Responsible Tourism in Kerala: Blackberry Resort Leading the Way

Did you know that tourism is going green? There are a lot of regions in India and around the world where the ideas of tourism have married effortlessly with endeavours that aim at preserving the environment that surrounds it.

Resorts, specifically in Munnar, are among the world’s best in terms of embracing nature and promoting eco-conservation, and Blackberry Hills is no different.

We are on a mission to amplify the life that surrounds our perch amidst the cloudy hills of Munnar—ensuring that we stay shrouded in the mist of prosperity that embraces the wildness and magic of the environment around us.

That’s where responsible tourism comes into play. This can include everything from educating our visitors about eco-friendly practices, implementing sustainable solutions, and so much more.

This blog will briefly take you through the concept of responsible tourism, its challenges and its impact on the environment and your overall experience. So, without further ado, let’s hop right in!

What is Responsible Tourism?

When we are able to combine meaningful experiences with responsible, eco-friendly practices—that becomes responsible tourism. It’s all about making travel beneficial, not just for travelers, but also for the places that you visit.

Responsible tourism is an adventure that aims at reducing the negative impact that tourism often has on the surrounding environment. It requires an inherent respect for the environment, the local culture, and a desire to contribute positively to the local environment and community—it’s essentially a constructive give and take.

Responsible tourism is tourism with purpose. The concept of responsible tourism is held up by the following pillars:

Sustainability	Community Engagement	Cultural Respect
Prioritising practices that protect and preserve nature.	Supporting and involving local communities in tourism.	Promoting an appreciation of local traditions and lifestyles.

At Blackberry Hills, responsible tourism is more than just a philosophy; it’s our way of life. Our resort was built with sustainability, community and culture at the forefront.

We have created an environment that is committed to protecting Munnar’s natural majesty and resources—without compromising on guest experience.

Challenges to Responsible Tourism

The road to responsible tourism is not an easy one. There are many inherent challenges that make the pursuit of environmental conservation seem herculean. Here are some of the pain points that can cause resistance on the path to responsible tourism and conservation.

Finding a Balance between Comfort & Sustainability	Keeping Guests Educated & Engaged
Munnar is a place of relaxation and rejuvenation. Many luxury amenities that provide that experience can disrupt the environment in a major way. Facilities that take up considerable energy, lavish water consumption, imported goods, etc can put a strain on the environment.	Many travelers are unaware of the principles of responsible tourism. Therefore, extra efforts are needed to ensure that each guest understands and adopts required sustainable practices.

Implementation Costs	Finding Ways to Preserve Local Culture & Environment
Eco-friendly practices require great capital investment to incorporate cutting-edge technology and sustainable infrastructure. Renewable energy, water recycling, etc. demand a significant investment to turn into reality.	Over-commercialisation is the enemy of preservation. It can dilute the local culture and can be detrimental to the surrounding environment. Finding a balance between providing authentic cultural experiences and protecting the community can be difficult.

Tracking & Maintenance
Implementing responsible practices is one thing—maintaining that initial effectiveness is the next hurdle. Regular monitoring and adjustments are necessary, but this requires dedicated resources, time, and expertise.

These challenges are part of the package. They need to be addressed with dedication and focus so that they can be overcome on the route to effective, sustainable practices.

Sustainable Tourism Practices at Blackberry Resort

Overcoming these challenges has not been a cakewalk, especially in a colder region like Munnar, but we value our responsibility to our environment. Which is why we have implemented the following sustainable methods around our nature resort in Munnar:

Eco-Friendly Accommodation	Renewable Energy	Soil Conservation
Look out at the expansive rolling hills from comfortable accommodations that prioritise the surrounding environment. We offer airy rooms with ventilation that provides cool and refreshing air without stifling your experience of Munnar and its majesty.	Self-sustaining energy is a huge step in the right direction. By relying on renewable energy sources, we ensure that our carbon footprint and our impact on the surrounding environment is minimal and controlled.	Soil can become depleted over time. As rich and fertile as Munnar is, soil that is stripped of its natural minerals takes away from the land’s vitality. Therefore, we have made conscious efforts to ensure the natural viability of the soil around the resort.
Protecting Biodiversity	Waste Management	Support for Local Communities
Munnar is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna. As such, we have taken conscious steps to ensure that the species that co-exist with our nature resort are protected and cared for at all times.	Waste is another area where responsibility is essential. We have invested extensive efforts into organic waste management and composting to create an ecosystem that serves as a role model.	A thriving local community is essential for maintaining the tradition and heritage of the region. All our resources are sourced locally to ensure that the community we serve thrives alongside our daily endeavours.

Silver Award Winner in Responsible Tourism

Blackberry Hills is located in Pothamed—a region that is teeming with biodiversity. Avid birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts consider our premises a hotspot for natural activity.

Therefore, we have made a conscious effort to allow the wildlife in the area to grow in a thriving, symbiotic fashion—they add to the natural majesty of Munnar, and we protect them at all costs.

Our dedication to natural preservation has ensured that the natural species are maintained and remain abundant. For our efforts, we have been honoured with a Silver Award from the International Centre for Responsible Tourism for our extensive efforts to implement sustainable economic practices.

Blackberry Hills won the award in the `Increasing Tourism’s Contribution to Natural Heritage and Biodiversity’ category—a truly generous honour that motivates us to continue and improve our efforts at natural conservation.

Conclusion

Responsible tourism is an endeavour that requires unwavering dedication. Blackberry Hills is a testament to how passion and a will to innovate can have a positive impact on the environment around us.

As we move forward to maintaining and improving the delicate ecosystem around us, we urge every traveler to chip in and do their part—no matter where they are. When you make your way to the rolling hills of Munnar, we have a refreshing experience in store for you—so bring your sweaters and your attitude to conserve and let’s make Munnar magic together.

Tags :

Have Any Question?

We’re here to help you plan your perfect escape to Munnar! Whether you want to learn more about Blackberry Hills, check room availability, or customize your stay, feel free to reach out.