HYDEL TOURISM: TOURIST ARRIVAL AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN KERALA V. Babitha Research Scholar, Department of Economics University of Calicut, Dr. John Matthai Centre, Aranattukara, Thrissur, Kerala Dr.K.V. Ramachandran Professor, Department of Economics University Of Calicut, Dr. John Matthai Centre, Aranattukara,Thrissur, Kerala ABSTRACT Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Economically it creates employment opportunities, national income and foreign exchange earnings. Wayanad District is located in North-East part of Kerala. Tourism has vast potential in Wayanad. The natural beauty and cultural heritage of this District offer several opportunities for tourism promotion. Water is the elixir of life. As such, in this study, focuses mainly on Hydel Tourism as a sustainable development in Wayanad District. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. The primary data were collected from local people in the destination. The result of the study bring to light that without affecting the nature very well to maintain and enhancing Hydel tourism project in Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad. Year by year tourist arrival in this destination increased and it has positively affected by the local community, by generating income and employment opportunities. In the present scenario Hydel tourism in Banasura Sagar Dam is quite impressive and it pursued in Wayanad tourism as well. Key Words: Hydel Tourism, Tourist Arrival, Local Community, Sustainable Development. INTRODUCTION Tourism and economy are interdependent. Tourism is considered to be the major contributor to the growth of service sector in Kerala. It is a multi-dimensional industry hence, economically; it creates national income, employment opportunities and foreign exchange earnings. Tourism is sought as an opportunity to more beyond cycles of poverty towards a better life and sustainable means to stimulate the developing economy (Bolwell and Weinz). The tourism industry showed a booming and impressive growth rate. Growing at a rate of 13.31 per cent, the tourism industry is the major contributor to the state economy. This is a proof that tourism industry has such a positive impact on the people. Under these circumstances the Kerala State Electricity Board tried to divert their attention to more ecological and sustainable Hydel Tourism. This not only creates income but will help in ecological sustainability and environment. It is water based tourism potential in the natural surroundings of hydel project areas of the state as well as preserves the ecology of the remote area and local economic development. OBJECTIVES 1. To analyse the tourist arrival and earning from Kerala. 2. To examine hydel tourism projects and tourist trends in Banasura Sagar Dam. 3. To understand the local economic development through hydel tourism in Wayanad district 13
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Asia Pacific Journal of Research DATA SOURCES AND METHODOLOGY The study used both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected from 30 local people in Banasura Sagar Dam destination. These local people are informal workers. Secondary data has been drowning from various sources that include Kerala tourism statistics, government report, newspapers, journals and web sites. TOURIST ARRIVAL AND EARNING FROM TOURISM Tourism is the largest industry in Kerala. For the industrial importance of tourism Kerala branded as Gods Own Country. Year by year its importance is growing. Now a day s tourism contributes 10 per cent of the State GDP. The latest tourism statistics for the year 2017 shows that Foreign tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2017 is 10, 91,870. It shows an increase of 5.15 per cent over the previous year s figure of 10, 38,419. Domestic tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2017 is 1,46,73,520 showing an increases of 11.39 per cent over the last year s figure 1,31,72,535. Total tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2017 is 1,57,65,390 showing an increases of 10.94 per cent over the last year s figure 1,42,10,954. TABLE.1 FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC TOURIST ARRIVAL IN KERALA Year Foreign % of increase Domestic % of increase Tourist Tourist 2008 598929 16.11 7591250 14.28 2009 557258-6.96 7913537 4.25 2010 659265 18.31 8595075 8.61 2011 732985 11.18 9381455 9.15 2012 793696 8.28 10076854 7.41 2013 858143 8.12 10857811 7.75 2014 923366 7.60 11695411 7.71 2015 977479 5.86 12465571 6.59 2016 1038419 6.23 13172535 5.67 2017 1091870 5.15 14673520 11.39 Source: Kerala Tourism Statistics -2017 20000000 FIGURE 1 