Tourism News
Kerala Initiates Safety and Destination Audits for Ecotourism Sites
In a significant step towards improving visitor safety and ecological sustainability, Kerala Tourism, through the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS) and the State Forest Department, initiated comprehensive audits at selected ecotourism locations. The move formed part of a broader plan to evaluate risks, facilities and carrying capacity at major forest-based destinations across the state.
A formal agreement was signed between KITTS and the Forest Department to conduct detailed safety and destination audits. KITTS was tasked with identifying safety lapses, assessing infrastructure and recommending both immediate and long-term interventions for safer and more sustainable tourism practices.
According to KITTS Director Dr. M.R. Dileep, the safety audit is aimed to uncover hazards, review existing safety protocols and propose corrective measures. This includes developing specific safety guidelines for adventure activities like trekking, river visits, boating and waterfall access. The project also evaluated environmental and health management systems at each destination.
Twelve ecotourism sites were selected for safety audits: Agasthyarkoodam, Shendurney, Chimminy, Kudukuthupara, Dhoni, Kodukuthimala, Pakkam Kuruva, Meenmutty, Keshavanpara, Thekkady, Athirappilly, and Ranipuram. Additionally, ten destinations, including Soochipara, Calvary Mount, Conolly Plot and Thusharagiri, were identified for in-depth destination audits.
These destination audits focus on evaluating infrastructure, visitor facilities and uniqueness of each location. The exercise also included a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis to recommend short-term improvements and long-term strategies.
Officials noted that while Kerala is home to nearly 80 ecotourism destinations offering facilities like trekking, birdwatching, cycling and river activities. The audits would provide a standardised framework for improving safety and service quality.
The final reports from both audits are expected to be submitted to the Forest Department within six months.
