TOPIC: CONTRIBUTION OF ECO TOURISM IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF

ECONOMY
INTRODUCTION
Tourism is one of the most profitable service industry in todays business enviornment .
tourism depends largley on the existence of enviorment in order to exploit the
resources .the need for tourism is sustain and develop in all aspects such as
enviormental factors , economic and social factors.the three major aspects cosiderd
for tourism sastainability are
Economic efficiency : Economic sutability of tourism
Enviornmental conversation : Ecological sustainable tourism
Society equity:
The popularity in ecotourism industry is increasing the demand among tourists which
makes enviornmentally sensitive, informative and benificial for the substainibility and
growth in local communities.The development of eco tourism is important for
natural and cultural conversation which act as a tool for socio - ecomnomic
development the significant features features that symbolizes sustainable tourism
are quality,quantity,continuity and balance.
The eco tourism industry is experiencing a significnt role in increasing demand in
tourism it has an impact in eviornment for benifitig the local communities and hence
would contribute towards the development of the economy the development of
tourism especialy with the reference to eco tourism is important for natural and
cultural conservation and majority contributes as an important tool for tool forsocio
economic development also on a national scale ,eco tourism on econimic
development is a major source sourceof foreign exchange for those country,

For past few decades, The state government of Kerala is majorly focusing on
the development of tourism services and products.Transformation of industry from
service related business in the state has majorly contributed towards the local
community develpoment. New initiatives are taken by government of kerala for
development and contribution of economy. Kerala is well known for tourism in various
desstinations of the state. The other types of business are promoted by by kerala
government to expand operations in the state.
Potentiality of Kerala Tourism
 Kerala has taken new initiatives for tourism destinations all over the state
with the brand name gods own country.
 Tourism range of activities have wider scope with respect to other areas for
entertainment.
 Good climatic conditions and suitability of climate to all people plays a majoe
factor in developing tourism sector in kerala.
 Traditional and cultural programmes contribute towards encouragement of tourism
in kerala
 Hopitality is good reputation in Kerala
 Other subsidiary services of tourism such as infrastructure, Five star hotels, resorts
etc are supported by kerala government.
 Wide variety of dishes and cuisine
 Kerala is small state but possess three international airports

Tourism is one of the most profitable service industry in todays business enviornment .
tourism depends largley on the existence of enviorment in order to exploit the
resources .the need for tourism is sustain and develop in all aspects such as
enviormental factors , economic and social factors.the three major aspects cosiderd
for tourism sastainability are
Economic efficiency : Economic sutability of tourism
Enviornmental conversation : Ecological sustainable tourism
Society equity:
The popularity in ecotourism industry is increasing the demand among tourists which
makes enviornmentally sensitive, informative and benificial for the substainibility and
growth in local communities.The development of eco tourism is important for
natural and cultural conversation which act as a tool for socio - ecomnomic
development the significant features features that symbolizes sustainable tourism
are quality,quantity,continuity and balance.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN KERALA

 There is a line between eco tourism and sustainable development
which has indicated the potetiality to contribute sustainable Development in the local
community with main element such as Sustainable pattern of production and
consumption of resources which help to gain economic growth.

Tourism Products of Kerala

Kerala offers a variety of unique products. There are three categories of

products like natural, man-made and symbiotic. Natural products include mountains,
hills, climate, beaches, desrts, islands, flora and fauna. Man-made products include
festivals, fairs, conferences, conventions, architecture, sculpture, painting and
souvenirs. Symbiotic products blend natural with man-made. Wildlife
sanctuaries, water spots and flower festivals are examples of symbiotic products.
Following are the important tourism products in Kerala.

