Kerala is introducing a new initiative called Fresh-Up Homes to improve travel experiences for women, especially in rural and remote areas. These facilities will provide clean and safe rest stops for female tourists. Each unit will include basic amenities like toilets, bathrooms, clean water, proper ventilation, lighting, and a sanitary pad incinerator.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
The Fresh-Up Homes project is being implemented by the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society (KRTM) with an initial fund of ₹25 lakh. Financial assistance of ₹25,000 will be given to each woman-led unit. The amount will be disbursed in two stages — ₹12,000 initially and ₹13,000 after the home is completed. Women entrepreneurs registered with KRTM are eligible for the grant.
These facilities can be attached to existing homes or built on private land, making it a flexible and low-investment model for small women-led businesses.
Priority for Existing Tourism Units
Preference will be given to already functioning homestays, farm stays, agri-tourism units, and traditional cuisine centres that meet tourism department standards. All selected Fresh-Up Homes will be verified for compliance with infrastructure norms.
Boosting Inclusive Tourism
According to officials, this move is part of the state’s larger goal of making Kerala a model for women-friendly and sustainable tourism. By connecting Fresh-Up Homes with local tourism experiences, the government hopes to promote inclusive development and attract more women to explore lesser-known destinations without safety concerns.
This initiative aims to strengthen community participation in tourism while addressing basic needs for women travellers. It is seen as a model for how small infrastructure steps can create a big impact on the tourism economy and women’s empowerment.
