CHAPTER 9. FINDINGS FROM THE STUDY

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1 CHAPTER 9. FINDINGS FROM THE STUDY 9.1 INTRODUCTION The sectoral distributions in the developing countries have been shifting from primary to tertiary or service sectors. The percentage of different sectors in GDP at factor cost at prices show that there has been a shift from primary sector to service sector. TABLE 9.1 TRANSFORMATION OF INDIAN ECONOMY FROM PRIMARY TO SERVICE SECTOR Sectors Agriculture and allied activities Industry Services Total Source: Indian Economic Survey Tourism being a labour intensive sector, the studies conducted in Malvan, Vengurla and Sawantwadi present the point of view on the growth of tourism development and the employment pattern in Sindhudurg. The study is proposed for retracing the approaches to tourism and the common views on tourism employment pattern in Sindhudurg. The observed result combines the development, employment pattern, difficulties of tourism employment and tourism human resource approach in Sindhudurg. This study helps in ensuring that a holistic evaluation of tourism is made and assists in highlighting the issues and concerns of the locals. There is a need for all the stakeholders to contribute their expertise and resources to the management and development of tourism in this region for the sustained economic growth and for improving the standard of living of the locals. 298

2 9.2 FINDINGS FROM THE CASE STUDY 1. Tourism provides employment for a heterogeneous population: Individuals of all ages were represented in the study, with 61% between the ages of years. Men represented 85% of the study. Women, contribute economically, they do not actively participate in the tourism industry. FIGURE 9.1 AGE GROUP OF RESPONDENTS WORKING IN TOURISM SECTOR Percentage of Age group of respondents Below years or older Individuals of various ages ranging from below19 to above 65 years, from every region of Malvan, Vengurla and Sawantwadi were well represented in the study. The above figure 9.1 shows the distribution of working population in tourism from the sample. 2. Tourism generates a diversity of jobs 26.8% of the locals were employed in the accommodation sector, 39.37% in food and beverages and the remaining 33.83% were employed in other kinds of tourism jobs. 299

3 FIGURE 9.2 DIVERSITY OF JOBS IN TOURISM SECTOR percentage 2.79 stay Food and beverage MICE Art culture and entertainment Attractions Travel and tour operators Training and education Most of the locals in Sindhudurg were not aware of the different kinds of jobs that tourism sector can provide to them. There is need for creating awareness in these people on different tourism services that can be developed in Sindhudurg district. 3. Majority of individuals enter the industry from other industries and often with little or no background in tourism. Patterns of migration into tourism indicate that the current labour market is comprised of individuals who shifted into tourism after working in other areas of the labour market. They supplement their primary source of income (i.e. Tourism with agriculture, fishing and other sectors) because tourism is seasonal in nature. 300

4 FIGURE 9.3 SUPPLEMENTARY INCOMES OF LOCALS SUPPLEMENTARY WITH TOURISM INCOME Agriculture Arts, culture Construction Educational Fishing Finance Homemaker Manufacturing Retail Studying Transportation Trade Others. 4. Individuals choose to work in tourism for a range of positive reasons; The reasons individuals chose to work in tourism were primarily positive in orientation. Tourism was seen as an industry where individuals could work in pleasant surroundings and utilize their existing skills. More than 90% of the locals preferred working in tourism because it was conducive to their lifestyle. The locals felt it was easy to start business and saw tourism as a profitable industry. 5. Overall job satisfaction within the industry is high Individuals working in the tourism industry reported high levels of job satisfaction. Areas where individuals were less satisfied include the level of benefits provided, training and education and opportunities for advancement. 301

5 TABLE 9.2 RANKING OF SATISFACTION FROM TOURISM JOBS Overall satisfaction and Ranking of present job - Very good good Bad Very bad Neither good or bad opportunities quality of work wages and tips level of benefits rewards and recognition level of challenge status work environment Require training and education FIGURE 9.4 RANKING OF SATISFACTION FROM TOURISM JOBS Very good good Bad Very bad Neither good or bad 6. Tourism provides jobs for local residents Tourism has provided a range of employment options for local residents. Only 13.7% of the individuals said they had to relocate for their jobs and 86.24% of the samples were staying in Sindhudurg for more than 10 years. 302

