The Economic Benefits of Tourism in Alappuzha, The Smallest District in Kerala
The Economic Benefits of Tourism in Alappuzha, The Smallest District in Kerala
The Economic Benefits of Tourism in Alappuzha, The Smallest District in Kerala
org (ISSN-2349-5162)
Introduction
Tourism‟s economic benefits are touted by the industry for a variety of reasons. Claims
of tourism‟s economic significance give the industry greater respect among the business
community, public officials, and the public in general. This often translates into decisions or
public policies that are favorable to tourism. Community support is important for tourism, as it
is an activity that affects the entire community. Tourism businesses depend extensively on each
other as well as on other businesses, government and residents of the local community.
Economic benefits and costs of tourism reach virtually everyone in the region in one way
or another. Economic impact analyses provide tangible estimates of these economic
interdependencies and a better understanding of the role and importance of tourism in a
region‟s economy. Tourism activity also involves economic costs, including the direct costs
incurred by tourism businesses, government costs for infrastructure to better serve tourists, as
well as congestion and related costs borne by individuals in the community. Community
decisions over tourism often involve debates between industry proponents touting tourism‟s
economic impacts (benefits) and detractors emphasizing tourism‟s costs. Sound decisions rest
on a balanced and objective assessment of both benefits and costs and an understanding of who
benefits from tourism and who pays for it.
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activity in the area. A variety of methods, ranging from pure guesswork to complex
mathematical models, are used to estimate tourism‟s economic impacts. Studies vary
extensively in quality and accuracy, as well as which aspects of tourism are included. Technical
reports often are filled with economic terms and methods that non-economists do not
understand. On the other hand, media coverage of these studies tend to oversimplify and
frequently misinterpret the results, leaving decision makers and the general public with a
sometimes distorted and incomplete understanding of tourism‟s economic effects.
A variety of economic analyses are carried out to support tourism decisions. As these
different kinds of economic analysis are frequently confused, let‟s begin by positioning
economic impact studies within the broader set of economic problems and techniques relevant
to tourism. These same techniques may be applied to any policy or action, but we will define
them here in the context of tourism. Each type of analysis is identified by the basic questions it
answers and the types of methods and models that are appropriate.
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flooring. There is spacious dining area, sun deck; neat & clean kitchen, etc are available on the
boat cruise. The service of professional cooks is also available on the boat cruise. There are
several fascinating routes available from Alleppey to enjoy backwater tourism of Kerala. Some
of famous routes among tourists are Alleppey to Kumarakom, Alleppey to Kottayam, Alleppey
to Thottappally, Alleppey to Alumkadavu, Alleppey to Kollam, etc. These all routes are
charming and captivating. These routes are able to enthrall your heart. A night cruise from
Alleppey to any other backwater destination of the state is very popular among honeymooners
or couples who are in love. A night cruise over breathtaking backwaters of Kerala gives truly
romantic ambiance to honeymoon couples. Couples find truly cherishable ambiance while
gliding over scenic waterways of the state. A houseboat cruise gives tourists wonderful
opportunity to enjoy cherishable tourism of backwater Kerala. A well-organized cruise in
Kerala takes tourists in to the unique world where tourists find amazing and superb views of
lush paddy fields, coir villages, Chinese fishing nets, temples, traditional villages, water lilies,
coconut groves, etc. All these are cherishable on backwater cruise in the state. Besides
backwater tourism and houseboat cruise opportunity, a visit to Alleppey also provides tourists
opportunity to see several catchy attractions. Some of famous attractions of Alleppey visit are
Lighthouse, Poomkavu Church, Mullackal Raja Rajeshwari Temple, Mannarasala Temple,
Champakulam Church, Edathua Church, Kalarcode Major Mahadeva Temple, etc. Alleppey is
also famous for annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Champakulam Moolam Boat Race. Well
visit Alleppey, start backwater cruise on luxurious houseboats in Kerala and treasure
cherishable experience of lifetime. Be sure the charm of Alleppey and stay at Kerala house
boats will never fail to allure you.
Tourism is one of the most effective ways of redistributing wealth, by moving money
into local economies from other parts of the country and overseas. It brings income into a
community that would otherwise not be earned.
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Methodology
Secondary data.
Research design: The research design adopted was Exploratory and Descriptive in nature.
Primary data
The primary data was collected through the Questionnaire method. The primary data sources
used were,
Binary questions.
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Qualifying questions
Demographic questions.
Structured questions are easy and the interviewee can answer them quickly.
Similar questions and uniform format make the answers easy to decode and analyze.
To know whether the benefits are getting to local people or multinational companies.
To know whether the common people are involved in the growth of tourism in
Alappuzha.
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Secondary data
The secondary data was collected from internet, magazines, brochures and manuals etc.
The main scaling technique that has been used in the questionnaire are the Itemized category
scales, comparative scales etc:
Limitations
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Analysis
Economic benefits
Economic benefits resulting from tourism can take a number of forms including:
1. Jobs
2. Increased spending
Increased spending in the community generated from visitors or tourism businesses can directly
and indirectly promote the viability of local businesses.
