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Dr. K. *
World Tourism Day is being celebrated with a special focus on the theme . a spotlight on the sector’s contribution to a more sustainable water future.
Tourism has proven to provide environmentally sound solutions, as well as political and financial support, for the conservation and sustainable use of water sources. . With a record one billion international tourists travelling in a single year in 2012, now is the time to commit to a more sustainable tourism sector in order to protect our common future.
An Old Article
In this connection, an article written by late C , former Chief Minister of Kerala and a widely respected intellectual throws valuable insights into the role of tourism in the protection of sustainable resources. The article is a description of his visit, as a young man, to the world famous beach side resort near - . The visit takes places in the late 30s or the early 40s.
has underscored three aspects of his visit. The first point he notes was the ease with which he and his friends, accompanied by an older teacher, were able to access the tourist spot. The pristine purity of the resort, the unblemished natural beauty of the sun and sand filled resort and the non commercialized feel of the whole environment all were specially noteworthy; but is an acute observer when he points out that all this could be of no consequence if the place is not easily accessible.
The second point that the astute traveler in throws light is on the affordability of visiting the place. recollects that there were enough bus services from to – a distance of something like 20 to 25 kilo . The bus services were clean and punctual. There were enough services so that people could a day at the beach and return after viewing the sunset.
The third point that lays stress is on the eco friendly nature of the tourism culture that prevailed in those days. The use of plastics was not so widely spread. People used to bring food packed in plantain leaves and the packets were thrown in specially designated places after use. The eco friendly nature of plantain leaves were an assurance that no harm will accrue to nature as a result of tourism activity. Looking back, we can see the rudiments of the principles of what is called in modern times as “Green Economyâ€