, stressed the need for maintaining sustainable tourism practices for the long-term progress of the state. Shri Rupeshkumar K, Chief Executive Officer of the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society, said the RT initiative should be viewed as a culture rather than a product. He said the concept envisions a participatory tourism model rooted in sustainability and designed to ensure the long-term economic viability of local communities.
It creates opportunities for communities to directly benefit from tourism while preserving their cultural and environmental assets. RT Mission Gender Audit and Safety Audit Team member and Escape Now founder Indu Krishna, along with RT Club Leader Indira, also shared their views and insights at the seminar. GTM CEO Siji Nair delivered the welcome address and SKHF Secretary Prasad Manjali proposed a vote of thanks. Shri Nazeer Salam, Chairman of Kerala Development Media, spoke on the topic “Sustainable Development Model of Kerala.” Seminars on hospitality education, medical tourism, and Ayurveda were also held as part of the event. GTM 2026 was organised jointly by the South Kerala Hoteliers Forum (SKHF), Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), Tavas Ventures, and Metro Mart, with the support of Kerala Tourism and India Tourism. More than 1,000 domestic and international buyers and over 300 corporate buyers participated in GTM 2026.
The expo featured more than 200 stalls representing hotels, resorts, tourism organisations, airlines, travel agents, tour operators, and travel technology innovators. It also showcased a wide range of domestic and international products and services from the travel and tourism sector. Ends
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