3. Economic diversification
Tourism operators can play a role in highlighting the broad prosperity that tourism can bring to
a community and will contribute to a greater understanding and respect for the value of tourism.
Economic diversification is, for many communities, an insurance policy against hard times. By
offering an additional means of income, tourism can support a community when a traditional
industry is under financial pressure, particularly where that community relies heavily on a
single industry.
4. Farmers markets
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5. Infrastructure
Infrastructure including roads, parks, and other public spaces can be developed and improved
both for visitors and local residents through increased tourism activity in a region.
Social benefits
Community identity and pride can be generated through tourism. A positive sense of
community identity can be reinforced and tourism can encourage local communities to maintain
their traditions and identity.
Environmental benefits
Providing financial or in-kind support for the conservation of the local environment and natural
resources will enhance the reputation of any tourism business.
The tourism industry, in turn, buys goods and services from other businesses in the area, and
pays out most of the $350,000 in income as wages and salaries to its employees. This creates
secondary economic effects in the region. The study might use a sales multiplier of 2.0 to
indicate that each dollar of direct sales generates
another dollar in secondary sales in this region. Through multiplier effects, the $700,000 in
direct sales produces $1.4 million in total sales. These secondary sales create additional income
and employment, resulting in a total impact on the region of $1.4 million in sales, $650,000 in
income and 35 jobs. While hypothetical, the numbers used here are fairly typical of what one
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might find in a tourism economic impact study. A more complete study might identify which
sectors receive the direct and secondary effects and possibly identify differences in spending
and impacts of distinct subgroups of tourists (market segments). One can also estimate the tax
effects of this spending by applying local tax rates to the appropriate changes in sales or
income. Instead of focusing on visitor spending, one could also estimate impacts of
construction or government activity associated with tourism.
There are several other categories of economic impacts that are not typically covered in
economic impact assessments, at least not directly.
Changes in prices -- tourism can sometimes inflate the cost of housing and retail prices in
the area, frequently on a seasonal basis.
Changes in the quality and quantity of goods and services – tourism may lead to a
wider array of goods and services available in an area (of either higher or lower quality
than without tourism).
Changes in property and other taxes – taxes to cover the cost of local services may be
higher or lower in the presence of tourism activity. In some cases, taxes collected directly
or indirectly from tourists may yield reduced local taxes for schools, roads, etc. In other
cases, locals may be taxed more heavily to cover the added infrastructure and service
costs. The impacts of tourism on local government costs and revenues are addressed
more fully in a fiscal impact analysis.
Economic dimensions of “social” and “environmental” impacts - There are also
economic consequences of most social and environmental impacts that are not usually
addressed in an economic impact analysis. These can be positive or negative. For
example, traffic congestion will increase costs of moving around for both households and
businesses. Improved amenities that attract tourists may also encourage retirees or other
kinds of businesses to locate in the area.
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Communities form the backdrop of any tourism product. They provide the support that
tourism needs to survive and are often part of the reason visitors are attracted to a destination.
Sustainable and responsible tourism is about ensuring a win-win for the community, economy
and environment. The attitude, resources and strategic thinking of tourism operators is essential.
Potential impediments to the sustained growth of regional tourism, economic activity and
jobs.
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To remain competitive many regional destinations require a stronger focus on commercial and
economic outcomes for their regions. There must be an emphasis on encouraging infrastructure
developing private and local government, and state government partnerships.
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order to enhance their own lifestyle. There is no understanding of the way local and regional
tourism is run.
This creates issues on many levels, and there local tourism industry is not supported, mainly
due to the lack of understanding of what it is trying to achieve.
There is currently a mind set that operators invest in „dynamic destinations‟ without any
knowledge or interest in how that destination became dynamic in the first instant.
There is a high turn-over of industry operators coming into destinations with a five to seven
year plan to make money and go and they do this without involving themselves in the many
local and regional marketing activities – essentially riding on the coat tails of the local and
regional associations and those operators that do understand the industry and actively and
financially support it.
The effectiveness, at a National, State and local level of current programs to promote and
enhance tourism
Regional Marketing
The importance of the Visitor Information Centre Network
Branding.
Over the years there have been a number of brand campaigns rolled out for regional marketing
campaigns. However they are difficult to sustain due to lack of budget. The regions are now
seen by the industry and there is a distinct lack of financial support into the buy in offered by
regional campaigns because destinations choose not to lose their own market share and do not
have the funds to support both. Conversion to sales is vital in any industry and tourism is no
different in that regard, therefore operators do not see buying into campaigns as being a good
return on their investment.
An economic impact analysis also reveals the interrelationships among economic sectors and
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provides estimates of the changes that take place in an economy due to some existing or
proposed action. The most common applications of economic impact analysis to tourism are:
To evaluate the economic impacts of changes in the supply of recreation and tourism
opportunities. Supply changes may involve a change in quantity, such as the opening of
new facilities, closing of existing ones, or expansions and contraction in capacity. Supply
changes may also involve changes in
quality, including changes in (a) the quality of the environment, (b) the local infrastructure and
public services to support tourism, or (c) the nature of the tourism products and services that are
provided in an area.