15000000 10000000 5000000 Domestic Tourist Foreign Tourist Year 0 The tourist arrival statistics indicates that the year 2008 foreign tourist is 598929 and domestic tourist is 7591250. This increases 1091870 and 14673520 respectively in 2017. The foreign tourist arrival in 2009 is 557258 (-6.96 per cent). The negative variation is because of global financial crisis. But there is a positive increase in the flow of foreign tourist as well as domestic tourists during the subsequent years. Even though only a few sectors survived and show as a successive growth rate. One among these sectors was the tourism industry. Tourism industry is considered as one of the alternative to economic growth of the state. Economically it creates employment opportunities, national income and foreign exchange earnings. The latest tourism statistics of tourist earning for the year 2017 as shows that foreign exchange earnings for the year 2017 are Rs. 8392.11 crores showing an increase of 8.29 per cent over the figure of year 2016 as 7749.51 crores. Total revenue (including direct and indirect) from tourism during 2017 is Rs. 33383.68 crores, showing an increase of 12.56 per cent over previous year s figure Rs. 29658.56 crores. 14
Year Foreign Exchange Earnings (Rs.in crore) TABLE.2 EARNINGS FROM TOURISM IN KERALA (in crores) % variation over previous years Total revenue Generated From tourism (direct & indirect) (Rs.in crore) % variation over previous years 2008 3066.52 16.11 13130.00 14.84 2009 2853.16-6.96 13231.00 0.77 2010 3797.37 33.09 17348.00 31.12 2011 4221.99 11.18 19037.00 9.74 2012 4571.69 8.28 20430.00 7.32 2013 5560.77 21.63 22926.55 12.22 2014 6398.93 15.07 24885.44 8.54 2015 6949.88 8.61 26689.63 7.25 2016 7749.51 11.51 29658.56 11.12 2017 8392.11 8.29 33383.68 12.56 Source: Kerala Tourist Statistics -2017 The total revenue generated from tourism indicates that during 2008 the foreign exchange earnings were 3066.52 crores which increased huge growth rate to 8392.11 crores in 2017. It shows almost threefold increase in foreign exchange earnings from 2008 to 2017. HYDEL TOURISM: AN OVERVIEW There is an increasing trend of tourist arrivals and earnings for Kerala. This is a proof that the tourism industry has such a positive impact of the people. It also provides large scale employment and income for the State. Under these circumstances the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) tried to divert their attention to more ecological and sustainable Hydel Tourism. This not only creates income but also will help in ecological sustainability and environment. Thus in 1999 Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre (KHTC), a unit of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) Ltd was registered. The main aim of the centre is to make easy the successful utilization of water based tourism potential in the natural surroundings of hydel projects areas of the state as well as save the ecology of the area. Water is the elixir of life. Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre (KHTC) has started its operation in Munnar as early as 1999 and Wayanad during late 2000, thereby bringing socio-economic benefits to the remote areas of the state. KHTC own and operates boats of various types around water bodies is possession of KSEB Ltd in and around Idukki, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Thrissur as part of promotion of tourism industry in the state. The main hydel tourism centres in Kerala are Kakkayam Dam, Edukki Dam, Perinjalkooth Dam, Eco Point, Shenkulam Dam, Anayirankal Dam, Kundala Dam, Sun Moon Valley, Mattupetty and Banasura Sagar Dam. The Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre is a helpful innovation from Kerala State Electricity Board. The main objectives of the centre are: To effective utilization of water based tourism. To maximize the socio-economic befit to the remote area without negatively affecting the environment To maintain the ecology of the hydel projects and preserve them for the posterity. To promotion and publicity of hydel tourism by educative and informative way. To provide all type of recreational facilities for the tourist. To give more importance to safety and security for the tourist. To offer directly and indirectly employment and income for local population. To develop ecologically possible accommodation facilities in the locality of the hydel project areas. To research the impact of tourism on hydel power locations and environmental sustainability of the locality. Wayanad district is situated in North-East of Kerala state. The district was formed on 1 st November 1980. Natural beauty, climate condition and cultural heritage are attracting more number of tourists to the remote area of Wayanad. In 2000 hydel tourism project was implemented in Wayanad, it was under the control of Kerala State Electricity Board,. The natural beauty and cultural heritage of this district offer several opportunities for tourism promotion. Wayanad is potential for Rural tourism, Heritage tourism, Leisure tourism, Cultural tourism, Historical tourism, Wildlife tourism, Pilgrimage tourism, Health tourism, Monsoon tourism, Adventure tourism, Island tourism, Plantation tourism, Tribal tourism, Hydel tourism, Eco tourism and Festival tourism. Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad as a major hydel tourism destination in the state. The dam across Karamanathodu river, a tributary of river Kabani, in Kalpetta. It is considered to be the largest earth dam in India and second largest in Asia. The third largest peak in the Western Ghat is Banasura hill. In 1979 the dam was constructed on behalf of Banasura Sagar project, to the support of Kakkayam Hydroelectric power project. The dam project has to meet the water demand for irrigation and drinking purposes. One of the beautiful sights here is set of islands in the dam s reservoir. During the monsoon season the 15
dam was submerged the surrounding areas. The background of Banasura hills the island are visual treat for the tourists. Because of this peculiarity, more number of tourists attracted towards this destination. TABLE.3 TOURIST ARRIVAL AND EARNINGS IN BANASURA SAGAR DAM IN WAYANAD Year Tourists % of growth Earnings % of growth 2008 115472-2078921 - 2009 136279 15.2 3269627 36.4 2010 170207 19.9 4698323 30.4 2011 220490 22.8 5206123 9.7 2012 280103 21.2 7884836 33.9 2013 367281 23.7 16965470 53.5 2014 387580 5.2 19315496 12.16 2015 465871 16.8 26859502 28.0 2016 572554 18.6 36035806 25.4 2017 727255 21.2 44530766 19.0 Source: Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre in Wayanad During the year 2008 the tourist arrival to Banasura Sagar Destination was only 1,15,472. In 2017, the tourist inflow of the destination was increased 7,27,255. It shows an increasing trend of tourist arrival in the destination. The total earnings from tourism in the destination are also an increasing trend. The year 2008 earnings from tourism is 20,78,921 which increases 4,45,30,766 in 2017. Above Table.3 show that there is a positive relationship between tourist arrival and earning from the destination. HYDEL TOURISM AND LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN WAYANAD DISTRICT Hydel tourism is water based tourism and its main objective is socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. It focus on remote areas tourism development. Banasura Sagar Dam is situated remote area, Thariode- Padinjarathara- Wayanad. Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad has a great tourism potential. Hydel tourism is the main focus of this destination. Compared to other district in Kerala, tribal population is highest in Wayanad District. Majority of the local people directly and indirectly depends upon tourism related activities. The hydel tourism is also an economically benefited project. Kerala State Electricity Board takes serious efforts to the potential of the site such as small garden in the dam-top and speed boating facilities. Now, Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre launches a project to the development of the destination. The Tourism Department had sanctioned Rs.40 lakh to the District Tourism Promotion Council to buy four speed boats. To understand the tourist importance to the destination government is planning a Hydel Tourism Project also provide fund to its promotional activities. KSEB and KHTC actively co-operated to the development of hydel tourism. Many economic benefit activities are providing Hydel tourism department in this destination. These are speed boating, virtual reality show, kayaking, coracle, pedal boat, horse riding, fish massage, fish spa etc. All these are eco-friendly activities and very well to enjoying the travelers. Every year one million tourist are visiting this destination. To understand the importance of accommodation facilities Hydel Tourism sites in Wayanad has constructed a building under the control of KSEB. This site not only provides accommodation facilities but also to give restaurant, handicraft shop, ice cream shop, tea shop and nursery. KHTC provide all these are economic and social benefit of the host community. Hydel tourism in this destination may have both positive and negative economic impact of the host community. Hence the question is what type of externalities is facing the host community in the study area? Hydel tourism has become a key driver for socio-economic development (Meyer and Meyer). Therefore, to discuss the socio-economic characteristics such as gender, age, education and occupation of host community is needed. 16
