World Tourism Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of how travel connects cultures, strengthens communities, and inspires people to care for the places they visit. This year, the Centre for Vembanad Habitat Restoration (CVHR) marked the occasion with an inspiring bicycle rally through the scenic backwaters of Kumarakom.
World Tourism Day 2025: Tourism and Sustainable Transformation
Each year on September 27, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) calls on the world to reflect on the deeper meaning of tourism. The 2025 theme **”Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”** highlights the need to go beyond increasing visitor numbers and focus instead on creating tourism that uplifts local communities, protects nature, and transforms destinations for the better.
Few places could host this message more beautifully than Kumarakom, where the lake, paddy fields, and village life are woven together in a delicate ecological balance.
The Rally: Pedaling Through Paradise
As the sun rose over Vembanad Lake, cyclists gathered with decorated bicycles bearing messages of eco-friendly travel. The route wound through narrow village roads, lush paddy fields, and lakeside stretches, giving riders an intimate look at Kumarakom’s charm.
Leading the charge was Mr. Salim M Das, President of CVHR, along with other members of the organization. Their active participation underscored CVHR’s commitment to protecting the backwaters through community engagement.
A Proud Flag-Off
The event was officially flagged off by Smt. Dhanya Sabu, Chairperson of Kumarakom Grama Panchayat. Her presence highlighted the importance of local leadership in promoting responsible tourism. Before the rally began, she spoke about the shared duty to conserve Kumarakom’s natural heritage so that future generations can enjoy it too.
More Than a Ride
At the finish point, participants gathered for a short awareness session where CVHR members spoke about eco-friendly tourism and the need to balance development with conservation. Informational leaflets were distributed, and participants shared their experiences from the ride, turning the event into a space for learning as well as celebration.
Why This Matters
This rally was not just a morning of cycling. It was a living demonstration of World Tourism Day’s 2025 theme. By bringing together community leaders, citizens, and visitors, CVHR sent a clear message: Kumarakom is committed to a future where tourism thrives in harmony with nature.
Tourism works best when it preserves the beauty it celebrates, and this rally was a reminder that every visitor, every ride, and every choice counts.