Munnar to be designated as international responsible tourism site

Idukki: Munnar, one of Kerala’s most beloved hill stations, is on track to be declared an International Responsible Tourism Destination by the end of December 2025. Aiming to protect its delicate ecosystem while promoting sustainable tourism, Munnar will be developed into a net-zero tourism destination. The state’s Tourism Department has initiated multiple Responsible Tourism (RT) projects to achieve this milestone.

According to the Tourism Department, preliminary activities have already begun under the leadership of the Responsible Tourism Mission Society. As part of the initiative, the department has sanctioned ₹50 lakh for the preliminary phase of a project titled “Sustainable Resilient Tourism Centres.”

Preserving uniqueness, ensuring community development
The core goal of responsible tourism is to transform Munnar into a tourist destination that remains livable for natives while being enjoyable and sustainable for visitors. The Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission, in collaboration with the UNDP’s IHRML initiative, has already formulated a Hill Destination Responsible Tourism Protocol tailored for Munnar and its surrounding areas.

This protocol will be strictly implemented with support from local self-governments and various tourism stakeholders to ensure that all tourism activities in the region are sustainable and community-inclusive.

Eco-friendly and inclusive projects on the cards
Several Responsible Tourism initiatives have already been implemented across Munnar and nearby panchayats. Expanding these projects at the grassroots level will allow better regulation of tourism in this environmentally sensitive region. Key goals include:

• Banning single-use plastics and making Munnar plastic-waste-free
• Promoting carbon-neutral tourism practices
• Creating women-friendly tourism models
• Strengthening community-based and village-centric tourism initiatives

The broader mission is to expand tourism without disturbing Munnar’s fragile ecosystem while also creating more employment opportunities for the local population.

Widespread local development 
Traditional industries such as handicrafts, local arts, handloom, and local cuisine will be integrated into the tourism sector, empowering local communities. As one of Kerala’s premier hill tourism hubs, tourism is already the primary source of income and livelihood for many in Munnar.

The town's geographical uniqueness, ecological richness, scenic landscapes, and pleasant climate have long made it a magnet for visitors. Munnar and its surroundings are ecologically sensitive areas, and its transformation into an international responsible tourism destination will further enhance Kerala’s image in both the domestic and global tourism markets.