Backwater Tourism
Beach Tourism
Heritage Tourism
Festival Tourism
Health Tourism
Sports Tourism
Pilgrim Tourism
Rural Tourism

COMPANY PROFILE

MISSION

1. To increase the inflow of water to the reservoirs

2. To manage forests by ensuring a holistic development and bringing their
social and economic conditions on par with the rest of the general populations in
the State.
3. To increase the productivity and resource potentials of forests
4. Take Kerala to greater heights in the matter of biodiversity conservation and
resource generation.
5. It protects and enriches the social and cultural values of the State.
6. Inherent values and the cultural heritage of tribal communities.
7. degradation of traditional forest tracts and to regain their past glory .
8. Ensure protection and expansion of mangroves, sacred groves and other highly
sensitive ecosystems.
9. Carry out baseline activities for the conservation and management of
wetlands .

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:
According to Giudici, E. et al.(2013)
The reason for existing is additionally to confirm if the improvement of impalpable
legacy attractors could be an operator for the sustainability of the tourism of Island.

According to Padin, C. (2012)

The objective of complete tourism planning is to attain monetary development and
proficiency, guaranteeing effectiveness and social equity by settling the fundamental
necessities of the populace and on the premise of stable and consistent environmental
frameworks.
According to Bowman, K. (2011)
The motivation behind this paper is to look at the state of sustainable touristy
certification in flourishing nations and to present methodological and functional
critiques and enhancements.
According to Ratna Sree (2010)

Ravi (2009) in his article ‘Sustainable Tourism:

THEORETICAL BACK GROUND OF THE STUDY :

The theoretical background clearly indicates that even though large number of
studies were conducted in the past tourism destinations in keralaMany prospects and
challenges have faced tourism industry in india.Thus, it is very important that
further studies may be carried out more scientifically with empirical support.It is
observed that studies on eco tourism has impacted overall development of local
community.Therefore, it is essential to study the contribution of eco tourism in
sustainable development of the economy.There is general reluctance for the tourists to
support the society.Our study are focused on activities of eco tourism activities in
sustainable development of the local community in kerala.

1. Need and Relevance of the study:

After going through various sources like books, magazines, newspapers, websites and
articles, it was found that lot of work has been undertaken by researchers over impact
of Eco tourism in Economic development of the country. But there was a gap in the
research regarding whether there are any Contribution of eco tourism would develop
the economy and hence this study will through new light in understanding the same
with reference to Konni, at pattanamthitta district in Kerala. So, a need was felt to
explore this fact by undertaking the research on this particular aspect.
The study was conducted at Kerala due to the fact that Kerala is the hub of not only
for companies but also for tourists of both domestic and international. But the study
concentrated mainly in discovering the standards and the contribution of eco tourism
in development of the economy which remain the top performers around the globe. It
encompasses on development and ecotourism impact in matching up the ethical
standards set by Indian society.

The objectives of the study can be enumerated as:

• To understand various Eco tourism practices at Konni.
• To understand the impact of the ecotourism practices to reach out the
contribution in the society.
• To find out the considerations that has influenced the Eco tourism for tourists
in kerala.

Research Design & Methodology:

The type of research study undertaken is Empirical since the information is
collected from tourista of Konni forest department. Convenience sampling was used
to collect the data from various tourists who had got services from various eco
tourism practices at konni forest department .The data was collected from touristswith
a sample size of 70.
Primary data regarding the problem area has been collected through structured
questionnaire. Since Kerala is the Hub for small as well as large scale companies in
Indiaas well tourism, the target population of the study were the tourists of domestic
and international.Secondary data has been collected through books, articles, internet
etc.
Tools for Data collection:
Personal interview is the major tool of data collection.
Interview techniques are applied for tourists to collect responses. The data is to be
arranged in the form of table are proposed critically analyzed with the help of number
of statistical tools like Percentage analysis.
Plan of Analysis:
The tools of the analysis used are basically the
statistical tools of tabulation, graphic and diagrammatic representation. The
questionnaire was analyzed and interpreted at on the answers given by the respondent.

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY:

1. Due to time constraint, extensive study is not conducted on the topic.
2. The sample size is restricted to 70 tourists.
3. Sampling survey is restricted to Konni, pattanamthitta district
4. Availability of information is limited.

