Economics of Ecotourism Industry in Kerala: An Assessment

Bitter, C. (2015) Economics of Ecotourism Industry in Kerala: An Assessment. Doctoral thesis, Asia e University.

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Abstract

Ecotourism has increasingly become the life blood of every people. The most compelling reason for pursing ecotourism is its alleged positive contribution to the local people, to the tourists and to the national economy. At the same time it has subjected to many social, environmental, political, ecological and cultural constraints. So it is found to be relevant and is imperative on assessing its prospects and challenges . The study has assessed economic prospects of tourism industry in India and Kerala and examined specially socio-economic impacts of ecotourism in Kerala economy. Also it investigated major positive and negative factors of the ecotourism industry in Kerala which reflect its prospects and challenges. Further the study has formulated a strategic tourism model to promote ecotourism industry in Kerala. The study has mainly been used primary data, which were collected from both tourists and local residents. Respondents were selected at random. A Five Point Likert Scale was used in the Interview Schedule to rate their attitude towards tourism activities. The questions in the Interview Schedule has four sections: Socio-demographic features of foreign tourists, statements related to positive factors of ecotourism, statements related to the negative elements of ecotourism and concluding statements related to personal benefits from ecotourism. These variables were obtained from different tourism literature, observations and from informal talks and discussions with foreign and domestic tourists and from the local residents of the destinations. The statistical tools like scale analysis, percentages, mean average, Z-statistics and multiple regression analysis were used in the study. The statistical software SPSS was used for the data analysis, particularly for the econometric analysis. Different analyses of response scores of the opinion on positive and negative factors of ecotourism between tourists and local residents has helped to identify major strength factors and threat factors of ecotourism. Finally predictor factors were derived , with the help of multiple regression analysis, from those strength factors and the threat factors, which are required to Kerala for its strategic plan for ecotourism. The study , its findings and suggestions, will help the government of Kerala to devise plans, policies and strategies in the ecotourism sector.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
Divisions:	School of Management
Depositing User:	Aida Rashidah Maajis
Date Deposited:	17 Aug 2017 07:17
Last Modified:	05 Aug 2020 03:54
URI:	http://ur.aeu.edu.my/id/eprint/90

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