NOVATEUR PUBLICATIONS JournalNX- A Multidisciplinary Peer Reviewed Journal ISSN No: 2581 - 4230 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5, May. -2021 INTEGRATED VILLAGE TOURISM FOR RURAL SUSTAINABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT: A REVIEW OF VILLAGE TOURISM AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY OF KUMBALANGHI MODEL TOURISM VILLAGE Arya Sudheer Department of Travel and Tourism, St. Albert’s College(Autonomous), , Email:[email protected],Phone:8086620770

ABSTRACT: Tourism is considered an important tool Tourism is a multi-faceted activity of for Rural Development. Rural tourism has economic, social, cultural, and become popular in many parts of the world environmental inputs which cut across with the growing need for super segmentation other conventional sectors in the economy. of the tourism market [1,2]. The concept of Tourism creates more job opportunities for rural tourism and its development is useful for a wide spectrum of job seekers from the a country like India, where most of the Indian unskilled to the specialized, even in the population resides in villages. Indian Ministry remote parts of the country. Village tourism of Tourism reports in the Rural Tourism is among the most polymorphous of all scheme for infrastructure development forms of Special Interest Tourism [SIT]. It guidelines, that the trends of industrialization unveils the village life, art, culture, and and development have had an urban-centric heritage at its locations, thereby benefiting approach across the world [3]. This has caused the local community economically and falling income levels and lesser job socially by interacting with tourists and the opportunities leading to urbanization natives of the place for a more enriching syndrome in the rural areas. Rural tourism is tourism experience. It also gives considered an activity that can provide a opportunities to the guests to enjoy the solution to these problems. Besides, the other unique culture of village life through factors including, growing interest in heritage participation in events, experiencing the and culture, increasing levels of awareness, local cuisine, and collecting the ethnic improved accessibility to the areas, and goods, which in turn can improve the environmental consciousness which move the welfare of the local people. This paper trend towards rural tourism. The main aim of provides an overview of village tourism and the rural tourism scheme is to promote the the sustainable development of the rural village as the primary tourism product to ecosystem through integral activity and spread tourism and its socio-economic benefits thereby understands the influence of to the rural community and its new geographic tourism development among the local regions [4]. community and overall in Kumbalanghi The development of rural tourism has a village. potential impact on the economy by generating employment, bringing foreign exchange, Keywords :Kumbalanghi; rural tourism; benefit to small scale entrepreneurs, and sustainable; model tourism village; improvement in public services, such as roads, ecotourism; rural development electricity, telecommunication, proper INTRODUCTION: sanitization, etc for a better standard of living [5]. Rural tourism helps to develop social,

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NOVATEUR PUBLICATIONS JournalNX- A Multidisciplinary Peer Reviewed Journal ISSN No: 2581 - 4230 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5, May. -2021 cultural, and educational values. This kind of 2007, 139 rural tourism projects in 27 States tourism makes cultural understanding through were sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism fairs and festivals and also makes the exchange including 36 rural sites where UNDP supported of culture beneficial for both. The market for capacity-building initiatives. Village tourism agro products and handicrafts will develop in was not aggressively promoted in Kerala until rural areas, therefore farmers and artisans will the Union Government has been chosen develop direct contact with the customers. It three serene rural destinations from Kerala; reduces the migration of rural people to urban Aranmula, Balaramapuram, and areas. Employment in rural tourism requires for an innovative development project. At qualified personnel, which helps to educate present more villages are promoted as young people to get the job they want and it tourism destinations as part of the also helps to empower the women. Benefits get development program [7]. from tourism enable rural people to learn to Kerala is the first state in India to preserve the natural habitats, bio-diversity declare tourism as an industry in 1986 by the historical monuments and also learn the Government of Kerala. Both the central and importance of preservation of natural state government tourism policy documents resources. They will also learn to protect their state that Kerala tourism is one of the best- traditional values and beliefs. On the economic liberalized tourism models with the private plan, the existence of jobs in rural tourism sector leading tourism development. requires local government revenue, and then Availability of a variety of attractions, unique the revenue can head in form of various cultural diversity, and tradition, investments for the rural community [6]. geographical characteristics are the elements Therefore, an attempt has been made through that have attracted tourists to this this review to study and enumerate the destination for centuries [8]. In the below development and marketing of rural tourism in table the status of Kerala tourism 2019 in Kumbalangi, a small village in Ernakulam terms of foreign tourist arrival has shown a District, Kerala. rise of 8.52% over the previous year and the foreign exchange earnings have increased at VILLAGE TOURISM IN KERALA- ANALYSIS a rate of 17.19% from 2018 to 2019. OF MINISTRY OF TOURISM GOVERNMENT Domestic tourists are the main sources of OF INDIA: earning in Kerala tourism. Domestic tourist The Ministry of Tourism, Government of arrival has shown an increase of 17.81% in India initiated the Endogenous Tourism 2019 over the previous year with an increase Project- Rural Tourism Scheme (ETP-RTS) in of 24.14% total revenue generation over the collaboration with United Nations previous year [9]. Village tourism has been Development Programme in 2003. gaining more importance among other forms Infrastructure development of the projects was of tourism due to its sustainability and funded by the Ministry of Tourism and funds responsibility among the host and guest. for capacity building were provided by the With trends like increasing levels of awareness, United Nations Development Programme environmental consciousness, growing interest (UNDP) for 36 rural tourism sites. A maximum in heritage and culture and improved of INR 5000000 was sanctioned for each accessibility, rural tourism shows a significant project under this scheme for the development market opportunity in Kerala. of tourism-related infrastructure. From 2003-