Demographic Characteristics of Tourists

Age

Sl.No. Demographic characteristics No.of Percentage

respondents

1 Below 25 20 28

2 25 - 35 10 15

3 35 - 45 28 40

4 Above 45 12 17
 TOTAL 70 100

GENDER

1 Male 38 54

2 Female 32 46

TOTAL 70 100

EDUCATION

1 Professional Degree 24 34

2 Post Graduation 10 14

3 Graduate 6 9

4 SSLC 30 43

TOTAL 70 100

Interpretation:
The above table shows the demographic profiles of respondents and the analysis
shows:
A) Age: 28% of the respondents are below the age group of 25 years, 15% of the
respondents are between the age grop of 25 - 35 years, 40% of the respondents are
between the age group of 35 - 45 years and 17% of the respondents age group is
above 45 years.
B) Gender: The analysis shows that 54% of the respondents are male and 46% of the
respondents are female.
C) Education: From the analysis it shows that 33% of the respondents are professional
degree, 17% of the respondents are post Graduates, 6% of the respondents are with
doctorate degree and 44% of the respondents are SSLC completed

Budget for the Trip

TABLE NO: 3 &4 NATURE 0F VISIT

SL.NO. TRAVEL PATTERN NO.OF PERCENTAGE
RESPONDENTS
1 Alone 12 16
2 With Family 28 41
3 With Friends 17 23
4 With mixed group of peoples 14 20
TOTAL 70 100
NUMBER OF VISITS
SL.NO. NUMBER OF VISIT NO. OF PERCENTAGE
RESPONDENTS
1 First 30 43
2 Second 25 36
3 Third 10 14
4 More than three 5 7
TOTAL 70 100
BUDGET FOR THE TRIP
SL.NO. BUDGET NO. OF PERCENTAGE
RESPONDENTS
1 Less than Rs. 10000 41
2 10000 - 50000 30
3 50000 - 100000 19
4 More than Rs. 100000 10
TOTAL 70 100

Interpretation: the analysis of above table shows that

A) Table no. 2 shows the Budget of tourists during the trip and it shows that 41% of
the tourists have the budget less than Rs. 10000 for each tour, 30% of the tourists have
the budget between Rs. 10000 - Rs.50000 for each tour, 19% of the tourists have the
budget between Rs. 50000 - Rs. 100000 for each tour, and 10% 0f the tourists spend
more than Rs. 100000 per tour.
B) Table No. 3 shows the travel pattern of tourists and 16% of the touists travel
alone, 41% of the touists travel with family,23% of the touists travel with friends and
20% of the touists travel with mixed group.
C) Table No. 4 shows the number of visits the tourist visit to Konni forest department
and the anaysis shows that 44% of the tourists visit first time, 27% of the tourists visit
second time , 17% of the tourists visit third time and 12% of the tourists visit more
than three times to Konni forest department.

TABLE NO: 5 TYPE OF ACCOMODATION

SL.NO. TYPE OF ACCOMODATION NO. OF PERCEN

RESPONDENTS TAGE
1 3 star Hotels 9
2 KTDC 27
3 Home stay 35 50
4 With friends/ Relatives 10 14
TOTAL 70 100

Interpretation:
The above shows the tourists preference on the type of accomodation during the travel
and 9% of the tourists prefer star hotels, 27% of the tourists prefer KTDC ( Kerala
Tourism development Corporation)hotels, 50% of the tourists prefer stay in stay
hotels and 14% of the tourists prefer to stay with friends and relatives.

TABLE NO: 6 TOURIST AREA THAT HAS ATTRACTED THE MOST IN

KERALA
SL.NO. TOURIST AREA NO. OF PERCENTAGE
RESPONDENTS

1 Hill Station 5 7

2 Water Park 42

3 Boating 44

4 Forest and wild life 5 7

TOTAL 70 100

Tourist Attractions

Interpretation: The above table shows various tourist destinations at Konni Forest
Department which has attracted the tourists and 7% of the tourists are attracted with
hill stations, 42%of the tourists are attracted with boating services, 44% of the tourists
are attracted with forest and wild life and 7% of the tourists are attracted with other
destinations at Konni forest .

