Sat Jan 31 07:11:54 UTC 2026: ### Kerala Champions Inclusive Tourism with “Kerala for All” Conclave

The Story:
On January 31, 2026, Kerala’s Minister for Public Works and Tourism, P.A. Mohamed Riyas, inaugurated the “Kerala for All” conclave in Kochi, a two-day event focused on promoting inclusive and accessible tourism. Organized jointly by The Hindu and Kerala Tourism, the conclave aims to foster collaboration between government, industry, stakeholders, communities, and citizens to create a more inclusive travel experience. Minister Riyas highlighted Kerala’s pioneering efforts in drafting a design policy to accommodate diverse needs and emphasized the broader benefits of accessible tourism for all travelers, including senior citizens, families with young children, and individuals with temporary injuries.

Key Points:

  • The “Kerala for All” conclave, a collaborative effort between The Hindu and Kerala Tourism, commenced on January 31, 2026, in Kochi.
  • Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas emphasized that inclusive tourism is a shared responsibility, not a special service.
  • Kerala has initiated a first-of-its-kind design policy in India to promote accessible infrastructure and services.
  • The Minister stressed the need to remove physical, social, informational, and attitudinal barriers to travel.
  • A project to create a disabled-friendly constituency in Beypore is underway and will be presented as a case study.
  • Suresh Nambath, Editor of The Hindu, underscored the newspaper’s commitment to fostering public discourse and policy formulation on accessibility and inclusion.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kerala is positioning itself as a leader in inclusive tourism by proactively implementing design policies and projects.
  • The collaboration between the government, media (The Hindu), and local communities is crucial for advancing the inclusive tourism agenda.
  • Accessible tourism is recognized as beneficial for a wide range of travelers, not just those with disabilities.
  • The focus extends beyond physical infrastructure to include training, sensitization, and community engagement.

Impact Analysis:

The “Kerala for All” initiative has significant long-term implications for Kerala’s tourism sector and potentially for India as a whole. By prioritizing accessibility and inclusion, Kerala can:

  • Enhance destination competitiveness: Attract a broader range of tourists, including those with disabilities, senior citizens, and families, expanding its market reach.
  • Promote responsible and sustainable development: Foster community participation and ensure that tourism benefits all segments of society.
  • Influence national policy: Kerala’s pioneering design policy and case studies can serve as models for other states in India, driving a nationwide movement towards inclusive tourism. This event series has the potential to reshape the narrative and practices within the Indian tourism industry, making it more equitable and accessible for everyone.

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