My Views for Life's – For Peoples Awareness

Eco Tourism – Kerala

Kerala is the perfect eco-tourism destination with all its greenery and natural beauty. Eco tourism is defined as ecologically sensitive tourism in harmony with nature. In the process making the tourists aware of the protective, productive and regulatory functions of the forests. For tourists, being on an eco tourism holiday means making an effort not to disturb the integrity and sensitivity of the ecosystem. People visit eco tourism destinations for studying the natural and cultural history of the environment and in turn creating and making a stage for economic activities to conserve of natural resources beneficial to local inhabitants.



Therefore, to put it in a few words, eco tourism means environmentally conscious tourism. It involves understanding the ecology of a destination. Eco tourism is mainly nature based, where awareness about the natural resources is an important part and ecosystem has to be maintained besides benefiting the local people. All these conditions should be met to call any tour a successful eco tourism endeavor.

Beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries and culture including festivals mainly comprise the eco tourism products. The main issue is to improve the environmental settings. Kerala has a bounty of all eco tourism products. The Western Ghats, on which Kerala is located, is blessed with a tropical forest ecosystem providing a natural advantage for development of its section of tourism. Enhancement in quality and diversification of tourism is a must to further develop eco tourism in Kerala.

Tourism that is too vigorous disturbs the natural habitat of an area to an irreversible extent. So to prevent this, there must be a well-planned strategy and proper programs. Though tourism cannot be averted and neglected, as this is a major economic activity for locals also, eco tourism is a good way to let make people aware of their surroundings and conscious towards their regionâ??s ecology.

Kerala has many places that can be put under eco tourism category. It has 12 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 national parks, creating a base for planning eco tourism activities. There is large scope for eco tourism activities in Kerala like mountaineering, trekking, bird watching and more. Many water bodies formed within the forest due to construction of hydel projects provide ample space for recreational activities. Moreover, Kerala is well connected and has a long coastline. The forest staff is also well trained for conserving wildlife and ecological balance. Major eco tourism avenues in Kerala are Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, and many more.

The `lost' fleet

Financial problems and lack of proper facilities are taking their toll on the tour operation of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.

THE KERALA Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) has been conducting trips and short getaways within the State and to the neighbouring States for a long time now, but the bad state of carriages (buses) and a host of other problems have affected the smooth functioning of these conducted tours.

Says K. Padmaja Venugopal, chairperson, KTDC, "Our present transport facility is still weak. We have a minor financial crunch, and this prevents us from investing in buses and other vehicles for tour operations. Acquiring luxury buses, mini buses, Qualis or 14/18-seater vans is under consideration. Plans are yet to take a concrete shape, but efforts are on to improve the transport system so as to bring in more tourists. Promoting boat cruises and inter-State package trips are also in the pipeline. We are also planning to bring about some changes with regard to the existing infrastructure."

During off-season, not just KTDC but private tour operators too go through a low phase, with fewer people opting for tours. To compound the problem, frequent hartals force KTDC to refrain from operating its fleet of buses. "We have no choice but cancel the tours, no matter how many people have booked the tickets for that particular day. It makes matters worse during off-season. The tourist season is from October to January, after which tour operations pick up momentum during April-May, and often during Onam, in August. The rainy season proves to be a dampener and tour operation is often sluggish," remarks, K. G. S. Pillai, manager (Travel and Tours), KTDC.



He points out the difficulty in operating buses for city and sightseeing tours given the present transport facility, because a minimum number of passengers are required for the tour to be flagged off. "As per the existing Motor Vehicles Rules, it is difficult to acquire permits for mini buses. For the city trips and the Kanyakumari trip, we need at least 10 passengers on board our big buses. Operating them with just a few passengers is impractical. We will run into a loss," adds Pillai.

The city has only eight buses, of which some are 46-seater semi-luxury coaches and others 35- (push-back) seater ones. There is a conspicuous absence of 14/18-seater vans and mini buses. "About five years back, we did have mini buses. But those were in too bad a shape to be operated. Since then, the Government has not provided KTDC with any mini bus. Mini buses are more feasible to be used for tours to Ponmudi and Golden Valley," says B. Bhuvanachandran, tourist officer (KTDC), Tourist Reception Centre.

