RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AS BEST PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM-A CASE OF KUMARAKOM IN KERALA (original) (raw)
Related papers
Responsible Tourism and Sustainability: The Case of Kumarakom in Kerala, India
This paper discusses the notion of 'responsible tourism' and its current use within the tourism literature. We argue that the concept as used currently means everything and therefore adds nothing to the conceptual terrain of tourism trends and nomenclatures. We then introduce our own understanding of the concept arguing that while responsible tourism is linked to sustainability initiatives such as alternative tourism, ecotourism, ethical tourism, green tourism, soft tourism, pro-poor tourism, geo tourism, integrated tourism, community-based tourism, etc it also demarcates an analytical realm of its own. We suggest that the practical use of the term in areas where it has been adopted (such as South Africa and Kerala for instance) suggests a rather restricted use. We identified this realm as the tourism sector specific manifestation of the CSR agenda. Following Flyvberg's (2006) call for exemplars and paradigmatic case studies to advance knowledge in a particular domain, the responsible tourism initiative in Kumarakon, Kerala is presented. Discussion of the case study traces the particular governance context of Kerala and the position of tourism in the state economy. The responsible tourism initiatives at state level and local level are then described highlighting the 'how' of the implementation and the impact that it has produced. Generic, non-prescriptive principles that could be said to be necessary in some form for the successful translation of responsible tourism principles to practices are then identified. Such an approach is contrasted with one that places faith in the voluntary adoption of 'responsible' practices by the private sector on its own. It is argued that responsible tourism can make a contribution to practice provided that the conceptual terrain is delineated against other forms of tourism and if research within the terrain can unpack the particular forms of challenges that are thrown up by the delineation itself.
Responsible Tourism and Tourism Ecology
Forum Geografic, 2010
Many efforts have already been made and several ideas have been promoted to solve the problems in the development of socially and economically underprivileged, peripheral areas. Most of the proposals suggest supporting rural tourism and its management based on local natural, cultural, agrarian etc. traditions and help them this way to catch up with the more developed regions of the country. According to our surveys, it can be stated that sustainable and responsible rural tourism development is unbelievable without the application of ecological thinking. Consequently tourism ecology, as theory and practice, naturally helps developing the tourism of rural areas based on local natural, social, and cultural resources. Sustenance of tourism is a double task: we have to provide long-term reservation and guarantee that entrepreneurs' input of capital will return and their firm's will better their economic etc. state in the same time. Sustainable tourism has to be endurable and economically executable on long term, but at the same time, it has to be socially and ethically fair in relations to local people. Nevertheless, it is also an expectation that actors of the system, i.e. tourists must continue an active and responsibly sustainable practice (responsible sustainable tourism).
Responsible Tourism -Charting New Trend in Destination Marketing Lesson from Kerala
When tourism getting momentum globally, a concern irks locally is-is tourism really benefitting the common people in destinations? When ordinary people are forced to jeopardize their convenience for the pleasures of travelers and tour operators, a lion part of the income generated from tourism goes to minority business players. Even though these natural attractions are to be equally enjoyed by all, this paradox remain prevails. Here the novel concept Responsible Tourism (RT) tries to answer many of our apprehensions. This paper reiterates that RT initiative-a strategy to accomplish economic, social and environmental objectives simultaneously shall be the approach for destination management. The Sustainable Tourism Products (STP) and Community Based Tourism (CBT) products emerge as a new strategy for destination marketing, and this Cause Related Marketing (CRM) totally in line with pro-poor, inclusive, and sustainable development concepts creates a win-win situation among community, tourists and industry.
Sustaining responsible tourism – The case of Kerala
2015
Responsible tourism is a concept that overlaps significantly with concepts of sustainable tourism, ethical tourism, pro-poor tourism and integrated tourism (Chettiparamb and Kokkranikal, 2012). Responsible tourism emphasises the role of businesses in achieving sustainability and can be seen as yet another concept within the sustainable tourism genre, which comprises many forms of tourism such as ecotourism, ethical tourism, alternative tourism, green tourism, soft tourism, etc. Responsible tourism as a motto has now been officially adopted by many important tourism destinations. Though perhaps not yet a ‘movement’, the concept is increasingly being pushed by states and city governments on normative grounds. The international appeal of the concept could also be partly explained by the centrality given to the involvement and engagement of the private sector in managing impacts of tourism. Thus, besides offering a normative appeal, ‘responsible tourism’ also offers a pragmatic appeal i...