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NOVATEUR PUBLICATIONS JournalNX- A Multidisciplinary Peer Reviewed Journal ISSN No: 2581 - 4230 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5, May. -2021 Table 1: Kerala Tourist Statistics 2019 center developed, publicity, awareness, and Year No. of foreign Foreign Total revenue training programs have been provided. This tourist Exchange generated Earnings (Direct and project has been completed in the year 2005 Indirect) and it has given satisfactory results to the International Domestic International Domestic villagers [10]. 2019 1189771 18384233 10271.06crores `45010.69 3.2 Kumbalanghi is a coastal village known as Crores 2018 1096407 15604661 `8764.46crores `36258.01Crores the first "Model Tourism Village" of Kerala is continuously under development through

innovative schemes for community EVALUATION OF RURAL TOURISM development and sustainability. The major PROJECTS FROM KERALA BY THE MINISTRY attractions are cuisine, boat building, OF TOURISM, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA: traditional fishing, marine pastoral setting, etc. Ministry of Tourism, Government of The Secretary/Central Public Works India conducted an evaluation and impact Department Thiruvananthapuram and The study of selected 107 rural tourism projects District Collector, Kumbalanghi Grama spread across all the states in India to Panchayath are the main organizing agencies. understand the impact the tourism projects After the completion of the project in 2005, have made in the villages community and both domestic and foreign tourists' arrival has whether the tourists have been attracted by increased, approach roads have been made, the the features of the rural tour. The project aims office has been made, the local area has been at enhancing the development management of developed, the compound wall has been the location and the lives of the residents. The developed, the park has been partially project has software content and hardware completed. software work like awareness content. Software content was meant to programs has been provided, training positively orient the people towards tourism programs have been provided. Marketing, the and to help them to take up different decisive printing of brochures and websites have been roles in connection with the implementation of developed has also been completed the project. Therefore large numbers of successfully. Due to the implementation of the training programs were conducted for the project Artisans are getting benefits and socio- residents. The hardware content addresses economic conditions also improved [10]. primarily the development of basic 3.3 Aranmula is a village in Pathanamthitta infrastructure. NGOs are formed in the island district, Kerala. The main implementing agency village to encourage, promote, coordinate and is The Secretary/Director of Tourism, Govt. of guide tourism activity in the place [10]. Kerala/ District Collector and District 3.1 Balaramapuram is a center for the Magistrate, Kerala and Vasthuvidya production of traditional varieties of handloom Gurukulam, Aranmula, Pathanamthitta, textiles meant for the contemporary cloth- Kerala.The project is completed in the year wearing style of Kerala. Its unique 2007. Artisans are getting good benefits after craftsmanship makes it an ideal heirloom. The the completion of the project, tourists flow has Secretary/The Regional Director, also increased, socio-economic conditions have Thiruvananthapuram has the authority to improved, setting up of permanent workshop implementation of the project. As part of the cum exhibition centre for Aranmula metal tourism development 500m long Shaliyar mirror has been completed , setting up of street has been developed, village handloom mural art gallery, museum and information