Asked why KTDC had been conducting very few inter-State tours, the officials attributed it to the `high' entry tax levied by other States. For instance, Karnataka has been levying tax on KTDC vehicles, for the past five years.

In 1997, at the Southern State Transport Ministers Conference in Goa, all the southern States (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh) reached a consensus regarding the levy of entry tax on the State's tourism department's vehicles. According to the agreement (in regard to the grant of 20 contract carriages (CC) South India Tourist permits on single point tax by each State), these vehicles were to be exempted from entry tax on a reciprocal basis.

But the Government failed to issue the requisite notices to the Transport Departments of the States concerned on time, despite repeated reminders. The long and short of it is that each of Kerala's tourist vehicles has to pay an `exorbitant' entry tax, which invariably translates into a hike in the tour fares. Given its present financial constraints, it is not feasible for KTDC to opt for private tourist vehicles either. In the case of a 35-seater bus, KTDC has to shell out almost

Rs. 11,000 on every trip to Karnataka; moreover, tax varies from State to State. "So, in such a situation how can KTDC be expected to conduct tours to Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh? Unless the present Government takes an initiative to solve the problems, inter-State tourism will continue to be affected. Tourists will opt for package tours run by private operators though they charge more than we do," explains Pillai.

Residents associations, educational institutions and companies are given fare concessions; this is being done to attract more takers. The KTDC is conducting a seven-day family package tour to Mysore.

The major stopovers will be Guruvayur, Mookambika, Mysore and Ooty. The first of the tours is scheduled to begin in April (April-12 to 18) and the second will be conducted in May (May 10-16).

"The fares are reasonable, we are charging just Rs. 4,000 per head. The family package for two adults and two kids will amount to Rs. 12,000. This time around, we are planning well in advance and depending on the response to these tours, we will unveil new plans," adds Pillai.

The KTDC officials are also optimistic that their boat cruise from Kollam to Alapuzha will garner positive response from travel enthusiasts.

Eco Tourism

Eco Tourism



Wild life at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Kerala

The term Eco tourism encompasses a whole lot of thing. For the starter it means visiting all those regions that exude a striking richness in their culture and nature. Moreover, eco tourism also implies being sensitive to one's surroundings and customs. This means that tourists are pretty well aware of the significance these places have in our lives and the need to protect them from being eroded by the fast pace of development. Last but definitely not the least, Eco Tourism means opening up different places for visit and in process generate employment and business.

Kerala is a very small part of India, nonetheless, its richness, both in terms of nature and culture is widely known, accepted and appreciated. The greenery that abounds Kerala is not only relaxing but also refreshing. There's no other better way to revive your spirited self than to roam around in the green patches of Kerala. Infact, the Western Ghats that borders Kerala on its eastern side has been declared one of the 25 spots in the world that despite covering a meagre 1.4% of the land surface provide shelter to 60% of the world's plant, bird, mammal, reptile, and amphibian species.

Eco Tourism Destinations in Kerala

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks - The Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of Kerala cover a considerable portion of the state. These Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks provide shelter to a number of endangered as well as rare species of wild animals and birds. So, there is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary housing a large number of Tigers and Elephants, the Kumarakom and Thekkady Sanctuary attracting a number of local and migratory species of birds and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary giving excellent shelter to the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel. A visit to these Wildlife Sanctuary and National Parks will allow you to the watch the other inhabitants of the earth leading a life diametrically different from ours. Moreover, some of these parks and sanctuaries are still the residence of the tribal people. Visit them and uncover another cultural aspect of Kerala.

Beaches - If wildlife dominates mostly the eastern side of Kerala, then the beaches hold their own on the western part of the state. Flanked by the Arabian Sea, the western part of the state has a number of beaches that are a delight for the lover of eco tourism. The smooth sands sometimes glowing brilliantly in the rays of sun while other times washed away by the rushing waves makes for a pleasant picture. Laze around, build sand castles or indulge in some water sports - beaches have all this and much more to pamper your child like heart as well as enthusiastic spirit.

Backwaters - Kerala Backwaters, the undisputable king of all the tourists attraction in the state, is a network of rivers, canals, lagoons. The backwaters of Kerala meander unhurriedly through paddy fields, remote hamlets and plantations offering you a chance to witness life at its leisurely best. Also, the lives of the people in these remote destinations reveals a lot about Kerala's culture and traditions. Ride a canoe for a quick visit or stay in a houseboat to elongate your pleasure but just make a point that Kerala Backwaters missed means half the fun of your visit to the state is gone. Important Backwater destinations include Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Kollam, Kochi etc.

