entering into and investing in production , marketing and other areas of tourism ; but they require technical support for preparing projects and implementing them in a feasible manner , he added . Among other major recommendations were , public-private partnership in promoting investment at the local level ; and ensuring public health , safety and security systems at tourism destinations for sustainable growth . The issue of “ restructured ethnicity ”, the cultural adaptation for the purpose of tourism , was a major discussion point at the session on the socio-cultural aspect of RT .
As a result of this adaptation locals lose their individual and cultural identities and it causes the public to become annoyed with tourism , said Shri M S Venugopal , Deputy Director , Department of Tourism , who led the talk . “ This irritation may lead to protests and eventually the loss of the destination .
A collective effort involving hosts , locals as well as the guests has to be made to minimise cultural deterioration ,” he said .
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Shri Jose Dominic , Managing Director , CGH Earth , proposed the idea of a “ mentorship clinic ” where industry experts could come , hear out ideas from entrepreneurs wanting to set up micro enterprises , and provide them with advice on how to start the business .
He said sustainable and innovative ideas such as “ eco-camping ” could also be promoted . “ This requires very little land , maybe an acre and a half . Guests can come with their own camping gear . All you need to do is provide them with basic facilities like water , toilets and some lights ; attach Kudumbashree to that and maybe they can provide a simple meal too ,” he said .
Shri . U V Jose , Addl . Director ( Planning and Projects ) said the Department of Tourism was fully supportive of eco-friendly projects . In Kumarakom the Department plans to develop six kilometres of cycling track along the canals this year , he informed .
“ We have identified the locations and it is a testament to the strength of responsible tourism that the local people are happy to open up their land for this initiative ,” he said .
Delegates participated actively in the conference ’ s open forum on Friday with suggestions including focus on “ geriatric tourism ” as part of RT in view of the changing demographics around the globe ; including transport modes such as flying into the sustainability scheme and encouraging group travel to reduce pollution ; training for RT guides ; setting targets for and reporting on carbon footprint of tourists at RT destinations .
Dr Rajashree Ajith , Director , KITTS , delivered the welcome address at the valedictory function . Dr Adama Bah , the Travel Foundation project coordinator for The Gambia also spoke on the occasion .
An exhibition was held along the sidelines of the conference featuring handicraft and indigenous products made at RT destinations across the state . The conference concluded on Saturday with site visits by the delegates around Kumarakom .
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