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NOVATEUR PUBLICATIONS JournalNX- A Multidisciplinary Peer Reviewed Journal ISSN No: 2581 - 4230 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5, May. -2021 centre at Aranmula as per vastuvidya jumping on the backwater of Kumbalangi is a gurukulam activities has been done, setting up refreshing view. The village is home to of a museum; permanent academy for fishermen, farmers, laborers, boatmen, toddy vanchipattu singers has been done , utilization tappers, and coir spinners all alike. Fisherfolk of amount by Gram Panchayat-Aranmula for and boatmen also demonstrate various fishing waste management purpose has been done, techniques for the tourists [11]. Another Pampa Parirakshana Sammittee to utilize the interesting attraction of Kumbalanghi is the amount for setting up a permanent information spicy and hot local cuisine. Kumbalanghi is rich centre has been done, mud technology, with art and culture so tourism in Kumbalangi environment friendly construction method and leads to the protection of culture, heritage, and vasthuvidya have been provided, mural nature along with the empowerment of the painting-workshops have been organized, Kala rural people. According to the rural tourism aswadana parisheelanam-artist major aspect which defines as any form of tourism performance have been taken care of, museum- that displays the rural life, art, culture, and remuneration by assistants has been done, heritage at rural locations, thus creating a setting up of ayurvedic community training socio-economic benefit to the local community centre has been completed, Aranmula metal and enabling interaction between the tourists mirror-remuneration by masters has been and the locals for better tourism experience done [10]. [12], tourism trends in Kumbalanghi is categorized into integrated model tourism CONCEPT OF KUMBALANGHI MODEL village, coconut village, fishermen village, eco- TOURISM VILLAGE: tourism village, agricultural and farm tourism Kumbalangi is a lovely, serene island village, backwater tourism village, and artist that has been developed under the Integrated village [13]. Tourism Village project as a model tourism village. Here tourism is developing without disturbing the natural beauty and ecological balance of the place (Figure 1). The local inhabitants of Kumbalanghi are simple and warm who depend on nature for their survival. The north, east, and south side of Kumbalangi are fully surrounded and the west is partially surrounded by backwater. On the west side, paddy fields adorn the coconut palm-filled island. The golden paddy chaffs that bow down with the weight set against a golden sunset is a silent sight of beauty, which adds to the feel of (Berchmen, 1998)[14]. experiencing the village. More than a hundred Figure 1: Map of Kumbalanghi form a ring around the village, indicating both the occupation of the 4.1. Integrated Model Tourism Village: people here and the rich aquatic life in the area. Under these model tourism business The presence of dense mangroves ensures organizations such as tour operators, travel enough breeding ground for prawns, crabs, agents, meeting planners and other service oysters, and small fishes. Milk fishes are providers like accommodation centers,

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NOVATEUR PUBLICATIONS JournalNX- A Multidisciplinary Peer Reviewed Journal ISSN No: 2581 - 4230 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5, May. -2021 transport providers, entertainment centers, The coconut tree is considered and the external environment such as social, essential to the traditional lifestyle and economic and political, and technological livelihood of the people of Kerala. One of the forces are closely linked in the provision of attractions of Kumbalangi is that village is rich services to travelers. Local community in coconut trees. The Coconut Development participation in planning and decision-making Board plans to launch a ‘Coconut trail’, across is one of the unique features of the project. Due various states, to provide tourists an insight to the increasing demand for tourists, private into the centuries-old coconut culture. sectors are also interested to invest in Different techniques like coir processing, Kumbalangi. coconut copra processing, leaf-weaving for roof Kumbalanghi is a lush green village, material, coconut shell handicraft making, surrounded by vast stretches of beautiful toddy tapping which provide a unique backwaters and paddy fields, an ideal setting experience for tourist from worldwide because for country boat cruises, aboriginal fishing, it provides an incredible opportunity for crab farming, and prawn culture, etc. tourist to try their skills with these techniques Kumbalangi provides a fascinating glimpse into (Table 2). Coir manufacturing was an the livelihood of villagers and their age-old, important source of the local economy. Coir is magnificent culture. Kalagramam, an artist’s used to manufacture eco-friendly carpets and village on four acres of land, displays mats so it has demand worldwide. Kumbalangi traditional fishing equipment and handicrafts once was the center of 'Vaikom coir' of the region. The main occupation of the production. Coconut tours are designed to take 30,000-odd people living here is fishing. tourists through the plantations and let them Farming, crab-farming, and coir-matting are know more about this wonderful tree. The the other livelihood options [15]. As part of the scenic location will have coconut trees of eco-tourism concept, many houses in the different types and the visitors will get an village offer homestays. Kumbalangi is a opportunity to climb the trees if they desire to. sustainable project that not only preserves A coconut food court will be another attraction nature and the environment; it also pays at the spot. The coconut-based handicrafts will homage to a rich culture and heritage. The be on display at the location [13]. holistic implementation of the initiative has delivered many benefits to villagers, including Table 2: Different techniques used by the forms of income, a better understanding of village people for their livelihood needs from urban dwellers, and economic value for coconut tree activities, better respect for the environment Techniques Description and improved water supply and sanitation Leaf-weaving Weaved coconut leaves are used for facilities, etc. As an appreciation to its for roof thatching village house roofs, ecological balance, inimitable natural beauty, material temporary sheds, and shamianas. The green coconut leaves are first and combined activities of local people, service seasoned in brackish water, which providers, and the government, Kumbalangi will enhance the life of weaved was declared as the Integrated Tourism Village leaves. This job is done by females. by the government of India, this is often Husk-coir It is a unit meant for women, considered as first of its kind. processing specializing in the manufacturing of coir and coir products. Coconut husk 4.2. Coconut Village: is immersed in water and yields the fibers that are spun together to make