Plantations - Plantation visit in Kerala include a trip to the tea, rubber and spice plantations. Initially, these plantations were not open for tourist visit, nevertheless, today they make for an excellent tourists destination. These Plantations are a vast expanse of greenery where mind unfailingly finds an atmosphere to relax and heart jumps to celebrate the beauty that plays in the lap of mother nature. So stay in a plantation farmhouse, interact with people working at the plantation, venture out for a nature walk, spot cute little animals appear from almost nowhere and run right infront of you and gaze the birds as they fly over your head giving you a gentle feeling of being free after a long time. Moreover, the actual process that goes into the making of tea, rubber and spice are a huge attraction. It will make you aware of how much efforts goes into making of these things.

Hill Stations - Hill Stations of Kerala are abode of natural beauty par excellence. Visit these places to simply let yourself enjoy a feel of floating in the air. Watch the sun rise from behind the hill in the morning and later set in the evening from various view points of hill stations. Let the cool air blow on your face and caress your hair. In brief, the hill stations of Kerala means a rendezvous with nature and its beauty. Important hill stations of Kerala include Munnar, Ponmudi, Idukki, Wayanad etc.

Eco Resorts - Eco Resorts are fast gaining popularity amongst eco tourists for the simple reason that they allow to get close to the nature while enjoying the luxuries of a star category resort. So stay at these eco resorts in Kerala and enjoy a fresh whiff of air laden with aromatic fragrance of flowers while sipping in warm cup of coffee, have your breakfast listening to the mellifluous tunes of birds and take a walk around resort to feel the best of both worlds. Important eco resorts include Spice Village Hotel, Taj Garden Retreat, and Lake Palace Hotel.

Kerala Tourism


The name Kerala is derived from the term 'Kera' which means coconut. The ancient legend claims that Kerala is the landmass created and gifted by Lord Parasurama when he threw his battle axe into the sea. Kerala consists of fourteen districts, with Thiruvananthapuram as its Capital.

Kerala continues to be a primary source of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and pepper as well as ivory and teak. Often referred to as 'God's own country', Kerala is a fertile strip of land that lies on the southwest coast of India.

Kerala tourism has come into its own as Kerala has become an international tourist destination, for those seeking the idyllic backwaters, magnificent hill stations or ayurvedic relief from stress.

KERALA TRAVEL

Kerala is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Asia, with pristine hill stations, grasslands that roll down the hilly spots, paddy fields, tea and coffee plantations, wildlife sanctuaries and glistening brooks and vast expanse of backwaters and lakes. A traveler to Kerala is sure to be lost amidst the serene environs of the backwaters and hillstations, rejuvenated with 'Ayurveda' or cruising on a palm fringed country boat and experiencing the many faces of this wonderful land that embraces ones body and soul.



Kerala Tour

The discerning tourist has a host of landmarks to visit. From monuments, palaces, forts, memorials and places of worship to pilgrim centers and festivals that portray the cultural mosaic, Kerala leaves an indelible impression on the mind of the tourist.

Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala has a number of backwaters, canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers, which are a major tourist attraction. The palm fringed tranquil backwaters were once the State's trade highways. Journeying across the backwaters can be one of the most memorable and unique experiences for tourists to Kerala. There are shallow palm fringed boats to travel across the backwaters.

1. Kuttanad region which is called the rice bowl of Kerala
2. Vembanad Lake reputed for Kumarakom backwaters, which is the largest backwater stretch

* Ashtamudi Lake that has eight arms covering a major portion of Kollam district Alappuzha, which is one of the major centers for backwater boat trips.


Wildlife sanctuaries: Kerala has several prominent wildlife sanctuaries. Some of them are Thekkady in Idukki, Parambikulam in Palakkad and Sultan Bathery in Waynad district. The Periyar National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.

The forests of Periyar Reserve, Chinnar Wild life sanctuary are famous for elephants, gaur, deer and occasionally tiger, leopard and panther. For the bird watcher, Kerala is a dream destination with over five hundred species of birds.

The Kumarkom bird sanctuary, Periyar tiger reserve, Thattekad bird sanctuary, and the Waynad hills are home to several migrant and local birds.