TABLE NO: 7
Co-operation of Local People towards Tourists

SL.NO. BEHAVIOUR NO.OF PERCENTAGE

RESPONDENT
S

1 Helpful Manner 45 64

2 Polite Manner 15 22

3 Unfriendly Manner 10 14

TOTAL 70 100
Interpretation: The above table shows the co operation of local people towards tourists
and the analysis is evident that 64% of the tourists feel that the local people are
helpful to tourists, 22% of the tourists feel that local people are polite and 14% of the
tourists feel that local people are unfriendly and teasing the incoming tourists.

TABLE NO:8

Opinion Regarding Price Charged for Services

SL.NO OPINION ON PRICE NO.OF PERCENTAGE

RESPONDENTS

1 Too High 18 26

2 High 12 17

3 Moderate 30 43

4 Cheap 10 14

TOTAL 70 100

Interpretation: The above table shows the opinion of charges for the services of eco
tourism services at konni, and 26% 0f the tourists feel that the charges are too high
when compared to other tourist places in Kerala,17% 0f the tourists feel that the
charges are high when compared to other tourist places in Kerala,43% 0f the tourists
feel that the charges are moderate when compared to other tourist places in
Kerala,14% 0f the tourists feel that the charges are cheap when compared to other
tourist places in Kerala.

TABLE NO:9
Problems Faced by Tourists

SL.NO. PROBLEMS NO.OF PERCENTAGE

 RESPONDENTS

1 Managerial 30

2 Infrastructure 24

3 Technical 14

4 Others 9

TOTAL 70 100

Interpretation: The above table shows the problems and challenges faced by tourists at
their visit to Konni forest department and the analysis shows that 30% of the tourists
face managerial problems, 24% of the tourists face infrastuctural problems, 14% of
the tourists face technical problem and 9% of the tourists face other tour related
problems.

TABLE NO:10
Opinion about the Changes Noticed

SL.NO OPINION NO.OF PERCENTAGE

RESPONDENTS
1 New Hotels & Resorts 23
2 More transportation Facility 46
3 More Eco tourism activities 20
4 Others 11
TOTAL 70 100

Interpretation: The above table shows the changes noticed in eco tourism activities in
kerala and the analysis depicts that 23% of the tourists have noticed new hotels and
resorts, 46% of the tourists have noticed more transportation facilities are provided by
state goverment to improve the contribution towards development of local community,
20% of the tourists have noticed more tourism activities and 11% of the tourists have
noticed other developments towards local community.
 TABLE NO:11
opinion on various facilities of kerala tourism
SL.N FACILITIES EXCEL GOOD AVERAGE POOR CUMMUL
LENT ATIVE
O.
SCORE
1 Taxi Drivers 16 24 19 11
Attitude
2 Conditions of 22 20 12 16
road
3 Water 24 22 15 9
Facilities
4 Clinic 14 23 24 9
5 Tourist Guide 12 26 22 10
6 Hotel 28 18 13 11
accomodation
7 Entertainment 22 12 20 16
facilities
8 security 22 12 18 18

Interpretation: the above table and analysis shows the opinion on various facilities of
kerala tourism and the tourists have rated on taxi drivers attitude as average,
conditions of road and infrastuctural facilities as good, water facilities as excellent,
clinic facilities as good to meet up with emergencies of tourists, behaviour of tourists
guide as good, Hotel accomodation as excellent and entertainment facilties as good.
Table showing the response on difficulty in achievement of ethical standards of
developing countries as compared to developed countries:

S.No. Response Frequency Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

1 Yes 8 57 57
2 No 6 43 100
Total 14 100
 Table showing frequency of discussion of ethical standards with the staff by the
management:

No. of Cumulative
Sl.No. Frequency Valid Percent
Respondents Percent
1 Once in a year 6 43 43
2 Twice in a year 2 14 57
3 Once in a month 2 14 71
4 Not sure 4 29 100
Total 14 100