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NOVATEUR PUBLICATIONS JournalNX- A Multidisciplinary Peer Reviewed Journal ISSN No: 2581 - 4230 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5, May. -2021 a coir. Coir weaving is done on in half circles, during high tide is another eye- specialized ruts. Through this rural catching attraction. Other than fishing there traditional coir making unit, the are several prawn and crab breeding farms village has a demonstration of coir making located on both sides of the road that leads to Coconut- ‘Copra’ is a sub-product of coconut Kallancheri and Anjilithara of Kumbalangi. The copra processing. Coconut oil is the major fishermen's village will offer a unique processing product obtained from this process. experience for all the visitors coming to Coconut The coconut shell is one of the experience village life. shell- important components of the handicraft coconut tree which is used for making different purposes including making Table 3 : Diverse traditional fishing practices different models and handicrafts. used by most of the natives in Kumbalangi Toddy Toddy is a naturally fermented drink Fishing Description tapping extracted from coconut flower sap. Techniques This job is exclusively reserved for men. Toddy could be used as a fresh Neettuvala It is a kind of equipment for catching drink on the first day of extraction operation fish. For this, a very long net use to only as if it is left longer it gets capture the fish. Normally three or four fermented and turn into vinegar. It fishermen mutually work to fix this net. could be used in making natural Veesuvala It is another type of fishing practice and spirit. operation operated by a single fisherman in a Boatbuilding Boatbuilding yards are set on the country craft/small boat with the help of unit premises of the house and the boats a boat rower. Throwing the net in the are developed traditionally. Country circular pattern to catch the fish. boats are boats made up of wood Thappipidut Catch fishes with human hand without that are locally available like Anjili, ham any equipment, a traditional method Tambakam, and Arana, etc. Wood is which attracts fishes especially first made into planks of thickness ¾ ‘Karimeen’ - state fish of Kerala. to 2 inches. These planks are joined Normally this is done by village women together with coir yarn and coir using some coconut leaves and a pot. filling. Oil extracted from sardine fish Chinese A ring of Chinese fishing nets encircles or neem is used to make a protective fishing net the rural village, Kumbalangi bearing coating over it. operation witness to the rich aquatic life. These nets are constructed out of Teak wood 4.3. Fishermen Village: and Bamboo poles; they work on the The United Nations Development principle of balance. The weight of a man walking along the main beam Programme cited Kumbalangi, a small fishing causes the net to descend into the lake. village, which is famous for diverse fishing Rocks of sufficient diameter are practices [15]. This coastal village depicts the suspended from ropes of different life of a typical fisher folk community. Tourists lengths. As the net is raised, the rocks can watch the Chinese fishing nets being one-by-one come to rest on a platform thereby keeping everything in balance. hoisted and cast net and hand net are also used Normally using nighttime for fishing. A by natives for fishing which is the main lamb has been fixed in the top of the net occupation of the people here. Prawn farming, to attract fishes to the net. shellfish catching and bait fishing near the mangroves are other popular activities that can be watched here (Table 3) [15]. Poomeenchaattam, a group movement of fish