Water Sports: A tourist to Kerala can enjoy catamaran sailing, wind surfing, kanaking, canoeing, scuba diving and snorkeling and para sailing.

Art and Culture: Kerala has a fascinating heritage of dance. The world's oldest martial art 'Kalarippayuttu' is from Kerala. 'Kathakali' which is a rhythmic dance is well known Mohiniyattam is a solo dance that combines the graceful elegance of bharathanatyam and the vigor and dynamism of Kathakali. Koothu, Koodiyattam, and Ottamthullal are other famous dances native of Kerala.

Ayurveda: The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words Ayur, which means life and Veda, which means knowledge. Ayurveda, a medical system over 5000 year old, thrives in Kerala because of the equable climate, wealth of herbs and medicinal plants that grows in natural abundance in Kerala on the Western Ghats and the cool monsoon season. There are many centers in Kerala offering a range of curative and restorative packages.

Boat races in Kerala

The boat races are of legendary importance in Kerala. The season of Onam is exemplified by the boat races. The Aranmula Vallamkali is the traditional boat race conducted at Sri Parthasarathy temple in connection with Onam celebrations.

The Champakulam boat race has spectacular water floats, decorated boats and the Vanchipattu which is the folk song of the oarsmen and the Chundanvollom that is a snake boat over 100 feet in length are the highlights.

The Indira Gandhi Boat Race is conducted on backwaters of Cochin. Over sixteen snake boats participate in this scintillating event.

The Nehru Trophy boat race is the greatest event on the backwaters of Kerala held on the second Saturday of August every year. Magnificent snake boats compete for the prestigious trophy instituted by Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race is in memory of the former Prime Minister Sri Rajiv Gandhi. Colorful procession, boat races and water floats highlights this occasion.

Hill Stations in Kerala: Kerala has several exotic hill stations especially on the Western Ghats.

1. The Chembra Peak, the highest one in Waynad at 2100 m above sea level
2. Chithirapuram with its sleepy cottages and old courts that still exudes old world charm.
3. Devikulam an idyllic hill station about 7 kms from Munnar known for its cool mountain ranges and picturesque surroundings
4. Munnar which is situated in the confluence of the three mountain streams, above 1600 m above sea level.

Festivals of Kerala

Onam is the annual harvest festival native of Kerala. Celebrations for Onam go on for ten days with floral decorations, elephant processions, classical folk dances, cultural pageants and water carnivals adding up to the festivity. Thrissur Pooram is held at Thekindadu Maidan in the month of May.

The Makaravilakku is conducted at Sri Dharmasastha temple at Sabarimala. It is one of the few occasions when the temple is open to the public every year.

There are special devotional rites conducted and thousands of pilgrims gather to witness the event on the evening of 'makara sankaranthi' when the makara vilakku or the light of kakara is believed to be seen on the eastern horizon.

The Maramom convention is a large gathering of Christians in Asia that happens at Pathanamthitta about 16 kms from Thiruvalla on the banks of the river Pamba in February.



Kerala continues to be a primary source of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and pepper as well as ivory and teak. Often referred to as 'God's own country', Kerala is a fertile strip of land that lies on the southwest coast of India.

Kerala tourism has come into its own as Kerala has become an international tourist destination, for those seeking the idyllic backwaters, magnificent hill stations or ayurvedic relief from stress

Kerala Tour

The discerning tourist has a host of landmarks to visit. From monuments, palaces, forts, memorials and places of worship to pilgrim centers and festivals that portray the cultural mosaic, Kerala leaves an indelible impression on the mind of the tourist.

Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala has a number of backwaters, canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers, which are a major tourist attraction. The palm fringed tranquil backwaters were once the State's trade highways. Journeying across the backwaters can be one of the most memorable and unique experiences for tourists to Kerala. There are shallow palm fringed boats to travel across the backwaters.

• Kuttanad region which is called the rice bowl of Kerala
• Vembanad Lake reputed for Kumarakom backwaters, which is the largest backwater stretch

- Ashtamudi Lake that has eight arms covering a major portion of Kollam district Alappuzha, which is one of the major centers for backwater boat trips.


Wildlife sanctuaries: Kerala has several prominent wildlife sanctuaries. Some of them are Thekkady in Idukki, Parambikulam in Palakkad and Sultan Bathery in Waynad district. The Periyar National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.

