Sharing his thoughts with us on Responsible Tourism and the need for its practice in Kerala, Prof. Harold Goodwin at the very outset of his conversation with us pointed out the success stories in Gambia and also in South Africa. He is the Professor of Responsible Tourism Management at Leeds Metropolitan University, UK.

According to Prof. Goodwin, the situations and challenges vary according to the geo-political, social and cultural settings of a region, while adopting and practicing the basic tenets of responsible tourism. While the cardinal principle of responsible tourism remains the same everywhere, the required and effective changes, especially the attitude of the stakeholders and the community involved should change accordingly. Damage to the local community and its environment has been happening in different tourist locations around the world. It is in this context that the practice of responsible tourism brings in with it the scope for sustainability and the well being of the environment as well as the community involved. The need for better holidays with local communities and the environment the travellers interact with attains significance in the context of responsible tourism, says Prof. Goodwin.

Prof. Goodwin feels that Kerala has a good track record in terms of responsible tourism, but needs to bring in new ways from stakeholders to make further progress. One should try to offer different experiences to people from the originating markets. Basically responsible tourism starts with people willing to do things differently and better. Others copy it and gradually it gets replicated.

About Kerala, Prof. Goodwin is of the opinion that people out here are very charming, with a gentle attitude and an open mind. “I am looking forward to explore more of Kerala in the near future and also to interact with the people here. I regret that I am not able to do this due to my short stay in Kerala.”