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NOVATEUR PUBLICATIONS JournalNX- A Multidisciplinary Peer Reviewed Journal ISSN No: 2581 - 4230 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5, May. -2021 Pappumari The tree branches are put into an area of Kumbalangi. Besides, the total ban of plastic water in a circular shape, normally at a and the restriction on building any new radius of 4 to 10 meters. It is kept in the structures which are harmful to the ecosystem water for more than one month and during that time the fishes will find also attracts the interest of environment- shelters within the branches, spread in a concerned travelers. For tourism, heritage circular region in water. After a houses are maintained here. The model village sufficient duration of time, the circular will be more eco-friendly - as part of the Kerala region (the pappu) will be covered with Tourism Eco-Initiative, Eco-Kerala. The a long net and catch fishes. Padalu It is a kind of trap in which tree Kumbalangi project was envisaged to ensure branches are kept in a cage made out of the protection of the fragile ecosystem of the coconut leaves, for catching the fish. The village. Construction activities of resorts, entire arrangement is brought to the walkways, and other activities that might harm land with help of a handle, attached to the ecosystem of the village are prohibited the coconut-leaves-cage like the trolley Clam meat Clams are shellfish found in brackish here. Only environment-friendly activities are processing waters. Many of the inhabitants of permitted in this village. As the first village in Kallanchery Island are occupied in clam the state to possess its waste management meat processing for the lively hood. system with more than 600 biogas plants have Male members collect the clam fish from been installed up till now [16]. brick water and Ladies steam (boil) the clamshell to extract the meat. The Shell is used for making kind of cement, base 4.5. Agricultural and Farm Tourism Village: paint, and fertilizers Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and 85% of the population is 4.4. Eco-Tourism Village: directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture Kumbalangi has several ecosystems like whereas 26 percent of GDP comes from the mangrove ecosystem and backwater agriculture. Rice is the most important cereal ecosystem. The project is aimed at the and staple food produced and consumed in promotion of preservation and conservation of Kerala. Advantages of agri-tourism bring major the environment. Mangrove conservation of primary sector agriculture closer to major the 'panchayat' is an example. Mangroves act service sector tourism. Kumbalangi is known as the breeding centers for many fishes and are for pokkalifarming. Pokkali is a unique variety home to migratory birds. The amazing array of of protein-rich rice that is cultivated in water- mangrove cover used to be a haven of prawns, logged coastal regions. The farmers alternate crabs, oysters, and small fishes. The benefit of between rice and fish or prawns each for six mangrove restoration witnessed a three-fold months a year, based on the salinity of the increase in fish population, a fall in salinity water. As a farm tourism destination certain level, and excellent habitat for birds. amount of locals are depending on a fish farm, Mangroves also help to prevent soil erosion. agriculture, and small-scale dairy farms at The Department of Tourism had allotted Rs.5 home for living. Kumbalangi Model Tourism is lakhs for the conservation of mangroves there. all set to introduce ginger and turmeric The Kumbalanghi panchayat also spent Rs.1.25 cultivation. It might be the first time that this lakh, for conducting awareness campaigns, as hill produces are being cultivated in a coastal part of the model tourism village project. village. The project is being implemented Sustained efforts are being made to preserve under the support of the Gramapanchayat the environment and ecosystem of and the Kumbalangi Model Tourism

