THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is set to take a major stride in women-friendly tourism with the launch of ‘Fresh-Up Homes’ — an initiative aimed at providing clean and safe rest facilities for female travellers at rural and remote destinations.
The initiative aims to address critical infrastructure gaps — especially the lack of adequate sanitation facilities — in emerging tourist destinations along with women empowerment by offering financial support to 100 women-led Fresh-Up Homes across the state.
The project is being implemented by the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society (KRTM), and Rs 25 lakh has been allocated for it. Each Fresh-Up Home will feature essential amenities including a toilet, bathroom, clean water, ventilation, lighting and a sanitary pad incinerator — creating a safe and hygienic pit stop for women on the move.
An senior official with the tourism department said women entrepreneurs registered with the KRTM will receive a financial grant of Rs 25,000 per unit. The subsidy will be disbursed in two instalments — Rs 12,000 upfront and Rs 13,000 after the completion of the facility.
“Fresh-Up Homes can be set up on private land owned by the entrepreneur or attached to existing homes, making it a flexible and low-investment business model,” the official said.
Govt aims to promote inclusive devpt
“This initiative is part of the state’s broader vision to become a model state for women-friendly and sustainable tourism. It not only addresses a basic infrastructure need but also empowers women to become active participants in the tourism economy,” the official said.
The plan is to give priority to existing homestays, farm stays, agri-tourism units and ethnic cuisine experience units that meet the classification norms laid out by the tourism department. Selected units will undergo a verification process to ensure they comply with required standards. “By linking Fresh-Up Homes with local tourism packages, the government aims to promote inclusive development and encourage more women to travel confidently to less commercialised locations without fear of safety. This is a model initiative to prove how community-based infrastructure can elevate both the tourist experience and women’s participation in the industry,” the official said.