PATTERN OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN WAYANAD ( Kerala, India ) with reference to

PATTERN OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT PATTERN OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN WAYANAD (IN WAYANAD (Kerala, IndiaKerala, India))

with reference to

RESPONSIBLE ECOTOURISMRESPONSIBLE ECOTOURISM

Shyju P. J. , P .V. Rajeev, P. S. Rana(Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India)

Rinzing Lama(Indian Institute of Travel & Tourism Management, New Delhi, India)

[email protected] 2010, Pattern of Tourism Development in Wayanad, with reference to Responsible Ecotourism

Contents

• Introduction

• Pattern of tourism development in Wayanad

• Methodology

• Findings

• Ecocentric Responsible Tourism

• Implications of Future Research

WEC 2010, Pattern of Tourism Development in Wayanad, with reference to Responsible Ecotourism

1/28


Introduction

•International Tourist Arrivals to India have gone up to 5.1 million in 2009-10

•Kerala, a state located in the southern part of India has been projected as a model of tourism development in India.

•The state has proven that it is a all season destination by introducing a number of innovative tourism practices such Wellness tourism, Responsible tourism etc.

•Marketed Health Tourism as the main product and Natural attractions and cultural features as other tourism products in India and abroad, Kerala has developed itself as a brand among other states and foreign countries.

2/28


Year Kerala India

2005 0.34 million

3.91 million

2006 0.42 million

4.47 million

2007 0.51 million

5.08 million

2008 0.59 million

5.28 million

Foreign Tourist Arrivals 2005-08

Tourist Arrivals to Wayanad

Year Domestic

International

2005 1,91,184 942

2006 2,25,923 2,611

2007 2,56,190 4,093

2008 2,95,465 5,638

FOREIGN TOURIST ARRIVAL IN KERALA 2008 TOP ORDER

COUNTRYNO. OF

TOURISTS % to the Total

U.K 141,147 23.57

France 52,239 8.72

Germany 43,468 7.26

U.S.A 43,307 7.23

Maldives 35,435 5.92

Sweden 20,666 3.45

Italy 17,385 2.90

Australia 16,968 2.83

Switzerland 15,603 2.61

Canada 13,541 2.26

U.A.E 13,334 2.23

Netherlands 12,511 2.09

Saudi Arabia 12,137 2.03

Spain 10,632 1.78

Russia 9,766 1.63

Japan 7,320 1.22

Belgium 6,899 1.15

Denmark 6,686 1.12

Austria 6,408 1.07

South Africa 6,051 1.01

3/28


Wayanad, the Green Paradise Hill station, located in the Western Hill station, located in the Western Ghats, one of the hot green spots of the Ghats, one of the hot green spots of the world. world.

Exposed to tourism activities, this Exposed to tourism activities, this beautiful destination is facing a severe beautiful destination is facing a severe threat from unrestricted & unplanned threat from unrestricted & unplanned tourism activities.tourism activities.

Identified as a responsible tourism Identified as a responsible tourism destination, the focus of tourism destination, the focus of tourism authorities are looking for more tourist authorities are looking for more tourist arrivals than a Planned Tourism arrivals than a Planned Tourism DestinationDestination

Face a series threat from ecological, Face a series threat from ecological, socio-cultural aspects . socio-cultural aspects .

4/28


Tourism is treated as the only future option of source of Employment and revenue. Annual growth of tourist arrivals have gone up by 22 percent

Wayand is projected as a pristine destination all over Kerala and Abroad. This resulted in huge inflow of domestic tourists and steady growth in foreign tourist arrivals. Major attractions are --

Water bodies Forest Area Cultural sites

Pookodu Lake Chembra Peak Edakkal Caves

Banasura Sagar Brahmagiri Hills Tirunelli Temple

Soochippara falls Kuruwa Island Jain Temple

Karalad Lake Wayanad WLS Tribal settlements

Karapuzha Dam Kambamala Plantations

Kanthanpara Falls Chethalayam Ghat Section

5/28


Objectives of the studyObjectives of the study

1. To identify the direction of growth of tourism in Wayanad

2. To Evaluate the ecotourism programme implemented by Dept. of Forests & Wildlife

3. To analyse major impacts of tourism growth and the interaction of socio-ecological influences in tourism

4. To propose an ecocentric approach for tourist attractions in Wayanad

6/28


Methodology

7/28

i. The study include both primary and secondary data. Sites were visited personally, conducted interviews with local people, visitors, people who are directly or indirectly associated with tourism trade. Interactions were made with approximately 500 people in various locations.

