Kerala to launch master plan to raise tourism’s contribution to State GDP from 12% to 20%
Kerala to launch master plan to raise tourism’s contribution to State GDP from 12% to 20% The Hindu
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The State Government’s Comprehensive Master Plan for Tourism Sector
The State government will come up with a comprehensive master plan, ‘Mission 2030’, for the tourism sector next year, according to Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas. This master plan aims to lay down policies and suggestions to increase tourism’s contribution to the State’s GDP from the current 12% to 20%. The plan will also address the decision regarding dry days after discussions with the Excise Minister.
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The master plan, ‘Mission 2030’, aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. It focuses on sustainable tourism practices that promote economic growth, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
Leveraging Private Investment and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Kerala Tourism’s major focus in 2024 will be on leveraging larger-scale private investment. The government recognizes that it alone cannot enhance the State’s presence in the global tourism domain. Therefore, it aims to increase private investments in the tourism sector by encouraging partnerships with the cooperative sector and individuals. The Glass Bridge at Vagamon is an example of a successful public-private partnership (PPP) model. The government aims to fully utilize the potential of PPP models in future projects.
Development of Heli Tourism and Cruise Tourism
The Minister announced that heli tourism and cruise tourism will be developed in partnership with private players next year. These initiatives aim to attract more tourists and enhance the overall tourism experience in Kerala.
Renovation of Feroke Bridge and Construction of Aluva Bridge
The 132-year-old Feroke Bridge across Chaliyar River will be renovated and dedicated in 2024. Additionally, work on another bridge at Aluva will commence in the same year. These projects are being implemented with the cooperation of both public and private sectors.
Achievements and Initiatives of Kerala Tourism
The Minister highlighted the achievements and initiatives of Kerala Tourism in recent years. Notably, the State was able to sustain the flow of “revenge tourism” post-pandemic by introducing trendy attractions like the Vagamon glass bridge, floating bridge, cinema tourism, and caravan tourism. These leisure tourism activities have attracted a significant number of domestic tourists.
Contributions of Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM) and Responsible Tourism Mission (RTM)
The Minister acknowledged the contributions of Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM) and other stakeholders to the tourism sector. He also praised the globally-acknowledged activities of the State Responsible Tourism Mission (RTM).
Tourism Sector’s Economic Impact
Tourism Secretary Biju. K stated that the tourism sector contributes 10% of the State’s GDP and generates employment for approximately 15 lakh people. In 2022, the total revenue from the sector was ₹35,168.42 crore, with foreign exchange earnings amounting to ₹2,792.42 crore and direct earnings from domestic tourists reaching ₹24,588.96 crore.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
- Indicator: Increase in tourism’s contribution to the State’s GDP from the current 12% to 20%.
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
- Indicator: Development of heli tourism and cruise tourism in partnership with private players.
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SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
- Indicator: Dedication of the renovated 132-year-old Feroke Bridge across Chaliyar River in 2024.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. | Increase in tourism’s contribution to the State’s GDP from the current 12% to 20%. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being. | Development of heli tourism and cruise tourism in partnership with private players. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. | Dedication of the renovated 132-year-old Feroke Bridge across Chaliyar River in 2024. |
The article discusses the State government’s plan to develop a comprehensive master plan, ‘Mission 2030’, for the tourism sector in Kerala. The master plan aims to increase tourism’s contribution to the State’s GDP from the current 12% to 20%. This aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, specifically Target 8.9, which focuses on promoting sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. The increase in tourism’s contribution to the State’s GDP serves as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.
The article also mentions the government’s focus on developing infrastructure in the tourism sector through partnerships with private players. This relates to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, particularly Target 9.1, which emphasizes the development of quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being. The development of heli tourism and cruise tourism in partnership with private players serves as an indicator for this target.
Furthermore, the article highlights the dedication of the renovated 132-year-old Feroke Bridge across Chaliyar River in 2024. This aligns with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, specifically Target 11.4, which focuses on strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The dedication of the renovated bridge serves as an indicator to measure progress towards this target.
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Source: thehindu.com
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