Kerala RT Mission to fund women tourism units

The Kerala Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission Society under the Department of Tourism has invited applications from women units registered with it for providing financial assistance for women-friendly tourism initiatives. Women units registered with RT Mission Society are eligible for financial assistance for initiatives like ‘Fresh Up Homes’ and ‘Women RT Clubs’, besides entrepreneurship development and one-time financial aid for women enterprises.

About 50 units will get ₹25,000 each (in two instalments) for setting up Fresh Up Homes. In the first phase, these facilities can be established in the houses selected for village tour packages and by connecting the existing homestay/farm stay/ethnic cuisine ventures. Homestay units that have classification by the department and are registered with RT Mission and Experience Ethnic Cuisine units registered with RT Mission can also apply for the scheme.

This project (two each) will be implemented in Kanthalloor, Marayoor, Vattavada, Maravanthuruthu, Chembu, Koodaranji, Kadalundi, Thrithala, Pattithara, Pinarayi, Ancharakkandi, Chekadi, Perumbalam, Valiyaparamba, Aymanam (Manjira), Munrothuruthu and Aranmula. One each of the project will be coming up in Kannur Chal Beach, Muhamma, Thalayazham, Vechoor, Punnayoorkkulam, Anchuthengu, Amboori, Balaramapuram, Adikadalayi (Kannur), Thanneermukkam, Thiruvilwamala, and Thirunelli.

Shops, restaurants

Women units can also apply for financial aid under entrepreneurship development category that includes setting up of souvenir/handicrafts shops and ethnic food restaurants. The maximum amount to be given to a unit will be ₹50,000. The Women RT Club, formed as part of the State’s women-friendly tourism project, can also get financial assistance for setting up various enterprises. Initially, five units will get up to ₹2 lakh. Each club should submit special projects.

The ventures led by women will be provided one-time financial aid of ₹10,000 each, by choosing 10 women units from each district. For details about applications, visit: https://www.keralatourism.org/responsible-tourism/. Last date of applications for all projects is before 5 p.m. on November 15 Applications can be submitted to: Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society, Department of Tourism, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram- 695033. Phone: 0471 2334749.