Rajasenan, D; Varghese, Manaloor; Bijith, George Abraham(2012)
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Abstract:
The paper is an attempt to shed light on the socio-economic aspects of the local communities on the development of
ecotourism in Kerala. Most of the local communities in the ecotourism destinations are tribes who have been
excluded from the mainstream society and are not a part of Kerala’s overall development setting. The paper also tries
to situate the community perception on the sustainable livelihood of ecotourism sites of Kerala. Data for the study is
obtained from a primary survey by dividing the ecotourism destinations in Kerala into three zones, 230 from south
zone, 220 from central zone and 200 from north zone with a total sample size of 650 based on the notion of
community based ecotourism initiatives of the state. The result of the study confirms that ecotourism has helped to
enhance the livelihood of the marginalized community. With well-knit policies it is possible to tag ecotourism of
Kerala as an important tourism destination in the global tourism map
Description:
Research on Humanities and Social Sciences,Vol 2, No.11, 2012
This study is an attempt to situate the quality of life and standard of living of local communities in ecotourism
destinations inter alia their perception on forest conservation and the satisfaction level of the local community. 650
EDC/VSS members from Kerala demarcated into three zones constitute the data source. Four variables have been
considered for evaluating the quality of life of the stakeholders of ecotourism sites, which is then funneled to the
income-education spectrum for hypothesizing into the SLI framework. Zone-wise analysis of the community
members working in tourism sector shows that the community members have benefited totally from tourism
development in the region as they have got both employments as well as secured livelihood options. Most of the
quality of life-indicators of the community in the eco-tourist centres show a promising position. The community
perception does not show any negative impact on environment as well as on their local culture.
Description:
Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development,Vol.3, No.2, 2012
Rajasenan, D; Varghese, Manaloor; Bijith, George Abraham(2012)
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Abstract:
Kerala, a classic ecotourism destination in India, provides significant opportunities for livelihood options to the
people who depend on the resources from the forest and those who live in difficult terrains. This article analyses
the socio-demographic, psychographic and travel behavior patterns and its sub-characteristics in the background
of foreign and domestic tourists. The data source for the article has been obtained from a primary survey of 350
randomly chosen tourists, 175 each from domestic and foreign tourists, visiting Kerala’s ecotourists destinations
during August-December 2010-11. Several socio-demographic, psychographic and life style factors have been
identified based on the inference from field survey. There is considerable divergence in most of the factors
identified in the case of domestic and international tourists. Post-trip attributes like satisfaction and intentions to
return show that the ecotourism destinations in Kerala have significant potential that can help communities in the
region.
Description:
Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development,Vol.3, No.14, 2012