Kanthalloor village in Kerala’s picturesque Idukki district has earned national recognition as the first panchayat in India to implement women-friendly tourism. With a focus on safety, inclusivity, and economic empowerment for women, this groundbreaking initiative is setting new benchmarks for rural tourism. Implemented in collaboration with UN Women, the village’s efforts have created a safe and welcoming environment for women travellers while fostering opportunities for local women to actively participate in the tourism sector.
(Image Credit: IG/letsgoforacamp)
Women-Friendly Tourism
Kanthalloor’s women-friendly tourism programme includes a range of measures to ensure a secure and enriching experience for women:
• Destination Security Scheme: Comprehensive measures were introduced to make Kanthalloor a ‘safe destination’ for women tourists. This initiative prioritises safety at every level of the tourism experience.
• Special Women Tour Packages: Unique packages were designed to cater specifically to women travellers, providing them with opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty, culture, and traditions in a safe and supportive environment.
• Economic Empowerment: Local women were encouraged to actively participate in tourism-related activities, creating new avenues for income generation and skill development.
These efforts not only enhance the experience for women visitors but also empower the local female community, making Kanthalloor a true trailblazer in inclusive tourism.
The STREET Project
Kanthalloor’s success is rooted in the STREET initiative—an acronym for Sustainable, Tangible, Responsible, Experiential, Ethnic, Tourism. This project, under Kerala’s State Responsible Tourism Mission, promotes sustainable and inclusive tourism. Inspired by the UNWTO’s theme ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth,’ STREET aims to integrate social, cultural, and environmental sustainability into tourism practices.
The Government of India’s ‘Gold’ award for Best Rural Tourism Projects was conferred upon Kanthalloor after a rigorous eight-month evaluation process. Competing against 767 projects nationwide, the village’s innovative approach stood out for its comprehensive and inclusive impact.
Kanthalloor’s achievements extend beyond women-friendly initiatives to include a range of structured and sustainable practices:
• Plan Fund Utilisation: As the first rural local body in India to implement a tourism project using the plan fund, Kanthalloor showcased effective governance and resource management.
• Tourism Protocols and Packages: Various tourism packages were developed based on protocols for village and farm tourism, offering visitors an authentic and immersive experience.
• Panchayat-Level Registration of Tourism Vehicles: All vehicles used in tourism activities were registered locally, ensuring quality control and accountability.
• Uniform Rates: Standardised pricing for tour packages ensured transparency and fairness.
• Green Badges: Vehicles used for tourism activities were awarded ‘Green Badges’ to signify adherence to eco-friendly and safe practices.
• Joint Review Meetings: Regular reviews by the Responsible Tourism Mission and UN Women ensured the project’s continued success and impact.
Kanthalloor’s initiatives demonstrate how rural areas can harness their cultural and natural resources to promote sustainable development while prioritising inclusivity. By integrating women-centric policies with broader tourism strategies, the village has achieved both socio-economic upliftment and global recognition.