Table showing frequency of discussion over Ethical issues and standards in

management level meetings:

No. of Cumulative
S.No. Frequency Valid Percent
Respondents Percent
1 Always 8 57 57
2 Sometimes 4 29 86
3 Rarely 2 14 100
Total 14 100

Table showing response over CSR as an important consideration laid by Government

over Tourism

Cumulative
S.No. Response No. of respondents Valid Percent
Percent
1 Yes 13 93 93
2 No 1 7 100
Total 14 100

Table showing response over communication of ethical standards by the government

to the Tourism:

Cumulative
S.No. Response No. of respondents Valid Percent
Percent
1 Yes 12 86 86
2 No 2 14 100
Total 14 100

Table showing frequency of intervention of Indian Government to supervise the

ethical standards:
 No. of Cumulative
S.No. Frequency Valid Percent
Respondents Percent
1 Very frequently 1 7 7
2 Frequently 7 50 57
3 Rarely 6 43 100
4 Never 0 0 100
Total 14 100

Table showing opinion of the respondents towards the unethical practices in India:

Valid Cumulative
S.No. Statements Frequency
Percent Percent
1 Selling goods abroad at home country 0 0 0
Permitting to provide information on 0
2 0 0
side effects
3 Unsafe products 6 43 43
4 Built-in obsolescence 6 43 86
5 Wastefull and unnecessary packages 0 0 86
Treatment of animal and product 93
6 1 7
testing
7 Deception on size and content 1 7 100

Total 14 100

Table showing opinion of respondents over ethical statements:

Strongly Strongly Cumulative

S. Agree Neutral Disagree
Statements agree Disagree Score
No.
(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)
Ethical issues majorly
1 8 3 2 1 0 60
effect the business world
A Company’s Code of
Ethics is limited to
2 values and commitments 0 0 3 7 4 27
towards ethical
behaviour
 A company’s code of
3 ethics creates a conflict 0 0 2 9 3 27
of interest
Business ethics make
4 doing business more 0 0 1 10 3 26
complicated
Business ethics differ in
5 various countries and 7 7 0 0 0 63
societies
Total 203

Table showing response for factors affecting ethical values of a company:

Valid Cumulative
S.No. Factors Frequency
Percent Percent
1 Religion 0 0 0
2 Culture 5 36 36
3 Law 5 36 72
4 Company’s code of ethics 4 28 100
5 Others 0 0 100
Total 14 100

Table showing response towards the considerations for ethical decision making for a
business:

S. Approaches Highly Effective Neutral Ineffective Highly Cumulative

No. effective Ineffective Score
(5) (4) (3) (2) (1)
Ethical actions
are those that
provide the
1 7 6 1 0 0 62
greatest balance
of good over
evil.
Whether an
action is right or
wrong would
2 depend upon 0 1 3 6 4 29
the judgment
about
consequences of
 such an action.
Whether an
action is right or
wrong would
3 depend upon 0 0 0 9 5 23
the rightness or
wrongness of
actions
An ethically
direct decision
is one that best
4 maintain the 8 4 2 0 0 62
rights of those
people affected
by it
Equals should
be treated
5 equally and 0 0 0 2 12 16
unequals
unequally.
Tests whether
an action
benefits or
6 erodes a 5 9 0 0 0 46
specific element
of the common
good.
Whether an
action is right or
wrong would
depend upon
7 8 6 0 0 0 64
the character
and virtue in
moral
philosophy.
Total 302

Table showing opinion of respondents over major issues faced by companies in cross
cultural environment:

S.No. Opinion Frequency Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

1 Issue in Team building 4 29 29
2 Issue in Training 3 21 50
3 Issue in negotiations 3 22 72
4 Issue in expatriate relocation 1 7 79
5 Issue in synergy 2 14 93
6 Issue in language training 1 7 100
7 Any other 0 0 100
Total 14 100

