Fourth International Conference on Tourism and Leisure Studies

Abstract

Low lying agricultural wetland in the State of Kerala, India is one among most popular tourist destinations. Though tourism gave a new life to neglected sectors such as the once abandoned country canoes and paddy fields, the wetlands and backwaters of Kerala have been increasingly polluted from by the houseboats, affecting the livelihood of wetland dependent population as well as the existence of several species of birds and fishes. Land reclamation in paddy fields, wetlands and canals has large impact on regional hydrology. Seasonal floods and serious water scarcity have become common. With globalisation and associated industrial development, tourism industry is flourishing, inviting new social issues. Inflow of black money for investment in tourist areas affects the low and middle class population. New inland navigation canal may further promote tourism, but will pay for environmental damage. Rules and regulations for the sustainable tourism become farce due to several socio-economic reasons, including high level of corruption. The emphasis of Government policy is to attract more tourists without a corresponding measure to enhance environmental ability and public safety. This study explores the possibility for a sustainable tourism ensuring environmental protection and improving livelihood of the wetland depending communities.