Hibi Eden, MLA, has called for tourism development without exploiting the environment.
Delivering the inaugural address at the World Tourism Day celebrations organised jointly by the State Tourism Department and the District Tourism Promotion Council here on Thursday, Mr. Eden observed that tourism development will hasten the development of other affiliated sectors as well. He said that post the Emerging Kerala Summit, there is a change in the perception about the State among other States within the country and other countries.
Mr. Eden said that the State is still lagging in tapping the tourism potential. The State has explored only 30 per cent of its potential. Hence, it is time to explore the immense possibilities opened up by this sector to the hilt. Mr. Eden said that growth in all sectors is possible through sustainable tourism development.
A seminar on ‘Sustainable energy and tourism’ was held on the occasion. In his presidential address, Tourism Secretary Suman Billa said that the State’s tourism policy focuses on sustainable development. The objective is to take its fruits to the common people. The focus will be given on nature-oriented tourism activities, he said.
Mr. Eden flagged off the cycle rally propagating the message of the Tourism Day organised by the Tourism Guides’ Association. An exhibition of mural paintings lasting 20 days is under way on the second floor of Oberon Mall. Tourism Department Director Rani George; District Collector P.I. Sheikh Pareed; Director, Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS), Rajashree Ajith; and Tourism Professionals Club president George Scaria were present.