ii. The observations are based on the collective opinion of authorities and a comparative evaluation of hosts community.

iii. Informal interviews were organised with the Resort owners and homes stay owners in order to get a true picture of the study. 50 resorts and home stay owners were consulted in this regard.

iv. This study is n out come of a long term observations since 1996 since then changes taken place in the lifestyle, climate and social changes have closely been noticed and evaluated.

i. The study include both primary and secondary data. Sites were visited personally, conducted interviews with local people, visitors, people who are directly or indirectly associated with tourism trade. Interactions were made with approximately 500 people in various locations.

ii. The observations are based on the collective opinion of authorities and a comparative evaluation of hosts community.

iii. Informal interviews were organised with the Resort owners and homes stay owners in order to get a true picture of the study. 50 resorts and home stay owners were consulted in this regard.

iv. This study is n out come of a long term observations since 1996 since then changes taken place in the lifestyle, climate and social changes have closely been noticed and evaluated.


Methodology

v. Press and Media reports are also used to complete the study

vi. The population of the study include all the resort owners and home stay providers.

vii. Sampling framework used for the study is convenient sampling.

viii. The variables used in the study include the various factors identified to have a significant impact on the promotion of ecotourism with a view to sustainability.

ix. The various statistical tools used in the study include, Regression, t- Test, ANOVA, Factor Analysis etc. using SPSS 16.

v. Press and Media reports are also used to complete the study

vi. The population of the study include all the resort owners and home stay providers.

vii. Sampling framework used for the study is convenient sampling.

viii. The variables used in the study include the various factors identified to have a significant impact on the promotion of ecotourism with a view to sustainability.

ix. The various statistical tools used in the study include, Regression, t- Test, ANOVA, Factor Analysis etc. using SPSS 16.

8/28


Findings

9/28

i. It is observed that the revenue from tourism play a major deciding role to accept tourism as an alternative activity. This proves that the increased no. of home stay owners and small scale resorts charge more for accommodation and the main intention of the host is to earn more income from the visiting guests who are mainly from an upper income group.

ii. The study finds that local people can serve better in the improvement of ecotourism activities

iii. Local people are on the opinion that the present way of tourism development is not benefiting them The benefit goes to the owners of resort and home stays who have good connection with tour operators and tourism market.

i. It is observed that the revenue from tourism play a major deciding role to accept tourism as an alternative activity. This proves that the increased no. of home stay owners and small scale resorts charge more for accommodation and the main intention of the host is to earn more income from the visiting guests who are mainly from an upper income group.

ii. The study finds that local people can serve better in the improvement of ecotourism activities

iii. Local people are on the opinion that the present way of tourism development is not benefiting them The benefit goes to the owners of resort and home stays who have good connection with tour operators and tourism market.

WEC 2010, Pattern of Tourism Development in Wayanad, with reference to Responsible Ecotourism10/28

iv. The local community is also on the opinion that present way of tourism promotion is not at all agreeable. Expectation of earnings from tourism blinded the operators and it resulted in excess charges for rooms and food.

v. The visitors opinion shows that they are quite unhappy with the facilities available in many attractions. This indicates that the expectation of visitors are not matching with their visits.

vi. Another interesting point is the main purpose of the visit is to just fun and excitement, rather than making it as a learning and experiencing the nature. This lead to visitors dissatisfaction and at he same time misunderstanding on the efforts of officials.

iv. The local community is also on the opinion that present way of tourism promotion is not at all agreeable. Expectation of earnings from tourism blinded the operators and it resulted in excess charges for rooms and food.

v. The visitors opinion shows that they are quite unhappy with the facilities available in many attractions. This indicates that the expectation of visitors are not matching with their visits.

vi. Another interesting point is the main purpose of the visit is to just fun and excitement, rather than making it as a learning and experiencing the nature. This lead to visitors dissatisfaction and at he same time misunderstanding on the efforts of officials.

Findings continues….


vii. It is felt that resource management is a multifaceted activity rather than community driven approach. But the local community has a greater role as awareness creation among the visitors are as important as awareness among the hosts.

viii. The local NGOs and Students have a greater role in awareness creation and responsible ecotourism activity.

ix. The local community has a strong feeling that government authorities are not sincere and not even explored the opportunities of ecocentric tourism though many destinations are located in the wild life areas.

x. The analysis proves that the alternative is accepted and alternative hypothesis is accepted . A sustainable approach has to be followed to highlight the destinations, improve the tourist facilitation centre and tourist/hosts awareness campaign on environmental front.

vii. It is felt that resource management is a multifaceted activity rather than community driven approach. But the local community has a greater role as awareness creation among the visitors are as important as awareness among the hosts.

viii. The local NGOs and Students have a greater role in awareness creation and responsible ecotourism activity.

ix. The local community has a strong feeling that government authorities are not sincere and not even explored the opportunities of ecocentric tourism though many destinations are located in the wild life areas.

x. The analysis proves that the alternative is accepted and alternative hypothesis is accepted . A sustainable approach has to be followed to highlight the destinations, improve the tourist facilitation centre and tourist/hosts awareness campaign on environmental front.