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NOVATEUR PUBLICATIONS JournalNX- A Multidisciplinary Peer Reviewed Journal ISSN No: 2581 - 4230 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5, May. -2021 Development Society (KMTDS). Type of home- performing art. It will perform only at the time based or small-scale farming available in the of funeral functions [13, 19]. village is pokkali farming, Fish, prawns and crab farm, cattle farming, and poultry farming IMPACTS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN [17]. KUMBALANGHI VILLAGE: The successful rural tourism project should 4.6. Backwater Tourism Village: not be judged by the economic gains but also Kumbalangi backwater is a part of by the level of improvement of the social Vembanadu lake. Here small canoes are used justice and growth of social capital as well. for fishing and navigate a maze of mangrove Some of the impacts of the development of forests, which is a unique experience. Tourists tourism in Kumbalanghi are described here get a chance to accompany the local fisherman based on the previous reports on Kumbalanghi in their daily outings to the backwaters. “I tourism available online [20, 21, 15]. catch, you fry” style of backwater cruise is also  As a part of tourism development, different available for the tourists. A cool cruise in a projects are developed, which leads to the canoe along the backwaters will offer a closer conservation of dying arts and craft forms view of the peaceful life in the village. Many and preservation of local people’s package tours and programs are conducting in traditional activities including different Kumbalanghi. These mainly concentrate on kinds of fishing techniques. backwater cruising, both in daytime and night,  One of the main attractions in the village is besides boating in the countryside and along the local people and their way of lifestyle. the mangrove. Backwater is one of the major Therefore promotion of tourism brings tourism products of Kumbalangi. Traditionally about an increase in their sources of used as one of the main transportation alleys, income. today backwaters offer a rejuvenating  Kumbalangi is rich with farms like coconut, experience for tourists visiting Kerala [18]. As crab, prawn, fish, and paddy fields. Bringing part of women's empowerment, women are tourist attractions as well as Governmental also trained to operate the country boat. support for such kinds of farming activities helps to increase farm or agricultural 4.7.Artist Village (Kalagramam): productivity. One of the main attractions of  As part of the eco-tourism project, Kumbalanghi is the construction of Artist's mangrove forest cultivation and water Village in the middle of the backwater at ecosystem preservation are mainly focused Kallencheri [15]. It is a stage for the artist to on the promotion of conservation of the perform various performing arts and temple environment. The use of plastic is arts. The art and culture of Kumbalangi portray completely banned here. For environmental various dance forms like Kolkali, protection, an awareness campaign is also Parisamuttukali, Kaikottikkali, Margamkali, etc. conducting. and martial arts performed like  The heritage houses and exotic local Chavittunadakam with the accompaniment of cuisines are maintained and used for vocal and instrumental music like Chenda, tourism promotion, which helps for Panchavadyam, etc. Devavasavili is a unique environmental preservation. art form that exist in Kumbalangi and now it is in the stage of extinction. Normally it is not a

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NOVATEUR PUBLICATIONS JournalNX- A Multidisciplinary Peer Reviewed Journal ISSN No: 2581 - 4230 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5, May. -2021  Interaction, as well as tourism activities, the establishment of small-scale industries also help to improve the quality of life of in the village. the rural people.  Preserving farm activities and promotion of CONCLUDING REMARKS homestays instead of hotels maintain an Tourism has the potential to be an eco-friendly environment. intensely human experience as well as an  Many of the cultural arts are under threat extremely consumerist one. The success of stage. The promotion of these art forms for future tourism is connected with how the tourism can protect the cultural heritage. industry and the tourism system understand  Different kinds of tourism promotion and incorporate the emerging critical trends activities will demand more human that support its expansion. Rural tourism resources with educational qualities, which program is an effective measure for rural will bring about quality education as well as development and raising the standard of living job opportunities for the people in of the rural folk. The Government has to survey Kumbalangi. the countryside of Kerala spread over highland,  Promotion of Tourism village leads to the midland, and coastal plain regions and identify development of infrastructural facilities in villages that have unique features for attracting the place such as construction and tourists. Select only a few villages in each maintenance of roads and canals, district that can provide unique and qualitative development of walkways and boat jetties, rural tourism. Provide basic amenities such as Installation of street lamps, good sanitation better roads, electrification, drinking water facilities and waste disposal facilities, etc. supply, health and sanitation facilities, hygienic  Private investment is the other added comfort stations, better accommodation advantage. The construction of resorts and facilities, etc. Draft a Tourism Master Plan for floating hotels that are suitable to the each such chosen village in consultation with location provide number of employment for the local panchayath, community residents. organizations, and development agencies. Give  The increase in homestays generated earnest care to preserve the biodiversity and several employment opportunities for local cultural traditions while implementing women especially in food preparation and plans and programs. Take the local community housekeeping, contrary to hotels and into confidence by suitable participation resorts which seek qualified personnel. program and they must feel that the project is  Kumbalangi tourism project aimed at the part of a development activity that is meant to empowerment of women by marketing the eradicate rural poverty and unemployment. products generated by units of women (eg: Shape convenient tourism packages Kudumbasree unit,Ayalkootam etc) who concerning each rural tourism project and were provided training in handicraft attract domestic and foreign tourists by making, driving auto-rickshaws, and national, international publicity. The progress operating country boat cruises. of the project must be evaluated and effective  Women have the skills for traditional measures must be undertaken to make them techniques related to coconuts such as coir highly receptive to tourists. In this manner, a making, leaf weaving, and copra processing. complete socio-economic development Promotions of this kind of tourism help for through tourism particularly in rural areas can the protection of traditional techniques and be established.

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