Kerala’s innovative ‘Women-Friendly Tourism’ initiative gains strength through a two-day orientation programme at Kumarakom, conducted in partnership with UN Women. The initiative aims to make the tourism sector inclusive and gender-sensitive. The training, held at Kumarakom Cultural Centre, was organized by Responsible Tourism Mission (RT Mission), the state’s nodal agency for the project.

Over 85 women trainers participated, set to train women engaged in tourism and related services across the state. This programme, the second in a series by RT Mission, fosters experience-sharing sessions. Entrepreneurs and professionals discussed the successful execution of various tourism activities, enhancing visitor experiences. Acknowledging Kerala as the pioneer of ‘Women-Friendly Tourism,’ Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas stated that these sessions will expedite the initiative's progress and attract more women tourists.

Apart from creating a safe environment for solo or group women travellers, the initiative envisions women as entrepreneurs and professionals in the tourism and hospitality sector. Sessions focused on women-friendly tourism activities, community-oriented Responsible Tourism (RT), gender-inclusive tourism, and spaces. Kerala Tourism Secretary K Biju emphasized that ‘Women-Friendly Tourism’ ensures safe, hygienic places and destinations. Kerala Tourism Director P B Nooh mentioned the project's security assurance for women travellers, promoting women empowerment.

The project aims to engage women in various activities, including catering, accommodation, transportation, and community guiding, potentially creating 10,000 enterprises, around 30,000 job opportunities, and a network of 1.5 lakh women in tourism and allied sectors. Currently, 1850 women have participated in training sessions. UN Women India Kerala coordinator Peeja Rajan and various travel experts were among the speakers.