Community-Based Tourism Enterprises in Kerala: A Case Study of Kumarakom

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to apply Dr Anna Maria Peredo and Dr James J. Chrisman's model of community-based enterprises to assess the success of community-based tourism enterprises in Kumarakom, Kerala. Through a qualitative analysis of primary and secondary data, this study aims to evaluate the extent to which community ownership and control, social mission and values, economic viability, and management and governance are present in the tourism initiatives studied, and how they contribute to the success of those initiatives. The findings of this study could help inform policy decisions and support the development of sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and preserve the environment.

Scope of the study: This study will focus on community-based tourism enterprises in Kumarakom, Kerala, and their adherence to the conceptual framework put forward by Dr Anna Maria Peredo and Dr James J. Chrisman's model of community-based enterprises. The study will include a review of relevant literature on community-based tourism and sustainable tourism development, as well as primary data collection through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved in the tourism initiatives, such as community members, government officials, and tourism operators.

Methodology: This research employs a case study approach to analyse the role of community-based tourism in the socio-economic development of Kumarakom, using the Dr Anna Maria Peredo and Dr James J. Chrisman model of Community-based Enterprises as a theoretical framework. A list of local businesses involved in tourism was created, considering those owned and managed by members of the local community. The assistance of tourist entrepreneurs in Kumarakom helped to identify such enterprises. Two types of questionnaires were administered to gather data: one aimed at local businesses and the other at tourists. Information was also gathered through personal meetings with authorities from the central and state tourist offices, the irrigation department, local community members, and industrial stakeholders. Data was analysed using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, with the thematic analysis used for qualitative data and descriptive statistics used for quantitative data. In this study, ethical guidelines were followed to make sure that participants were informed about the study and their information was kept confidential. The study aimed to minimize harm and maximize benefits to the community by involving them in the research process and disseminating findings to relevant stakeholders.

Design: Tourists, the local communities, and Responsible Tourism-Mission (RT-M) units were chosen as the case study's group. The convenience sample technique was used, and survey participants who were willing to provide feedback were addressed. The information was gathered using a structured questionnaire like, what is the state of the art of knowledge on community-based tourism as well as community-based enterprises and the gaps in the current knowledge, what are the key factors that determine the success or failure of CBT in the rural areas of Kumarakom, what are the perceptions of local rural communities in Kumarakom on the role of CBT and CBE. This information was gathered from the study’s group. In addition, the secondary data sources include articles, journals, the internet, and published survey reports.

Findings: The study indicates that tourists prefer community-based tourism because they believe it can boost local economies and create job opportunities. This case study highlights the impact of community-based tourism initiatives on infrastructure, employment opportunities, and living standards of local citizens in villages, revealing a significant positive effect on the community. Furthermore, community-based tourism initiatives have transformed tourist perceptions of customs, culture, and ethnicity. Regulations are necessary to balance the positive benefits of community-based tourism on communities and tourists' perceptions of the town and its resources, enabling service providers to continue their sustainable expansion in the future.

Value: This study provides insights into local perceptions of community-based tourism and its role in local tourism and community development. The findings offer opportunities for further research in this area.

Paper Type: Case study-based Research Analysis