REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF (ECO-) TOURISM DEMAND AND TARGET GROUPS

IN TAMILNADU WITH REFERENCE TO PALK BAY SITE OF

RAMANATHAPURAM DISTRICT
By
Dr.T.Marirajan 1 , N.Rajendraprasad2 ,T.Velmurugan3 & Loyola Aumose4
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1
Senior Lecturer, Dept of Social Work, DMI-ST.Eugene University, Chibombo, Zambia, Ph: 0919751253722,
E-Mail: tmarirajan@gmail.com,
2
Research Scholar, Dept of Rural health & Sanitation, Gandhigram Rural University, Tamilnadu
3
Assistant Lecturer, Dept of Social Work, DMI-ST.Eugene University, Chibombo, Zambia
4
Assistnt, Dept of Social Work, DMI-ST.John The Baptist University, Mangochi, Malawi
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Summary:
Eco – Tourism is one of the fast growing sector

1. INTRODUCTION:
Nature tourism has been one of the fastest-growing segments of the international tourism market.
Developing countries have established themselves as particularly important nature tourism
destinations. It is safe to assume that the global demand for nature-based recreational tourism
and nature experience products will continue to increase in the future. Active involvement by the
tourism sector and the tourism destinations in biodiversity conservation efforts and activities to
protect environmental health and natural areas in the long term is not only essential, but is also in
the industry’s own interest. This is most especially true of areas which are protected and which
are particularly popular (such as national parks and biosphere reserves) because of their
ecological importance.

As early as the mid-1990s, the term ‘ecotourism’ came into frequent use in the international
debate on sustainable forms of nature tourism. It is crucial to note that this term is not regarded
as synonymous with ‘nature tourism’. Conceptually, it is based on the definition of sustainable
tourism, which means that it implies the aim of implementing sustainable forms of tourism,
especially in protected areas. Thus, ‘ecotourism’ is not used to denote a tourism product, but

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rather a conceptual approach to responsible travel within natural areas. At the heart of the debate
on ecotourism is the question of under what conditions and how tourism in natural and (large-
scale) protected areas can be developed and managed in an ecologically and socially responsible
way.
It is in this context, there is a growing momentum developed among many developing countries
for taping the untapped eco-tourism potential of their own protected areas. In India, the
Government of Germany, through its Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature
Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) supports a collaboration with the Ministry
of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India through the
project “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas”
(CMPA). The project is implemented in selected coastal states in India in close collaboration
with respective State Governments.

As part of the CMPA pilot project in Palk bay of Ramanathapuram district, Tamilnadu, the
present eco-tourism potential and demand study was initiated with the following objectives.

2. THE MAJOR OBJECTIVES OF STUDY ARE:

The specific objectives of the study is
a) To assess the feasibility, market potentials, gaps and needs of sustainable tourism at Palk
Bay site in Tamilnadu
b) To identify appropriate measures for improving sustainable tourism planning, marketing
and management, both site-specific and in the wider context of tourism development
policies of the state concerned.

3. MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study was carried out during August 2015 to March 2016 in coastal villages of Palk
Bay, Ramnathapuram district. There are two tourism cluster identified by Tamilnadu Tourism
Development Corporation (TTDC) namely Rameswaram and Devipattinam was selected.
Primary data collection done through the application Tourism destination analysis tool developed
by GIZ as part of stakeholders meetings held at Devipattinam and Rameswaram and later it
consolidated as combined report of Palk bay site. The performance level measured in the tourism

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destination analysis tools had four performance intervals based on high quality indicators - High
performance: 80-100% / Reasonable performance: 60-79% / Low performance: 40-59% /
Insufficient performance: Less than 40%.

Apart from this, semi structured interview (SSI) were also done among the representatives of
tourism industries such as Yathirai Paniyalar Sangam (local Guide association), Tour Operator,
Municipality, Hotel association, Taxi Owners association, Auto drivers association,
photographers association and officials from TTDC and Forest department attended. Before
stakeholders meetings, rapid assessment field visits to eco-tourism sites and relevant ministries
also done by the research team. In addition to this, review and preliminary analysis of available
secondary studies, documents and statistical data on (eco-) tourism demand and target groups in
the State of Tamil Nadu also done by the research to supplement the primary data.

3.1. Focus areas of investigation:

 Current status of (eco-) tourism demand and supply in each of the State of Tamil Nadu;
 Examples and good practices of tourism development in coastal areas in the State of
Tamil Nadu;
 Stakeholder analysis for the identification of the organisations, institutions and operators
dealing with (eco-) tourism in the State of Tamil Nadu.

4. DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS

4.1.CURRENT STATUS OF TOURISM DEMAND AND SUPPLY IN TAMILNADU

Tamil Nadu’s tourism sector is the second largest in India, after Andhra Pradesh. Tamil Nadu
has a 15% share in the total number of tourists visiting India and growing annually at the rate of
16%. Tourism has been declared as an “Industry” in Tamil Nadu and the state provides
investment subsidy for tourism projects.

4.1.1. Tourist Arrivals to Tamil Nadu state

Aggressive promotion and marketing campaigns through print and electronic media at the
domestic, national and international levels and creation and up gradation of basic amenities and

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infrastructure at tourist spots have resulted in the increase of tourist arrivals to Tamil Nadu. The
number of tourists arriving in Tamil Nadu has increased 18 times since 1990. The figure, as per
the latest available statistics (2013) has gone up to 2481.22lakh. Of this, domestic tourists
number 2442.32 lakh and foreign tourists 39.90 lakh.

