Monday, August 5, 2024 Despite the grief engulfing Wayanad due to landslides and the ongoing struggle in Kerala to cope with the disaster, the tragedy is beginning to cast a shadow over the prospects of hill tourism in the state, which contributes more than 10% to the local GDP. Hill and backwater tourism are the two main attractions drawing tourists to Kerala. However, the surge in ‘mass tourism’ is increasingly affecting the ‘quality tourism’ that Kerala is trying to promote, similar to models seen in many developed countries.
The influx of thousands, even lakhs, of tourists into small, ecologically fragile areas in a short period is placing immense pressure on the region’s natural resources. According to Tourism Department statistics, around 2.18 crore domestic tourists visited various destinations within the State last year, with a quarter of them traveling to the ecologically sensitive districts of Idukki and Wayanad.
Amid the grief-stricken aftermath of landslides in Wayanad, Kerala is grappling with the profound impacts of the disaster. The tragedy is sending shockwaves through the state’s hill tourism sector, a crucial contributor to Kerala’s economy, accounting for over 10% of its GDP. Hill and backwater tourism are the state’s key attractions, drawing significant numbers of tourists.
However, the growing trend of ‘mass tourism’ is starting to undermine the ‘quality tourism’ Kerala aims to promote, similar to the models of many developed count.