Kerala for All conclave: Kerala best suited in India to build a new model for inclusive, accessible tourism, says Suman Billa

If Kerala is able to set a new model in inclusive and accessible tourism, not only will it become a global model for reference, but it will also serve as an inspiration for destinations across the country, and even globally, Suman Billa, additional director and director general, Union Ministry of Tourism, has said. What India needs today is not just money, but inspiration, he added.

“There is no State in India which is better placed than Kerala to implement inclusive and accessible tourism,” said Mr. Billa. “Kerala society is at its heart compassionate. All of the things that we see in Kerala come from the principle of equity and compassion,” he said.

Over the past several years, Kerala has done very well in the tourism segment, and the time has now come to look at making a paradigm shift by creating destinations 100% disabled-friendly. “We have to look at all the touchpoints that a tourist will have to go through, including transportation to hotels, visiting sites, and even the walkways along the road,” he said.

Commercial element

Considering the fact that those with special abilities are repeated visitors to the same destinations and stay longer, it is not a matter of social concern alone, but the accessible design should be undertaken from a commercial point of view too, as it offers a tremendous commercial potential along with responsibility, he said.

So if Kerala Tourism were to turn its destinations into world-class ones, not only would it be a reflection of our ethos and of our care and compassion, but it would also be good in terms of economic and commercial value. Given the achievements of Kerala, no other State in this country is better placed than Kerala to achieve this, he added.