The ‘Aymanam’ brand has won a prestigious international award that is likely to provide an impetus to the tourism prospects of the district. The scenic countryside of Aymanam that has earned a name for excelling in responsible tourism is all set to welcome more tourists. The award has recognized Aymanam’s incredible contributions to the tourist sector between 2018 April and 31 March 2020.
The panchayat has coordinated the tourism sector, farming, and waste management, development of basic infrastructure and employment projects. Aymanam completed all the projects and activities that were proposed as part of the first phase of the responsible tourism village project. 617 people in the locality were trained in various jobs. Besides, 118 local employment schemes too have begun. Home stays have been built to attract tourists to this beautiful place.
Packages that allow the tourists to experience authentic rural lifestyle, bird watching, village tour, walking through paddy fields and cycle tours have been introduced. Various activities and tourism projects that are headed by women too have grabbed attention.
Aymanam tourism resource directory and campaign videos were released. The cultural experience package that showcases the local festivals and art forms was hugely successful. Proper waste disposal and cleaning of Vembanad Lake were merged with the employment schemes.
The responsible tourism mission and the panchayat had supplied cloth bags to house boats, shikara boats, motor boats, resorts and the houses in the locality in an attempt to make the tourism sector plastic free. The water lily festival that was held near Cheepungal at the Vembanad Lake had attracted hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists.
Started in 2018
The model responsible tourism villages project was proposed in 2018. K Roopesh Kumar, the responsible tourism mission director, deserves the credit for introducing such a unique idea. The activities flourished under the leadership of former panchayat president AK Alichan and district coordinator VS Bhagat Singh. Sabitha Premji is the current panchayat president.
In 2020 September, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced Aymanam as a model responsible tourism village. The second phase of the project is from 2020 September to 31 March 2022.
Former MLA K Suresh Kurup and current minister VN Vasavan had overseen the project in the panchayat during the last tenure of the left government.
National award
Aymanam model responsible tourism village project has also bagged the ‘One to Watch’ award (Indian category) by the World Travel Market. The award was in consideration of the vivid and swift tourism related activities that were executed in the panchayat.
Tourism director Krishna Teja received the award at a function held in London recently. Aymanam, the adjoining village of the internationally renowned Kumarakam, will now find a unique spot in the global tourism map.
