Thiruvananthapuram | Keralam is opening up its forest destinations to a new set of travellers with workation facilities, premium pod stays and branded tea, coffee and sandalwood products as part of efforts to promote sustainable eco-tourism.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Tuesday inaugurated the 'SHOLA' (Seek-Hike-Observe-Lodge-Absorb) workation facilities at Gavi and Suryanelli, saying Keralam was implementing the workation concept in the government sector for the first time.
The facilities, set up at eco-tourism centres of the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC), will allow visitors to stay amid nature while continuing their work.
Satheesan inaugurated the facilities along with five new projects of the KFDC at a function held at Mascot Hotel here.
He also launched the 'ATMA' brand of tea and coffee produced in KFDC plantations. Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John handed over the first sale of the products to the CM.
The government also launched a premium pod stay project at Vagamon, with construction of four pods expected to be completed by December.
The pod concept, which offers temporary accommodation at eco-tourism destinations, could be particularly suited to Keralam, Satheesan said.
"Keralam's biodiversity is world-class and Keralites should have this realisation," he said.
The new initiatives of the Forest Department can provide tourists with "unparalleled experiences", the Chief Minister said, stressing that tourism and development must be ensured without harming the ecosystem.
He also called for greater development of Keralam-specific products while ensuring value addition.
Another initiative launched at the function was 'Travel Today Pay Tomorrow', which will enable tourists to undertake trips by paying in instalments. Eco-guide training aimed at improving the quality of nature interpretation was also launched.
The initiatives come as more tourists are visiting forest-border areas, creating new opportunities for local economic activity and tourism, the minister said.
"The number of tourists reaching forest-border areas has increased significantly," John said.
He said the projects were part of the government's vision of providing a "Premium Biodiversity Experience" by using the tourism potential of such areas while making it part of sustainable socio-economic development.
The minister also said value addition would be ensured for forest products. Sandalwood from trees owned by the KFDC will be marketed under the brand name 'Kalabham'.
The projects are aimed at bringing together nature, tourism and locally produced forest products, while creating new experiences for visitors and additional value for products produced by the corporation.