Inclusion of Beypore boat Swadesh Darshan project

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The Kerala Tourism department is likely to highlight Beypore ‘Uru’ in the detailed project report (DPR) to be submitted to the Centre for the Swadesh Darshan project.

About 

• Beypore was reportedly included in the project considering its historic importance as a port town, its global fame for the Uru and the beautiful seashore, which could boost its tourism sector in a big way. 
  • Beypore and Kumarakom are the only two tourism destinations from Kerala to be included in the second phase of the project. 

About Beypore boat

• It is a wooden dhow (ship/sailing boat/sailing vessel) handcrafted by skilled artisans and carpenters in Beypore, Kerala. 
• It is a symbol of Kerala’s trade relations and friendship with the Gulf countries.
• The Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council recently applied for a Geographical Indication tag for the Beypore Uru.

About Swadesh Darshan project

• It is a Central Sector scheme launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.
• It aims to promote, develop and harness the potential of tourism in India. 
• Under it, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance – CFA to State Governments, and Union Territory Administrations for the infrastructure development of circuits.
• It is envisioned to synergise with other schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, Make in India etc. with the idea of positioning the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation, the driving force for economic growth, building synergy with various sectors to enable tourism to realise its potential.
• The Ministry has now revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations, following a tourist & destination-centric approach.

Source: TH