IJISET - International Journal of Innovative Science, Engineering & Technology, Vol. 8 Issue 3, March 2021 ISSN (Online) 2348 – 7968 | Impact Factor (2020) – 6.72 www.ijiset.com A Study on the Impact of Rural Tourism on the Economic Sustainable Development of Host Communities 1 2 P Ms.DivyaP George,P MS.P Misheal Tomy, 1 P P.GP Scholar, Research & P.G Department of Commerce, Marian College Kuttikkanam (Autonomous)- 6865531, Kerala mail:
[email protected] U31T 2 P ResearchP Guide, Research & P.G Department of Commerce, Marian College Kuttikkanam (Autonomous)- 6865531, Kerala, E mail:
[email protected] U31T ABSTRACT Over the past decade, many rural communities have been encouraged to incorporate tourism in their sustainable development strategies. The important goal of sustainable development is to achieve a harmony between environment, economic and socio- political sustainability. Assessing the economic quality of tourism and recreation areas is considered fundamental to the sustainable management This study was conducted with the objective to assess the impact of rural tourism on the economic sustainability of host communities and examine the perception of host communities towards sustainable tourism. Primary data were collected from respondents belonging to rural areas like Vagamon, Ilikal kallu, Kallar, Gavi, Parunthumpara, Kuttanad etc. The study resulted that Employment opportunities, increased demands for local products, handicrafts and agricultural products and improvement in household income are the major contributions of rural tourism to the economic sustainability of host communities. The findings suggest that rural tourism is a viable means of achieving sustainable development of rural communities. Keywords: Rural Tourism, Sustainable Development, Host Communities, Economic Sustainability, SDGs.