The forests of Periyar Reserve, Chinnar Wild life sanctuary are famous for elephants, gaur, deer and occasionally tiger, leopard and panther. For the bird watcher, Kerala is a dream destination with over five hundred species of birds.

The Kumarkom bird sanctuary, Periyar tiger reserve, Thattekad bird sanctuary, and the Waynad hills are home to several migrant and local birds.

Water Sports: A tourist to Kerala can enjoy catamaran sailing, wind surfing, kanaking, canoeing, scuba diving and snorkeling and para sailing.

Art and Culture: Kerala has a fascinating heritage of dance. The world's oldest martial art 'Kalarippayuttu' is from Kerala. 'Kathakali' which is a rhythmic dance is well known Mohiniyattam is a solo dance that combines the graceful elegance of bharathanatyam and the vigor and dynamism of Kathakali. Koothu, Koodiyattam, and Ottamthullal are other famous dances native of Kerala.

Ayurveda: The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words Ayur, which means life and Veda, which means knowledge. Ayurveda, a medical system over 5000 year old, thrives in Kerala because of the equable climate, wealth of herbs and medicinal plants that grows in natural abundance in Kerala on the Western Ghats and the cool monsoon season. There are many centers in Kerala offering a range of curative and restorative packages.

Boat races in Kerala

The boat races are of legendary importance in Kerala. The season of Onam is exemplified by the boat races. The Aranmula Vallamkali is the traditional boat race conducted at Sri Parthasarathy temple in connection with Onam celebrations.

The Champakulam boat race has spectacular water floats, decorated boats and the Vanchipattu which is the folk song of the oarsmen and the Chundanvollom that is a snake boat over 100 feet in length are the highlights.

The Indira Gandhi Boat Race is conducted on backwaters of Cochin. Over sixteen snake boats participate in this scintillating event.

The Nehru Trophy boat race is the greatest event on the backwaters of Kerala held on the second Saturday of August every year. Magnificent snake boats compete for the prestigious trophy instituted by Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Rajiv Gandhi Boat Race is in memory of the former Prime Minister Sri Rajiv Gandhi. Colorful procession, boat races and water floats highlights this occasion.

Hill Stations in Kerala: Kerala has several exotic hill stations especially on the Western Ghats.

1. The Chembra Peak, the highest one in Waynad at 2100 m above sea level
2. Chithirapuram with its sleepy cottages and old courts that still exudes old world charm.
3. Devikulam an idyllic hill station about 7 kms from Munnar known for its cool mountain ranges and picturesque surroundings
4. Munnar which is situated in the confluence of the three mountain streams, above 1600 m above sea level.

Festivals of Kerala

Onam is the annual harvest festival native of Kerala. Celebrations for Onam go on for ten days with floral decorations, elephant processions, classical folk dances, cultural pageants and water carnivals adding up to the festivity. Thrissur Pooram is held at Thekindadu Maidan in the month of May.

The Makaravilakku is conducted at Sri Dharmasastha temple at Sabarimala. It is one of the few occasions when the temple is open to the public every year.

There are special devotional rites conducted and thousands of pilgrims gather to witness the event on the evening of 'makara sankaranthi' when the makara vilakku or the light of kakara is believed to be seen on the eastern horizon.

The Maramom convention is a large gathering of Christians in Asia that happens at Pathanamthitta about 16 kms from Thiruvalla on the banks of the river Pamba in February.

Yourism Kerala

"Farm tourism"- Kerala's new attraction

Kuzhoor (Kerala)- village has made a cocktail of its hospitality with the traditional way of farming to attract more tourists, creating a heady concoction called ''Farm Tourism''.



With astounding scenic backwaters and breathtaking beauty, the "God's own country" is already one of the most sought after tourist destinations
in the world. But Kerala also has lush green countryside that is being promoted as the latest attraction.

Around 24 university students
from the United States of America (USA) are literally toiling their way to experience the traditional way of farming in Kuzhoor village of the Kerala.

As a part of an educational tour to learn Indian culture, tradition and various art forms, students of Virginia University are scheduled to spend three days learning the art of traditional farming.

They sweat from morning till evening, ploughing the fields using oxen, fill water with the help of wooden rollers wheels, spray fertilizers and sow paddy saplings. But the students are happy with the interesting experience they are getting.