Findings continues….

11/28


Impacts

Direct Impacts

New Constructions, mushrooming of hotels and resorts

Changes in landscapes, riverside and, hills

Piling up of urban waste

Increased vehicular traffic and Traffic problems

Direct Impacts

New Constructions, mushrooming of hotels and resorts

Changes in landscapes, riverside and, hills

Piling up of urban waste

Increased vehicular traffic and Traffic problems

Induced impacts

Price rise of commodities

Increase in land value

Migration, attack of wild animals on local people

Commercialization

Every one

want a share of tourism

Every one

want a share of tourism

12/28


Visitors Impact

13/28


Responsible Ecotourism- the Future of tourism in Wayanad

a. Wayanad, is a hill station and tourism is a new entrant.

Majority of people are basically involved in agriculture

and related jobs. Unlike other districts in Kerala here

natural resources are not exploited for industries but

tourism is the main media of exploitation. Dept. of

Forest and Wildlife enforce strict guidelines and

regulations for tourism activity, but the District

Tourism Promotion Council and Dept. of Tourism has

little interest in this area.

a. Wayanad, is a hill station and tourism is a new entrant.

Majority of people are basically involved in agriculture

and related jobs. Unlike other districts in Kerala here

natural resources are not exploited for industries but

tourism is the main media of exploitation. Dept. of

Forest and Wildlife enforce strict guidelines and

regulations for tourism activity, but the District

Tourism Promotion Council and Dept. of Tourism has

little interest in this area.

14/28


b. Dept. of Forest and Wild Life involves the local community who

live near that area. Eco Development Committee (EDC), Vana

Samrakshana Samiti (VSS) are formulated to take up the wildlife

preservation and ecotourism programe. This help both the Dept.

and the community. Natural resources are protected and at the

same time people are aware to protect their nature in order to

make their livelihood.

c. Ecotourism programme by Dept. of Forests and Wild life is a well

appreciable gesture as the main focus is preservation of

ecosystem rather than income generation. Emphasis on

preservation result in dissatisfaction among the visitors as their

expectations are not fulfilled.

b. Dept. of Forest and Wild Life involves the local community who

live near that area. Eco Development Committee (EDC), Vana

Samrakshana Samiti (VSS) are formulated to take up the wildlife

preservation and ecotourism programe. This help both the Dept.

and the community. Natural resources are protected and at the

same time people are aware to protect their nature in order to

make their livelihood.

c. Ecotourism programme by Dept. of Forests and Wild life is a well

appreciable gesture as the main focus is preservation of

ecosystem rather than income generation. Emphasis on

preservation result in dissatisfaction among the visitors as their

expectations are not fulfilled.

Responsible Ecotourism- the Future of tourism in Wayanad

15/28


Discussion

Mass Ecotourism is not an encouragable tourism option. A destination Mass Ecotourism is not an encouragable tourism option. A destination like Wayanad, needs a very systematically planned development. like Wayanad, needs a very systematically planned development.

All tourist attractions in the district are owned by Dept. of Forests & All tourist attractions in the district are owned by Dept. of Forests & Wildlife or Dept. of Irrigation, and Dept. of Fisheries. Tourism came as an Wildlife or Dept. of Irrigation, and Dept. of Fisheries. Tourism came as an intruder to these places and taken over the complete control, but the intruder to these places and taken over the complete control, but the main purpose is remained only to earn as much as income rather than main purpose is remained only to earn as much as income rather than protecting that places from environmental degradation.protecting that places from environmental degradation.

17/28

WEC 2010, Pattern of Tourism Development in Wayanad, with referecne to Responsible Ecotourism

Over crowding, lack of waste management, and Over crowding, lack of waste management, and lack of proper lack of proper controlcontrol over visitors behaviour over visitors behaviour resulted in exploitation rather than resulted in exploitation rather than conservation.conservation.