6 FIGURE 9.5 JOBS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS % of locals relocated for jobs 16 Yes no Organizations and employees were found to use similar job search strategies The employers, employees and self employed in Sindhudurg depend on a limited number of job search strategies. The strategies were either through Personal contact or through Friends and relatives and word of mouth. Employees were motivated to remain working with their employers by paying them for performance, housing and food. 8. Training and education needs of those working in the industry The sample indicated a range of training and education needs primarily in front line, supervisory, management and executive job. Nearly 77% of the sample required on the job training for giving quality services to the tourists. Almost every employee wanted to learn English for communication with the tourists. 303

7 9. Low Income level of those working in the industry More than 50% of the people working in tourism sector were earning below Rs per annum. Though the respondents to the questionnaire were satisfied with the opportunities that tourism provides they were expecting a rapid development in tourism sector so that their income from tourism will increase. TABLE 9.3 INCOME LEVELS OF LOCALS FIGURE 9.6 INCOME LEVELS OF LOCALS Income level % Below lakhs lakhs lakhs and above INCOME LEVELS percentage of income 10. Kinds of services The locals employed in the tourism sector were aware of only interacting with tourists, providing information and guiding tourists. They were not ignorant about other kinds of services like booking, reservations, event management, planning, package tours and transporting visitors in tourism industry and hence were not performing them. Tourism shows signs of employment elasticity and the capacity to generate a wide range of seasonal and permanent jobs. Tourism being labour intensive provides higher employment than other sectors for the capital invested. Tourism can provide employment in developing countries which have surplus labour and higher level of unemployment. Malvan, Vengurla 304

8 and Sawantwadi have generally benefitted from the direct employment opportunities created by tourism. The signs of tourism employment and its effects in other sectors supporting tourism are persistently a challenge. TABLE 9.4 KINDS OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY LOCALS not at all sometimes a lot not sure kinds of service Interact with tourists Bookings/reservations Guide Provide information Event manager Manage Human resource Manage finance Planning Package tours Transport visitors FIGURE 9.7 KINDS OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY LOCALS not at all sometimes a. Interact with tourists bookings/reservations guide provide information eventmanager manage Hr Manage finance planning package tours transport visitors a lot not sure There is substantial evidence suggesting that Maharashtra s tourism planning has been responsive to local needs. The inertia, skill deficiency and unfamiliarity with tourism industry 305

9 demand large public resources to improve locals involvement in tourism. The current employment profile shows that the tourism employment structure is as given below. Table 9.5 TOURISM EMPLOYMENT STRUCTURE Structure Front line job Supervisory job Management job Executive job FIGURE 9.8 TOURISM EMPLOYMENT STRUCTURE Owner/o perator Others Employer Employee Self employed Total Employer Employee Self employed In developing countries with an economic backward status the attractiveness of tourism is limited by its low wage levels in comparison with the wages offered in other sectors. The view points of participants reveal that tourism represents good employment potential and is a favourable employment option with an attractive image and moderate views on 306

10 remuneration levels. The locals were satisfied with the social status of tourism employment. Tourism can be a saviour to Sindhudurg because it can absorb semi and low skilled workers as also the marginalised workers. Labour supply is held back by the fact that many people are not aware of the various employment opportunities in tourism sectors and do not know the way to seek employment in the tourism sector. 9.3 Issues and concerns of tourism development in Sindhudurg The tourism industry in Sindhudurg continues to face a number of impediments to its further growth and development. The key constraints facing the industry as well as the immediate problems are identified below. Shri M.N. Chaini, President, MEDC said that although Konkan is generously endowed with natural resources, its per capita income is much lower than the State average. The per capita income of Konkan he said could be raised to Rs.1 lakh as envisaged in the MEDC's Vision 2005 Report, prepared for the Government of Maharashtra. This is possible by harnessing the tremendous potential of Konkan region, especially in tourism & entertainment sector. The major impediment in the development is, however, infrastructure & mindset of the local people. 1. Tourism has been inadequately resourced and funded One of the problems facing the tourism industry is that the Government has a limited view of the potential of this industry and as a result marginal resources have been devoted to developing and promoting the tourism sector in Sindhudurg. Tourism is still narrowly viewed as inflow of tourists and providing them accommodation. The true wealth-creating potential of the sector has not been fully grasped by the policy-makers. Unless tourism is seen as strategically important to the economy of Sindhudurg and the necessary plans, policies, actions and resources to support this initiative are put in place, tourism will continue to be a missed opportunity. 307