"Its very interesting to actually get experience in another country because we talk a lot about it but its important actually to do hands on work and talk to people and understand their lives more," said Andrea bowman, a student.

The tour operating company, New Indian Voyages, which had conceptualized the unique concept says they had received inquires from various other universities as well.

"Because of University courses like this the villagers are planning to replant this paddy field because they are expecting more people to interact with foreigners again and again," said Francis Paul Kandamkulathy, New Indian Voyages.

Apart from generating profits for tourism industry, these tours provide a means of livelihood for the locals as well. But these tours are more popular with foreign tourists than in the domestic tourist circles. (ANI)

Tourism enriches




September 27 is observed as World Tourism Day. "Tourism enriches" has been selected as the theme of the WTD 2006 by the World Tourism Organization (WTO).The theme has been chosen to launch an awareness campaign stressing the importance of tourism as a powerful economic and cultural instrument which enriches individuals, families, and communities throughout the world.

According to WTO, the aims of the "tourism enriches" campaign are:

- To promote tourism as a basic human right, and way of life which enriches individuals, family, societies and nations;

- To stimulate communication about the benefits of tourism as the most prospective economic activity for the local communities and countries;

- To enhance cooperation between destinations, and the tourism industry with the local, regional and international media; and

- To link individual tourism entities to the larger community of international tourism.

Economic enrichment
International tourism is the world's largest export earner, and an important factor in the balance of payments of many countries. According to a report of the WTO, the contribution international tourism makes to world exports stands at 8 percent, which is more than the respective contributions of the automotive industry, chemicals, or food and fuels.

The advantage of tourism as an export industry is that it earns foreign exchange, which is so vital for development, without encountering the multitude of problems that other export industries experience.

WTO sources reveal that tourism is one of the top five export categories for as many as 83 percent of the countries, and is the main source of foreign exchange earnings for at least 38 percent of the countries.

In the Maldives, in 2003, foreign exchange earnings from tourism accounted for over 90 percent of the services receipts of the balance of payments. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism in India have shown phenomenal growth, achieving an increase of 35 percent in 2004, and 20 percent in 2005 over the previous year, taking India's foreign exchange earnings from $3. 5 billion in 2003 to $5.7 billion in 2005.

In 2000, foreign exchange earnings from tourism in Tanzania represented around 40 percent of the country's total earnings from the export of goods and services. The Malaysian tourism industry is one of the major foreign exchange earners, second only to its manufacturing industry. More such instances may be cited.

Tourism is an important job factor, employing millions of people around the world. For example, tourism generates about 19 million direct and above 25 million indirect jobs in India. In 2004, nearly 3 million persons were employed, directly or indirectly, by the tourism industry in Thailand. In Gambia, 30 percent of the workforce depends directly or indirectly on tourism.

WTO sources suggest that tourism supports some 7 percent of the world's workers. What is important to note is that there is a greater uptake of jobs by women than in any other sector. The percentage of female employment in tourism industry varies enormously country-wise, ranging from over 60 percent in Bolivia to fewer than 10 percent in some countries.

Rural opportunities
Tourism jobs and business are usually created in the comparatively less developed regions of a country, helping to equalize economic opportunities throughout a nation and providing an incentive for residents to remain in rural areas rather than move to overcrowded cities. Tourism can help create important opportunities to diversify the local economy. It can often be developed in poor and marginal areas which have few other export and diversification options.

Tourists are often attracted to remote areas because of their high cultural, wildlife, and landscape values. Tourists, local or international, prefer economy accommodation, with security and satisfactory hygienic conditions, at the tourist spots.

In a well established developing country destination like Gambia an increasing number of tourists stay in locally owned accommodation. In Thailand, the government and the NGOs have undertaken projects aimed at community involvement in tourism through "home stays" as a tool for equitable income distribution and poverty alleviation. Zambian tourism is primarily rural based, therefore, its growth has a great impact on the development of the rural areas in that country.

Travel and tourism stimulate enormous investments in new infrastructure, most of which helps to improve the living conditions of local residents as well as tourists. Infrastructural improvements such as roads, electricity, telephone, public transport networks, better water and sewerage systems, waste disposal etcetera can improve the quality of life for residents as well as facilitate tourism.

