Beypore declared an International Responsible Tourism Destination

Beypore in Kozhikode, Kerala has officially been declared an International Responsible Tourism Destination. This announcement was made during the Global Responsible Tourism Meet held on February 7–8, 2026, organized by the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission under the Department of Tourism. The declaration highlights Kerala’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and community-centered tourism practices.

Announcement:
Made by Kerala’s Tourism & Public Works Minister, P.A. Mohamed Riyas, on February 7 in Kozhikode.

Vision:
Tourism should directly benefit people’s lives and become a major revenue source for Kerala.

Community Focus:
Beypore’s recognition ensures tourism benefits reach all segments of society through planned, people-centric initiatives.

Traditional Industries:
Handicrafts, local cuisine, and the Uru (traditional wooden shipbuilding) industry will be linked with tourism.

Responsible Tourism Units:
112 RT units are already active in Beypore, employing 130 people.

New Initiative – Izhakal:
Collaboration with coir manufacturing units and khadi weaving centres. Training for 87 coir workers and 10 khadi workers has been approved.

Employment & Inclusion:
Over 300 people have received employment-oriented training as part of the RT project.

Gender Equity Policy:
UN Women handed over a policy document based on the Global Women Conference (2024) to the Minister, emphasizing gender-inclusive tourism.

Global Recognition:
A video message from Prof. Harold Goodwin (founder of ICRT) was shared, reinforcing Beypore’s international standing.

Why This Matters
Beypore is not just a scenic coastal town—it’s a hub of heritage and craftsmanship. By integrating traditional industries like shipbuilding, weaving, and coir production into tourism, Kerala is positioning Beypore as a model for sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich tourism.