Development of Tourism Industry in Kerala: An Appraisal

Kerala is blessed with nature and is one of the prime tourism destinations on the national and international arena. The government and the bureaucracy now project tourism as ‘an engine of growth’—an excellent source of foreign exchange and employment— to revive the local economy. Opposition to large-scale tourism projects by environmental and labour activists is often dealt with through undemocratic means. This paper attempts to provide a broad overview of the features of tourism practice in the state of Kerala. Compared to the other states in India, Kerala is unique for its interesting geographical diversity it possesses within the smallest area possible. This diversity offers tourists a rage of attractions and experience such a beaches, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, evergreen forests and diverse flora and fauna of Kerala. Kerala has recorded remarkable levels of growth in tourism arrivals in recent years. The paper argues that the economic contribution of the tourism industry to the local economy is inconsequential; tourism projects in the state have major environmental implications.

“One of the ten paradises of the world” and"

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