The tourism industry provides governments with a huge amount of tax revenue each year, which adds to the national GDP. According to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), contribution from tourism to GDP in Thailand will increase from 11.7 percent in 2005 to 12.6 percent in 2014. In 2004, earnings from the Malaysian travel and tourism industry contributed 14.7 percent to the national GDP. In Tanzania, earnings from tourism contributed 9 percent to the national GDP in 1999 compared with only 1. 5 percent in 1990. The WTTC estimates that travel and tourism's direct, indirect, and personal tax contribution worldwide was over $ 800 billion in 1998 -- a figure it expects to double by 2010.

Cultural boost
But enrichment is not just economic. The local culture receives a boost when authorities restore monuments, open museums and establish natural parks to lure visitors. More importantly, tourism is a human history.

Fa-Hien (405-411) and Hiuen-Tsang (629-649), the earliest Chinese travelers to visit the Indian sub-continent during the rule of Chandragupta II and Harshavardhana, respectively, have left us reliable accounts of the politico-socio-economic and religious conditions of the sub-continent during the period of their visits.

Marco Polo (1254-1324), a Venetian traveler, journeyed through Asia for 24 years, reached China and became a confidant of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan (1214-1294). He traveled the whole of China and returned to tell the tale, which became "the greatest travelogue." More examples may be cited.

Tourism enriches with cultural, environmental and social awareness. Tourism brings peace and cooperation among nations, and builds bridges. While speaking to more than 60 tourism ministers from Muslim countries in Baku, Azerbaijan in the second week of this September, Francesco Frangialli, WTO secretary general, called on world leaders for strengthening tourism links to promote cross cultural understanding, and to use the power of tourism to build new global bridges of understanding between states.

Now, let us have a look at the tourism sector in Bangladesh. It does not present a pleasant picture. International tourist arrivals in 2001 stood at 207,199. Available sources suggest that the number stood at 207,662 in the year 2005. This means an addition of only 463 foreign tourists in four years. The meagre foreign exchange earnings due to low arrival of foreign tourists, particularly western tourists, represent one percent of Bangladesh's total export economy. Direct and indirect employment in the tourism sector is slightly over 100,000 and 200,000 respectively, and this is a discouraging figure against the country's total labour force of 75 million or so.

The question that arises is: why is there such a low arrival of foreign tourists in spite of the existence of tourism products such as the world's longest unbroken beach, the world's largest mangrove forest, riverine beauty, third century BC archaeological sites, etc.

The answer to the question may be found in the problems and constraints faced by the country's tourism sector, and these are: (a) Bangladesh's image problem abroad as a tourist destination; (b) lack of knowledge among the planners and policy makers about the fast growing tourism industry in the world, and of its role as an important earner of foreign exchange; (c) discontinuity in the implementation of policies and programs for tourism promotion with the change of governments; (d) insufficient infrastructural facilities such as roads, railway, air and riverine communication, and lack of coordination among the government agencies responsible for their improvement; (f) poor investment from private sector; (g) lack of encouragement to foreign investors to develop tourism in isolated islands such as Saint Martin's, Sonadia, etc (especially for the foreign tourists); (h) lack of appropriate steps for promotion of rural based tourism; (h) lack of skilled and professional manpower; and (i) lack of easy availability of visa for regional and international tourists.

If Bangladesh can solve the above problems and constraints on a priority basis, provide incentives to foreign investors to develop island tourism, and promote rural based tourism, she will shortly become an important destination for regional and international tourists. Tourism will enrich Bangladesh, and the observance of WTD 2006 will be meaningful.

Photo Of World Tourism

WORLD TOURISM



Making a holiday involving an overnight stay away from the normal place of residence. This is in contrast to recreation which involves leisure activities lasting less than twenty-four hours. This holiday may be based on the cultural, historic, and social attractions of an urban centre, or on the appeal of a different environment. Urban tourism increases the importance of the central place while tourism at the periphery can provide the income for economic development.
The mushrooming of international tourism may be explained by high levels of disposable income and longer holidays in more economically developed countries; the development of package holidays, which reduce risk; cheap, mass air transport; and place myths, which persuade the tourist that the local culture they see represents the ‘real thing’. Of critical importance has been the internationalization of finance: credit and debit cards, travellers’ cheques, and hotel vouchers. Technology clearly mediates relationships to places.