Table showing the satisfaction level on the ethical practices carried out by the
Tourism Industry:

S.No. Satisfaction Level Frequency Valid Percent Cumulative Percent

1 Highly satisfactory 6 43 43
2 Satisfactory 8 57 100
3 Neutral 0 0 100
4 Dissatisfactory 0 0 100
5 Highly Dissatisfactory 0 0 100
Total 14 100
FINDINGS
➢ Majority of the respondents are between the age group of 35 - 45 years and are
male
➢ With regard to the Budget of tourists during the trip and it shows that most of the
tourists have the budget less than Rs. 10000 for each tour, and most the touists
travel with family,the number of visits the tourist visit to Konni forest department
and the tourists has visited first time.
➢ The tourists preference on the type of accomodation during the travel is taken into
consideration and majority of the tourists prefer stay in stay hotels
➢ various tourist destinations at Konni Forest Department which has attracted the
tourists and 7% of the tourists are attracted with hill stations, 42%of the tourists
 are attracted with boating services, 44% of the tourists are attracted with forest
and wild life
➢ The co operation of local people towards tourists and the analysis is evident that
64% of the tourists feel that the local people are helpful to tourists
➢ Most of the tourists feel that the charges are moderate when compared to other
tourist places in Kerala,
➢ Majority of the tourists have noticed more transportation facilities are provided
by state goverment to improve the contribution towards development of local
community,
➢ With respect to the problems and challenges faced by tourists at their visit to
Konni forest department and the analysis shows that most of the tourists face
managerial problems.
➢ The opinion on various facilities of kerala tourism and the tourists have rated on
taxi drivers attitude as average, conditions of road and infrastuctural facilities as
good, water facilities as excellent, clinic facilities as good to meet up with
emergencies of tourists, behaviour of tourists guide as good, Hotel accomodation
as excellent and entertainment facilties as good.
CONCLUSION:
This study helps to ascertain and evaluate ecotourism activities in sustaianable
development of local community.Majority of the respondents are between the age
group of 35 - 45 years and are male.With regard to the Budget of tourists during the
trip and it shows that most of the tourists have the budget less than Rs. 10000 for each
tour, and most the touists travel with family,the number of visits the tourist visit to
Konni forest department and the tourists has visited first time.The tourists preference
on the type of accomodation during the travel is taken into consideration and majority
of the tourists prefer stay in stay hotels.various tourist destinations at Konni Forest
Department which has attracted the tourists and 7% of the tourists are attracted with
hill stations, 42%of the tourists are attracted with boating services, 44% of the tourists
are attracted with forest and wild life. The co operation of local people towards
tourists and the analysis is evident that 64% of the tourists feel that the local people
are helpful to tourists.Most of the tourists feel that the charges are moderate when
compared to other tourist places in Kerala.Majority of the tourists have noticed more
transportation facilities are provided by state goverment to improve the contribution
towards development of local community.With respect to the problems and
challenges faced by tourists at their visit to Konni forest department and the analysis
shows that most of the tourists face managerial problems.The opinion on various
facilities of kerala tourism and the tourists have rated on taxi drivers attitude as
average, conditions of road and infrastuctural facilities as good, water facilities as
excellent, clinic facilities as good to meet up with emergencies of tourists, behaviour
of tourists guide as good, Hotel accomodation as excellent and entertainment facilties
as good.
SUGGESTIONS:

Kerala has taken new initiatives for tourism destinations all over the state with
the brand name gods own country.Tourism range of activities have wider scope
with respect to backwaters, beaches, hill stations, pilgrimage centres, historical places
etc.Good climatic conditions and suitability of climate to all people plays a majoe
factor in developing tourism sector in kerala.Traditional and cultural programmes
contribute towards encouragement of tourism in keralaHopitality is good reputation in
Kerala.Other subsidiary services of tourism such as infrastructure, Five star hotels,
resorts etc are supported by kerala government and should be improved.Wide variety
of dishes and cuisine.Kerala is small state but possess three international airports.