11 Sindhudurg fort s maintenance has been neglected and inadequately funded. Ferries are inadequate for tourists. Delayed development of Airport at Parule. Dutch Wakar. Crawford market at Vengurla. 2. Myopic Private Sector Another major problem facing the Sindhudurg tourism industry is a short sighted private sector. Hotels and many other tourism establishments tend to have a rather limited view of the product they offer i.e. only goods and services within their four walls. The hotels and other tourism establishments are not fretful with bad roads, environmental destruction by insensitive development; or transportation problems etc. Experience indicates that hotels that have taken a much broader view of their product tended to be more successful: Sagar Sarita (resort) has virtually adopted its surrounding community. Locals from the village are provided with opportunities to work and learn tourism services. Shilpgram managed by Sagar resorts is committed to maintaining and beautifying the area. The hotel is also in the forefront of environmental conservation. They also promote art, culture and handicraft of locals to international and domestic tourists. Kamats Group trains their employees in different services. Sawantwadi Municipal Corporation has taken the responsibility to develop ecotourism in their taluka. Dhamapur Lake is maintained by Van Samrakshan Samithi promoting responsible tourism. Aronda lotus backwater resorts promote fishing, eco tourism shacks Painted T shirts sold by Mr. Vijay of Malvan 308

12 Malvancity.com. Scuba diving courses In Sindhudurg signs of a more forward-looking private sector are emerging. Various tourism companies and agencies are increasingly promoting meaningful community participation and shareholding in tourism ventures. These initiatives are, however, still the exception and hotels and other tourism establishments need to play a far more active role in influencing the quality of the total visitor experience. It is by taking a broader view of the product offered, building partnerships with the government, local communities and other private sector interests that the highest levels of customer satisfaction can be achieved. Economic development and living standards of people in Sindhudurg can be achieved quickly only if private sector accelerates their activities in all areas of tourism and involve the locals for responsible tourism. 3. Limited Integration of Local Communities Another major problem facing the Sindhudurg tourism industry is The poor involvement of local communities in the industry. Lack of funds. Difficult procedures for starting a tourism firm. Cooperative efforts of locals missing. Enclave tourism. Lack of awareness of variety of tourism services. The need to reverse this situation quickly is of utmost importance. The tourism industry, perhaps more than any other sector provides a number of unique opportunities. Local inhabitants with little adjustment and without any migration can be encouraged to actively participate in various areas of tourism, involving their friends and relatives. When such small groups work in such cohesion, harmony and economic development of the community takes place. This in turn generates employment in tourism. 309

13 4. Inadequate Tourism Education, Training and Awareness Perhaps the greatest deficiency in the tourism industry in Sindhudurg is the absence of requisite education adequately, training and awareness about opportunities in tourism industry. The neglected groups in society are highly disadvantaged. One of the key answers is education and training. 5. Inadequate Protection of the Environment Poor coastal management and unplanned development aggravate the environmental problems. A major threat to the further development of the tourism industry is the rapid degradation of the environment. There is little awareness about the benefits of conserving the environment among the majority of the population and for many, environment conservation is rather a luxury as finding jobs and food to eat takes priority. Coral reefs in Malvan are inadequately protected. No security at beaches in Sindhudurg. 6. Poor Service There is poor quality of service in the tourism industry and related sectors. There is little excitement in delivering service or to go the extra mile to satisfy the tourist. The problem is that this seems to be an accepted norm by the bulk of domestic tourists. Many owners and managers believe that the product they offer is adequate and tourists are satisfied. High rates charged by package tour operators and less payment to locals have reduced the excitement of delivering good services to tourists. 310

14 7. Lack of Infrastructure, Particularly In Tourist Areas There is a lack of infrastructure in the rural areas, which severely limits the participation of rural communities in the tourism industry. In addition, the absence of adequate services like transportation, district and city roads, lighting, water and sewerage, public transport systems, sign boards, airports, ports and electricity effectively prevent rural communities from participating in the tourism industry. Due to this the tourists desist from visiting the places thus depriving the locals of earning from tourism. Transportation to tourist spots is mainly done by Auto rickshaws as there are no other options available for tourists. The drinking water facilities at Boat jetty in Malvan was not in operative stage.(november 2008) No changing facilities for scuba diving and snorkeling to tourists at the fort in Malvan. Frequent Load shedding of Electricity. No money transfer facilities for tourists Lack of rest houses at different tourist points. No signboards for tourist information Lack of tourist information Centres 8. Lack of local arrangement for the Development, Management and Promotion of the Tourism Sector Lack of Tourist information centres at different points and at important airports, railway stations, bus stations and important public places. MTDC website also highlights only snorkeling and not the various tourist destination centres in Sindhudurg. 9. Existing tourism products are underutilized. Lack of promotion of tourist destinations e.g. Beaches like Chiwla, bhogwe, Nivti, Velaghar etc 311

