Published Paper Details:

Kerala acclaimed as one of the most preferred tourism destination had bagged the prime international recognition when it was conferred with the top United Nations Award, UNWTO Ulysses Award, for Innovation in Public Policy and Governance for their Responsible Tourism initiative in the year 2013. The Rural women as a part of Kudumbashree played a massive role in transforming Kumarakom to a Responsible Tourism destination. Responsible Tourism through Kudumbashree empowered rural women and enable women entrepreneurs to address various social problems which leads to sustainable development. Empowered women and women entrepreneurs played a vital role in survival of poor households; Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom was successful in recognizing their initiative as an important strategy for sustainable development. Responsible tourism lead to many women entrepreneur finding opportunities to start a small scale production that match their skills and competence. Responsible Tourism programme in Kumarakom has acted as a catalyst for fostering and creating women entrepreneurs in solving the societal problems. Case study method is used in the study to investigate the contemporary social phenomena of real life in their natural setting. This case study showcases the successful role played by rural women and entrepreneurs as a part of Kudumbashree in transforming Kumarakom into a Responsible Tourism destination. The study assess how Responsible Tourism was successful in building up community based social entrepreneurs and empowerment activities in addressing societal issues. This paper also examines the various economic, social and environmental responsibilities adhered to by these entrepreneurs in sustainable tourism development.