43 more spots to fall in RT cover

Thiruvananthapuram: The Responsible Tourism movement is about to take a big leap.

By the middle of 2014, the movement will be spread over 50 destinations, most of them never-before explored tourism spots.

As of now, RT is operational only in seven destinations in the state: Kovalam, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Vythiri, Ambalavayal, Kumbalangi and Bekal.

The 43 new RT destinations have already been identified. The selection was based on cultural vibrancy and richness of natural resources.

“All these 43 destinations, almost all of them small villages propped up by traditional occupations, will be within a 40-km radius of any of the seven RT destinations. The plan is to build them up as satellite destinations around the main ones,” said Rupesh Kumar, the state RT coordinator.

Kumarakom’s success has necessitated the expansion.

“The local production units in Kumarakom alone cannot meet the demand of the tourism industry in the area. So we have identified Ayemenem and Aarpookkara villages as the places where additional production centres will be established,” Rupesh said. These villages can also exist as independent destinations.