Volume : 7, Issue : 1, January - 2018

A Descriptive Study On Perceptions About Responsible Tourism In Kumarakom Grama Panchayat, Kerala

Bichu P Babu

Abstract :

<p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;&#10;line-height:115%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Tourism is not only one of the biggest and smokeless industries in the world, it is also a service industry that provides multiple recreational and pleasure services to the people.</span><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> . In terms of natural and cultural assets for tourism, Kerala has a varied portfolio of attractions such as beaches, backwaters, hill stations, festivals and <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp;</span>ayurveda.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;&#10;line-height:115%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> </span><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Responsible tourism is &lsquo;managing the business in a way that benefits its local community, natural and business environment and itself&rsquo;. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The responsible tourism authorities of Kumarakom have implemented various projects with these focus areas in mind. Although the local government advocates that the project has been a success, the local population is not being benefitted through responsible tourism and they have not enough knowledge about responsible tourism and its activities. Adequate awareness regarding the responsible tourism needs to be provided to the public through awareness classes and training programs.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:&#10;11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>