TABLE.4 SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LOCAL COMMUNITY Classification Number (n=30) Percentage (%) Gender Male 10 33 Female 20 67 Age 30-39 14 46 40-49 8 27 50 and above 8 27 Education Elementary School 24 80 High School 5 17 University 1 3 Occupation Worker/Farmer 20 67 Self-employed 9 30 Public Official 1 3 Source: Primary data Table. 4 show the important socio-economic characteristics of the local community in the study area. Gender discrimination is the important characteristics of tourism sector. Here, 33 per cent of respondents are male and 67 per cent are female. Women are the important component of the tourism industry. It also found that 46 per cent of the local communities are 30-39 age group, 27 per cent having both 40-49 and 50 and above. It is also determined that 80 per cent of the participants are only elementary school education and 17 per cent are high school education and 3 per cent are university level educational qualification. 67 per cent of the populations are workers/farmers (unskilled workers), whereas 30 per cent are self employed and 3 per cent are public officials. Tourism is highly a labour intensive sector. At the local level it generates income, employment and good standard of living. To analyze the economic development of the local community, 3-point likert scale was used. The rating scales for the respondent are Agree, No Opinion, and Disagree. An interesting result is that the whole sample respondents agreed the statements. That means after the implementation of hydel tourism in Banasura Sagar Dam the economic status of the host community has increased. The positive economic development such as to increase job opportunities in the destination and it will lead to increase the income of the local people. When their income increases, the standard of living also increased. Finally it has the result of increase in foreign exchange earning to the nation. TABLE.5 OPINION OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE (n=30) Opinion 1 Provides worthwhile job opportunities 2 Motivates business units to expand 3 Helps to increase the income of the community 4 Helps to improve the educational facilities in the region 5 Helps to increase the standard of living 6 Helps to increase the infrastructure 7 Helps to increase the investment in the area 8 Increased shopping opportunities 9 Spreads development to nearby areas 10 Increases foreign exchange earnings 11 Results an increase in the cost of living 12 Prevents the creation of other productive industry in the area. 13 Results increase in the price of land, house and commodity necessary for daily life 14 Leads to shortage of consumables. Source: Primary survey A-Agree A 17
CONCLUSION Wayanad is one of the naturally beauty and culturally heritage District in Kerala. In this district various type of tourism practices such as Rural tourism, Heritage tourism, Leisure tourism, Cultural tourism, Historical tourism, Wildlife tourism, Pilgrimage tourism, Health tourism, Monsoon tourism, Adventure tourism, Island tourism, Plantation tourism, Tribal tourism, Hydel tourism, Eco tourism and Festival tourism are effectively potentiated. Among them Hydel tourism in Wayanad is one of the new concept and local people in this destination economically benefited. The development of hydel projects in Banasura Sagar Dam positively influencing the infrastructure facilities of the remote area and increase the job opportunities for the local people and it reduce poverty and unemployment, it has created sustainable growth of tourism economy. REFERENCE 1. Bolwell Dain., Weinz Wolfgang.(2008), Reducing Poverty Through Tourism, Working Paper, International Labour Office, Geneva, pp.66 2. Joy V.S., (2012), Hill Tourism in Kerala, Phd Thesis, Mahathma Gandhi University,Kochin 3. Meyer.D.F., Meyer.N.(2015), The Role and Impact of Tourism on Local Economic Development: A Comparative Study, African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance, Volume 21(1:1), pp.197-214 4. Yeniasir Musthafa., Gokbulut Burak. (2018), Perception and Attitudes of Local People on Sustainable Cultural Tourism on the Islands: The Case of Nicosia, www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability 5. Kerala Tourism Statistics-2017 6. https://kerala-rivers.blogspot.com 7. www.keralahydeltourism.com 8. www.kseb.in I acknowledge with thank, University of Calicut for admission for Ph.D and UGC for financial assistance. 18