Responsible Tourism – A Strategy for Sustainable Development; Lessons from Kumarakom
Tourism development makes positive difference in the lives of local community; it is the learning from Kumarakom. Amidst worries on the negative impact of tourism on environment and society, Responsible Tourism initiative of Kerala at Kumarakom emerged as model destination for sustainable tourism development. The influence of Responsible Tourism initiative made this destination a better place to live and a better place to visit. Grass root level leadership, community involvement, women participation and industry support make this village destination with a population of around 6000 to await for the United Nations accolade-'Global Responsible Tourism Destination'. This paper attempts to articulate the features and impacts of Responsible Tourism in the destination, in compliance with sustainable development principles. The concept of Sustainable Development defined by the Brundtland Report of UN World Commission on Environment and Development goes like this, "meeting the needs of the present without jeopardizing the ability of future generation to meet their needs". While sustainable development focuses on the future generation, Responsible Tourism (RT) envisages a holistic approach by creating a win-win situation between present and future, it is 'about creating better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit'. The success stories from Kumarakom invariably prove that Responsible Tourism paves way for better environment and sustainable livelihood for existing as well as upcoming generations. It is apparent that tourism has a decisive role in the development of local as well as regional economies. The growth of tourism in the recent past across the world was tremendous-in the last decade, tourism industry recorded a growth of over 10%, accounting for 10% of the world's economic activity and is now becoming a key source of business, employment and livelihood. UNWTO predicts that by 2020, the growth of tourism will double the present level. Whilst reading this in line with the emerging mantras like 'faster, inclusive and sustainable growth', tourism has a huge potential in the development of bottom line. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY • To understand the role of Responsible Tourism (RT) in sustainable tourism development of destinations
International Journal of Scientific Research, 2013
Tourism is an industry which employees the leisure time of the people in a useful way. It is a major engine of economic growth in most parts of the world. The immense potential of tourism is particularly relevant for developing nations like India. In respect of India the abundance of extremely serene environments and also quite a large number of historical and religious locations is an additional attraction, unlike most other parts of the world. This favorable situation is more applicable in respect of Kerala state in Indian subcontinent, often referred to as 'Gods own Country' in view of its scenic locations and conducive geographic, climatic and other conditions. Along with the appreciable growth in tourism over the last two decades or more in India and the high growth prospects of the tourism industry, there are growing apprehensions regarding the sustainability of the industry in view of the adverse environmental impacts of tourism. Both the favourable and adverse aspects as above are probably more applicable to 'Gods own Country' than any other state in India. As it is widely recognized that of the different types of tourism, the nature-friendly tourism model viz. 'Ecotourism' alone can be sustainable for development in the long run, this paper analyzes the prospects and challenges of ecotourism with reference to 'Thenmala' ecotourism project in Kollam district of Kerala, and suggests strategies for sustainable development of tourism.
IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2012
Realizing the uncompensated catastrophe that modern tourism generates, the protagonists of sustainable development emphasize the need for making resilience to nature; today the option is 'Nature Ecotourism, i.e. tourism basically depending natural attractions in a pollution free environment. The present paper focuses on the Thenmala Eco-tourism Project in India which is India's first planned Eco-tourism destination due to its unique vistas, bio diversity and functioning. The Thenmala Eco-tourism shares its resources with the famous Shendurey Widlife Sanctuary at the foothills of Western Ghats. The prime objective of Thenmala Ecotourism projects is to minimize the negative impacts and create an economic and social environmental which generates greater economic benefit for local people and enhances the well-being of the host communities. It provides more enjoyable experience for tourism through more meaningful connections with local people and a greater understanding of local, cultural, social and environmental issues. The paper discusses the economic, ecological and social impact of Thenmala Eco-tourism, i.e., in a densely populated State like Kerala, where the arrival of tourists is increasing year after year, how tourism is well maintained without degrading the ecosystem is the hypothesis of the paper.
Socio-Economic Aspects of Sustainable Ecotourism Development: The Case of Kerala
Research on humanities and social sciences, 2012
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. Key Words: Per...
Successful Endeavors in Eco-Tourism; Experiences from Thekkady, Kerala
Adding more meaning to the evergreen tourism industry, the term 'eco-tourism' has gained wide momentum during the recent past by exploring unseen natural bounty and bringing forth innovative conservation approach. When the never ending quest of human beings to explore the experience of the "exotic" and the "unexplored", socially, culturally and environmentally fragile places become more vulnerable to various impacts. In this juncture, the theme 'develop sustainably and conserve thoughtfully' is being well articulated by various successful sustainable tourism development endeavors world wide. Amongst these, the sustainable strategy of ensuring community participation in both tourism development and environmental conservation for effective destination management in Thekkady requires special emphasis; as it assured sustainable livelihood to the destination community along with guaranteeing the very existence of destination. This paper is an attempt to portray the successful eco-tourism experiences in Thekkady. ABSTRACT
OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBLE TOURISM -IN CONTEXT TO TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN INDIA
IRJET, 2022
Tourism plays a vital role in our lives because it allows us to travel to new locations, learn about new cultures, meet new people, and participate in new traditions and activities. It can be seen as a constructive link between travellers and communities, as it benefits both parties. Tourism is like a fire: it may either cook your food or burn down your house. Many local communities in tourist sites face the negative effects of tourism. Many of us, as tourists, prefer to visit sites that are clean, not overcrowded, and safe. Rather than inauthentic entertainment, we want to learn about real local cultures, traditions, faiths, and architecture. This paper is entirely a literature-based overview on tourists and their behaviour in Indian tourist destinations, the purpose of which is to highlight the growing need to adopt responsible and sustainable tourism practices in tourist destinations in India. This will help in making tourist destinations look more attractive and improve the quality of life and wellbeing of local communities. It will also help cities recognize the impacts of mass tourism and take the necessary steps to deal with it.