Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 16 (UNI) The Kerala Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission Society of the Department of Tourism has invited applications from women units registered with it for financial assistance towards women-friendly tourism initiatives.
Women units registered with the RT Mission Society are eligible for financial support for initiatives such as Fresh Up Homes and Women RT Clubs, in addition to entrepreneurship development and one-time financial aid for women-led enterprises.
Around 50 units will receive Rs. 25,000 each (in two instalments) for setting up Fresh Up Homes.
In the first phase, these facilities can be established in houses selected for village tour packages and linked with existing homestay, farm stay, or ethnic cuisine ventures.
Homestay units classified by the Department of Tourism and registered with the RT Mission, as well as registered Experience Ethnic Cuisine units, are also eligible to apply.
The project will be implemented in the following locations, with two units each: Kanthalloor, Marayoor, Vattavada, Maravanthuruthu, Chembu, Koodaranji, Kadalundi, Thrithala, Pattithara, Pinarayi, Ancharakkandi, Chekadi, Perumbalam, Valiyaparamba, Aymanam (Manjira), Munrothuruthu, and Aranmula.
One unit each will be established in: Kannur Chal Beach, Muhamma, Thalayazham, Vechoor, Punnayoorkkulam, Anchuthengu, Amboori, Balaramapuram, Adikadalayi (Kannur), Thanneermukkam, Thiruvilwamala, and Thirunelli.
Women units can also apply for financial aid under the Entrepreneurship Development category, which includes setting up souvenir or handicraft shops and ethnic food restaurants.
The maximum financial assistance available under this category is Rs. 50,000 per unit.
The Women RT Clubs, formed as part of the state's women-friendly tourism project, are also eligible for financial assistance to establish various enterprises.
Initially, five units will receive up to Rs 2 lakh each. Each club must submit a specific project proposal.
Additionally, women-led ventures will be provided one-time financial aid of Rs 10,000 each, with 10 women units to be selected from each district, according to a release.
For more details and to apply, visit https://www.keralatourism.org/responsible-tourism/. The last date for submission of applications for all projects is November 15, before 5 PM.
Applications can be submitted to Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society, Department of Tourism, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram - 695033. Phone: 0471 233474.