Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Tourism is preparing to launch a mobile application to bolster the pioneering 'Women-Friendly Tourism' initiative, introduced by the state government, aimed at promoting gender inclusivity in the tourism sector.
In collaboration with various organizations, including UN Women, the project aims to engage 150,000 women from the state. The ambitious endeavour targets the creation of 10,000 women-led ventures and the generation of 30,000 jobs in the tourism industry.
State Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas launched this initiative in alignment with UN Women's concept of 'Gender Inclusive Tourism,' which emphasizes the vital role of women in the tourism sector. The project will introduce a range of women-friendly tourism products and packages.
Riyas stated, "With the increasing trend of women traveling individually or in groups to distant destinations, creating a welcoming environment for women tourists is a top priority for the government. The Women-Friendly Tourism app will enhance the overall experience of female visitors, making their journey to Kerala more enjoyable and hassle-free."
The State Responsible Tourism Mission (RT Mission), the designated agency for implementing the 'Women-Friendly Tourism' project, has been entrusted with developing the app's content.
The app will provide location-specific information, including images and socio-cultural highlights of various destinations in Kerala, serving as a comprehensive guide for this unique initiative.
The mobile app marks the initiation of the project's second phase. In addition to offering information about tourism centers in Kerala, the app will feature details about women-friendly tourism products and packages, resorts, hotels, women-led enterprises, recognized tour operators, female tour guides, travel agencies, homestays, and more.
K. Rupeshkumar, the State Coordinator of the RT Mission, stated that the app will also include information on women-led handicraft and souvenir production and sales units, amenities such as restrooms, camping sites, licensed houseboats, caravan parks, ethnic cuisine units at various locations, as well as details on festivals and experiential and adventure packages.
With inputs from agencies