Absence of a price control mechanism results in Absence of a price control mechanism results in price hike for many products. If a person from a price hike for many products. If a person from a different language background visit this different language background visit this destinations, the shop owners usually take destinations, the shop owners usually take advantage of the client, which results in advantage of the client, which results in commercialization.commercialization.

Discussion cont…

18/28


Loss of green cover of Wayanad over last few years resulted in a rapid changes in the annual rainfall and increasing temperature levels. This results indirectly the lifestyle of people, where the major portion of the agriculture land is converted to commercial crops than the traditional crops.

Life of common people are affected by a sharp increase in price of the land , which are located in river side, lake side, near to forest land or any other scenic spot which as enough tourist potential. Land value has gone up multiple times and a common

man can’t own a small house as the earning won’t match with the financial requirements.

Discussion cont…

19/28


Tourist activity should be controlled in places like Tourist activity should be controlled in places like Kuruwa Island and other highly ecofragile areas. Kuruwa Island and other highly ecofragile areas. Regulations in visit to eco sensitive areas, will Regulations in visit to eco sensitive areas, will result in conserving the natural resources for result in conserving the natural resources for future generation, and at the same time efforts future generation, and at the same time efforts should be made to create awareness among the should be made to create awareness among the visitors to inform them about the bio-diversity of visitors to inform them about the bio-diversity of the area they are visiting .the area they are visiting .

It is found that the visitor interpretation centres It is found that the visitor interpretation centres are not properly working as there is a sever are not properly working as there is a sever shortage of manpower and lack of proper shortage of manpower and lack of proper maintenance. Taking things casually , will affect maintenance. Taking things casually , will affect the reputation of the destination as well.the reputation of the destination as well.

20/28

Discussion cont…


Benefits from tourism are shared by few players in the district who are Benefits from tourism are shared by few players in the district who are well established . Local people have greater expectations when an well established . Local people have greater expectations when an attraction is developing as a tourist centre. But, other than seeing the attraction is developing as a tourist centre. But, other than seeing the rise of some local resorts, the local people are ignored greater extend. rise of some local resorts, the local people are ignored greater extend. The authorities also fails to recognise the need of local people where The authorities also fails to recognise the need of local people where combined effort of local people authorities are scarcely seen. combined effort of local people authorities are scarcely seen.

Local organisations, academic institutions have a greater role to do. Local organisations, academic institutions have a greater role to do. Activities taken up by the eco club, tourism club members in the district Activities taken up by the eco club, tourism club members in the district is worth to appreciate as it shows a well rehearsed move to involve and is worth to appreciate as it shows a well rehearsed move to involve and encourage the young to orient their future towards the future.encourage the young to orient their future towards the future.

21/28

Discussion cont…


The responsibility also falls on the visitor and the service provider to The responsibility also falls on the visitor and the service provider to protect our environment from further degradation. A tourist is not a protect our environment from further degradation. A tourist is not a consumer here. But an active participant of conserving the nature and consumer here. But an active participant of conserving the nature and his surroundings.his surroundings.

Effective coordination is required among the government officials as Effective coordination is required among the government officials as there is a clear indication of lack of cohesion among the government there is a clear indication of lack of cohesion among the government departments. This results in creating obstacles on the path of planning, departments. This results in creating obstacles on the path of planning, implementation of various programmes .implementation of various programmes .

22/28

Discussion cont…

WEC 2010, Pattern of Tourism Development in Wayanad, with reference to Responsible Ecotourism 23/28


Thank you


Review of Literature

Impacts of Tourism was a major concern for Hosts community, Academicians , Government authorities and planners since long back.

Several case studies on Bali, Thailand, etc. which have already shown the impacts of tourism [Noronha (1979), Pleumarom (2002)].

Defensive Tourism, Alternative Tourism, Natural Tourism, Green Tourism, Low Impact Tourism, Soft Tourism are some of the terms came up in the debate of Sustainability issues. [Krippendorf (1982), Jones (1987) Mader (1999)]

Sustainable Tourism ws highly appreciated and projected as the alternative to Impacts of Tourism [WCED (1987), Hunter, Butler (1992)]

Ecotourism is treated as a form of sustainable tourism for many researchers [Dernoi (1988), Mieczkowski (1995), Allcock (1994), Honey (1999), Weaver (2001)]

Here , a modified form of Responsible Tourism, i.e Responsible ecotourism is proposed against existing practices in Wayanad

28/28

PATTERN OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN WAYANAD ( Kerala, India ) with reference to

Documents

Transcript of PATTERN OF ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN WAYANAD ( Kerala, India ) with reference to