15 Dhamapur lake Dutch wakar at Vengurla Wooden toys at Sawant wadi Ganjifa painting Deccan odyssey trains Water sports Ozar cave Green tourism at Amboli Chaukul Village for bird watching Crawford market Vengurla 10. Very limited tourism research statistics available for planning purposes Periodic tourism statistics are not readily available in Maharashtra. There has been only one socio economic survey of Sindhudurg released by Government of Maharashtra. No statistics available on tourism development and employment of people in tourism sector in Sindhudurg. 11. Very poor record on the implementation of tourism plans and strategies Delay in implementing the suggestions made in the report prepared by Tata Consultancy Services Delay in implementation of Marine Park. Lack of movement on the tourism policy and stringent coastal zone regulations (CRZ) have kept away leading five-star hotel groups 9.4 ISSUES AND CONCERNS OF LOCALS IN SINDHUDURG The concerns and anxieties of the locals need to be understood and adequately addressed in building a successful tourism industry. Some of these concerns are: 312

16 1. Majority of locals have never been meaningfully exposed to the tourism industry and have not benefited from the vast resources.. 2. Complete lack of knowledge and understanding of what tourism really is - there is a perception that tourism refers only to people traveling around and staying in hotels. There is no awareness of wider opportunities offered by tourism. 3. Lack of training opportunities for locals in Sindhudurg limits meaningful participation in the tourism industry. 4. Inability to access finance and limited financial assistance for locals has reduced the entrepreneurial opportunities provided by the tourism sector. 5. Lack of involvement by majority of locals in planning, decision-making, investment, development or promotion of the tourism industry. Communities have not been involved or consulted in respect of major investment decisions or developments proposed for areas in which they live. 6. Inequalities among locals and tourists lead to the exploitation of local cultures and community groups. 7. Locals have difficulties in communicating with the tourists. 8. Negative attitudes exist within the industry towards community tourism products which are sometimes viewed with skepticism and regarded as inferior. 9. Local communities lack access to the lucrative tourism markets as visitors are kept within the hotels and resorts and venture out only to sanitised places of interest. Visitors very rarely visit local shops or the local craft vendor, a tourist visitor is a rare occasion. 10. Limited interest in new tourism product development by investors due to seasonal nature of tourism. 313

17 11. Limited knowledge and awareness of tourism marketing needs by existing potential tourism operators. 12. Youth have limited incentives to enter the tourism industry. 13. Existing tourism operators are small in nature and therefore are unable to participate in tourism initiatives. 14. Permit and licensing regulations are cumbersome and therefore result in very limited tourism development initiatives by locals. A great deal of work has to be done by the government, the locals and private sector engaged in tourism to redress previous imbalances and to demonstrate that developing tourism in Sindhudurg can benefit all. 9.5 Limitations: 1. Getting data at national level is comparatively easy than getting it at city or state level. The records for tourism employment in Sindhudurg district either were not collected or maintained region wise separately or not available. Socio economic survey of Sindhudurg is available only for , 2. Primary method of data collection has been used to collect the data for the employment pattern of tourism sector in Sindhudurg. Hence the study of trends in tourism employment in Sindhudurg was not possible as no secondary data was available for comparison. 3. Non availability of data for the district created difficulty in getting the data for the period from Due to all these constraints simple statistical techniques are used. 4. The employment pattern and the trend of tourism development in all the three study areas were calculated with percentage and average methods. 314

18 REFERENCES IE, (1999) Sindhudurg Tourism Plan shrouded by Skeptism.Local fear private players will gorge on Tourism pie, Indian Express16th April, 8 Mumbai. Maharashtra Economic Development Council - Forty years of Maharashtra. Maharashtra Economic Development Council - Vision 2005 report. Maharashtra Economic Development Council (2008) Sindhudurg Jilla paryatan Vikas A report of the conference of tourism and hospitality committee in October (2008). Socio Economic Survey of Sindhudurg ( ). Directorate of Economics and Statistics. Tarkarli Tourism Development Society (2008). 315