Sustainable Development of Tourism In Kerala: Issues And Strategies

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Tourism is a global industry of modern world with significant socio-cultural, economic and environmental consequences. It play as an important tool for the diversification of the industrial structure as well as regional development of backward areas. Health tourism, Eco- tourism, Wildlife tourism, Cultural tourism, Heritage tourism, Pleasure tourism, Pilgrimage tourism and Adventure tourism has become a major industry in Kerala. As tourism is an industry it has its own merits and demerits. The economic development, new job opportunities, increased foreign exchange earnings, development in the handicraft sector, improved infrastructure facilities and increase in standard of living are some of the positive aspect of this industry. But in the case of socio- cultural impact of tourism it raises some ethical questions. The value systems and ideology of the foreigners invade the traditional values of the host country. It also influence the life and behavior of the local people. The imitation of the tourists in food, drink and dress, way of life, morality are some of the negative aspects of tourism. At the same time it gives opportunities to cross the barriers of caste, creed, language and culture. It also provides opportunities for cultural exchange and better international understanding.

The number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting the state of Kerala is increasing day by day due to various reasons. The rising number of tourists and their greater mobility result in the increase of solid waste generation and littering in mountains and forests. It also degrade the beautiful landscape sites, sewage pollution, water pollution and air pollution are the other consequences. The infrastructure development for the growth of tourism results in land degradation.

Nature with its full diversity and glory has always been captivating to man. Ancient man always kept a symbiotic relation with nature in all his activities including travel. Travel, at that time, was primarily motivated by the sprit of adventure and exploration in pursuit of knowledge and experience. The Industrial Revolution and the co- instantaneous inventions equipped man with sufficient tools to play with nature. Since then, the world has witnessed major demographic and economic changes. By making additions to the mode and purpose of travel, the Industrial Revolution laid the foundation for modern tourism. Man-made attractions, recreational facilities, paid holidays and greater disposable income gave an impetus to mass tourism, making it one of the economic success stories of the last four decades. It has grown to be a major dynamic component of the world economy and one of the highly developed and dynamic industries with important contribution to income and employment.

Mass tourists, who often live in environment bubbles, cause dire consequences to the destinations - land and monuments disfigured, underground springs, surface streams and waterways polluted, native labour and services exploited and endemic value system subverted. The diversity of land and life is increasingly being replaced by uniformity, materialism and commercialization. In many situations the individual tourist and the tourist entrepreneur both stand to gain by their judicial use of the resources. Nature is bountiful and it tries to maintain its equilibrium. But by modifying the ecosystem, man creates new situations which in turn will have a strong bearing on humankind.