In an effort towards encouraging women-friendly tourism, Kerala Tourism is developing a mobile application to serve as a ready reckoner for women travellers. The app, according to the tourism department, aims to support the state government’s initiative to make the tourism sector in Kerala more inclusive and gender-sensitive.
The Responsible Tourism Mission (RT Mission), which is responsible for implementing the ‘Women-Friendly Tourism’ project, has been assigned the task of preparing the app’s content.
To ensure accurate and comprehensive information, the RT Mission has initiated an extensive data collection process for inclusion in the app. They are also conducting a thorough assessment of the safety aspects for women in various tourism centers.
As the nodal agency for implementing the Women-Friendly Tourism project, the RT Mission has already provided training to approximately 1,800 women, with further training planned for elected women representatives in July.
Once available, the mobile app will serve as a comprehensive guide, providing location-specific information, images, and socio-cultural features of various places in Kerala. It will act as a ready reckoner for tourists, offering insights into the unique aspects of the women-friendly tourism project.
The initiative was launched by Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas in October of the previous year, aligning with the UN Women’s concept of ‘Gender Inclusive Tourism.’ The project aims to involve 1.5 lakh women from the state and create 10,000 women ventures and 30,000 jobs in the tourism sector.
The historic town is undergoing a massive transformation as the Ministry of Culture is leading the holistic development of the town, planned in four phases. Plans are afoot to push tourism through the Archaeological Experiential Museum, tourism circuits, trails and redevelopment projects. Vadnagar is strategically located near other popular attractions like the Sun Temple of Modhera and Rani ki Vav.
Furthermore, the tourism minister Riyas mentioned that the mobile app on the Women-Friendly Tourism project is expected to enhance the overall travel experience for women visiting Kerala, making it more pleasant and hassle-free.The app will not only provide information about popular tourism centers in Kerala but will also feature details about women-friendly tourism products and packages, resorts, hotels, women-led enterprises, recognised tour operators, travel agencies, homestays, and women tour guides.
It will include valuable information on women-led handicraft and souvenir production, amenities such as restrooms, camping sites, licensed houseboats, caravan parks, and ethnic cuisine units in various locations.
Additionally, the app will highlight festivals, experiential packages, adventure activities, and other offerings.
The introduction of the mobile app marks the beginning of the second phase of activities for this pioneering project, further strengthening the commitment of Kerala Tourism towards creating a gender-inclusive and women-friendly tourism sector in the state.
“Creating a safe and welcoming environment for women travellers is a top priority for the government, considering the increasing trend of women traveling alone or in groups to distant destinations,” stated the official release.