To evaluate the effects of policies and actions which affect tourism activity either
directly or indirectly. Tourism depends on many factors at both origins and destinations
that are frequently outside the direct control of the tourism industry itself. Economic
impact studies provide information
to help decision makers better understand the consequences of various actions on the tourism
industry as well as on other sectors of the economy. For example, increased air pollution
standards have been opposed in some regions due to the predicted economic consequences of
the closing of plants that cannot meet the new standards. Tourism interests counter these
arguments with estimates of the
Potential gains in income and jobs in tourism industries that depend on good air quality and
visibility.
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To argue for favorable treatment in allocation of resources or local tax, zoning or other
policy decisions. By showing that tourism has significant economic impacts, tourism
interests can often convince decision-makers to allocate more resources for tourism or to
establish policies that encourage tourism. Tax abatements and other incentives frequently
given to manufacturing firms have also been granted to hotels, marinas and other tourism
businesses based on demonstrated economic impacts in the local area.
Findings
The policy proposes the inclusion of tourism in the concurrent list of the Constitution to
enable both the central and state governments to participate in the development of the
sector.
No approval required for foreign equity of up to 51 per cent in tourism projects. NRI
investment up to 100% allowed.
Automatic approval for Technology agreements in the hotel industry, subject to the
fulfillment of certain specified parameters.
Concession rates on customs duty of 25% for goods that are required for initial setting
up, or for substantial expansion of hotels.
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50% of profits derived by hotels, travel agents and tour operators in foreign exchange are
exempt from income tax. The remaining profits are also exempt if reinvested in a tourism
related project.
Apart from this, government has taken several other measures for the promotion of
tourism. A multi-pronged approach has been adopted, which includes new mechanism for
speedy implementation of tourism projects, development of integrated tourism circuits and rural
destinations, special capacity building in the unorganized hospitality sector and new marketing
strategy.
India is probably the only country that offers various categories of tourism. These include
history tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism (ayurveda and other forms of Indian
medications), eco tourism, cultural tourism, rural tourism, religious/pilgrimage tourism,
spiritual tourism, and beach tourism etc.
Conclusion
India`s most idyllic state, Kerala, better known as Gods Own Country, is today one of the
most sought after tourist destinations in India. Secluded beaches, palm-fringed backwaters,
mist-clad hill stations, lush tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, exotic wildlife, majestic
monuments, fine art forms and enchanting festivals give it a distinctive charm. Apart from
being a tourist destination, Kerala is home to India‟s most advanced society.
With Arabian Sea in the West and a vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers
crisscrossing it, Alappuzha is a district of immense natural beauty. Referred to as the Venice of
the East by travelers from across the world, this back water country is also home to diverse
animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea, the town has always enjoyed a unique
place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today Alappuzha is an important back water
destination attracting several thousand foreign tourists every year. Alappuzha is also famous for
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its boat races, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singularity of this land is the
region called Kuttanad – a land of lush paddy fields referred to as the Rice Bowl of Kerala and
one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
The tourists are attracted very much for the culture, festivals and the nature destinations.
The main benefits of Tourism are in the form of Economic benefits, Social benefits and
Environmental benefits.
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References
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6) Marcussen, Carl H. 1999, Internet Distribution of European Travel and Tourism Services, Research Centre of
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Inc.,U.S. ISBN 0-7890-2599-X
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Date:
Respondents name:
Respondents address:
Respondent‟s age:
2. In your point of view, which is the main source of getting revenue to tourism industry?
a. Alleppey beach
b. Back waters
c. Cultural arts
d. Festivals
e. Industries.
3. Do you people make any arrangements for attracting tourists here like home stays,
homely foods etc?
Yes/ No
6. Do you think that tourism is a better way to get revenue for the local people?
Yes/ No
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2. Along with transportation what are the other things you are providing to the tourists?
a. Accomodation
b. House boats
c. Providing informations about various places
d. Homely food
e. Cultural arts
3. Do you have any tie up with other tourist operators, hotels, resorts etc.?
4. For accommodation tourists are preferring more in,
a. Home stays
b. House boats
c. Resorts
d. Lodges
8. In your point of view, which is the main source of getting revenue to tourism industry?
a. Alleppey beach
b. Back waters
c. Cultural arts
d. Festivals
e. Industries.
FOR TOURISTS
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a. Alleppey beach
b. Back waters
c. Cultural arts
d. Festivals
e. Industries.
3. What is the criteria for selecting tourist places?
a. Affordable cost
b. Pleasant atmosphere
c. Seasons
d. Natural beauty
e. Culture
4. Are you coming first time in Alleppey?
Yes/ No
5. Do you come again to Alleppey?
6. What you felt after seeing the places in Alleppey?
a. Highly satisfied
b. Considerably satisfied
c. Reasonably satisfied
d. Unsatisfied
e. Highly unsatisfied
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