Domestic (in lakh) Foregin (in lakh) Growth rate %

2000 50

40
1500
30
1000
20
500 10

0 0

Fig 1: Tourist Arrival in Tamilnadu Fig 2: Growth rate of tourist arrival in Tamilnadu
Source: GoTN Tourism Policy Document 2013-14, 2014

The growth rate of tourism sector in Tamilnadu started increased from 2006 and maintains the
growth rate above 30% for the last three years. Infrastructure development has played a major
role in the development of tourism in Tamil Nadu.

4.1.2. Tourist Arrival at study site:

According to Manickaraj (2015), the total tourists’ arrival in Rameshwaram coastal spot was
12.56 lakh tourists and 2010 it increased to 66.13 lakh tourists an increase of nearly four times.
The average annual growth rate of total tourists’ arrival in Rameshwaram coastal spot is 19.40
per cent between the periods from 2001 to 2010. The recent assessment by Tourism department,
Rameswaram about daily arrival tourist even in the month of April goes from 7000 to 10000.

According to local representatives of Tourism Management group, initiated by DHAN

Foundation, says 500 to 700 tourist regularly visiting Devipattinam. The management committee

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assessment reveals that Minimum 7,50,000 pilgrims and tourists are coming to this place per
year..

1,119,386 1,371,836

798,628 4.2. Eco tourism Potential in Tamilnadu:

Tamilnadu Eco-Tourism Policy provides
strategic direction to engage local

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

communities, tourists, forest officials,
Government and other stakeholders in
promoting effective eco-tourism activities in the State resulting in conservation and preservation
of resources. Eco tourism operation is already started in 7 protected area sites from 2011
onwards.
Fig 3: Tourist inflow in eco-tourism site managed by forest department (in lakhs)

4.2.1. Eco tourism Potential of the study site:

The results of Rapid destination analysis shows that the accessibility of road facilities is
reasonable and the area can be reached under acceptable conditions and in a reasonable
time. East coast road links several important places and four way track from Madurai
to Dhanuskodi is underway. The current level of surface transport facilities are good
and the area can be reached different cardinal points which facilitate increase local
tourist inflow every year. Trains are insufficient. There is no direct train from Kerala and
Karnataka, Delhi and North east. The international airport located in Madurai within reachable
time but direct international traveller are coming only from Sri Lanka and Dubai to Madurai
airport

Majority of visitors felt that the security arrangement for visitors is insufficient and
there are no safety concerns for visitors with the use of and stay in the area. Health
risks are very common in this region and Malaria and Dengue were the common

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communicable disease due to inflict of visitors. There is no armed conflict but theft is
very common and road accidents are frequent.

It is evident that, the area provides interesting attractions for visitors and the
effectiveness indicators scored 66 per cent of marks which denotes reasonably
performance. According to the stakeholder’s point of view, Sea, Islands, temples are the place of
attraction. Dolphins, migratory birds are animal and bird attractions available in rare occasions.
This area provides but there is no entertainment places developed. Cultural attractions such as
Dhanuskodi cyclone reminisce, Rameswaram temple, Kothandaramar temple, Jadu theertham
and Ponthampuli tree prominent in this area.

ANALYSIS RESULTS OF DESTINATION OF

RAMESWARAM
Access
100%

80%
68%
60%
Management Attractiveness
40% 66%

34% 20%
0%

55% 60%
Services and 37%
Infrastructure
products

Security Sc…

Fig 4: Analysis results of destination of Rameswaram

The accommodation and catering services offered by the tourism industries performed
very low performance than expected. During the peak session, the existing
accommodation facilities are not sufficient. The food served in the hotel less in taste. The area

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recently developing diverse nature and culture -related tourism activities such as hiking, biking,
swimming, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and museums, exhibitions in small scale. Tourist
information brochure is available only for temple tourism purpose not eco-tourism

A professional tourism strategy for the study site is available with TTDC and it is not included
independent stakeholders other than government. Hence the implementation of management
strategy and its performance received very low performance. More than 50 tourism operators are
functioning in the project site but only three of them registered with tourism department. The
collection of solid waste is done but there is scientific disposal mechanism available.

4.3. Estimated demand-supply situation in 2023

The Tamilnadu Vision 2023 strategic plan for Infrastructure Development in Tamil Nadu was
launched during March 2012. The second volume of the Vision Document which includes
significant thrust to the development of tourism was released during February 2013. The
investment target set for the tourism sector is Rs.10,300 crores, for development of various
tourist facilities. The Vision 2023 envisages attracting 1.5million foreign tourists by the year
2023. It is estimated that by 2023 the average daily foreign tourist arrivals will increase to 41,000
and the State is expected to attract 1.3 million domestic tourists per day.

4.4. STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE

ORGANISATIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND OPERATORS DEALING WITH (ECO-)
TOURISM IN TAMILNADU
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is the arm that is responsible for
coordination with several related Government departments, agencies and the private sector.
TTDC has three main operations, namely, Hotels, Transport and Fairs. The corporation operates
hotels, youth hostels, restaurants, tours, and boat and telescope houses as demonstration projects
for the private sector. They are also running tourist information centres and tourist office in
important touristic places across the state. Forest Department is responsible for development of
eco-tourism destinations, eco-tourism assets and eco-tourism services. There is no separate eco-
tourism Board or an Authority is available in Tamilnadu. Apart from the government

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departments, the following stakeholder are also involved / to be involved in promotion of eco-
tourism.
 Hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other tourists complexes providing accommodation and /
or catering and food facilities to tourists;
 Travel agencies, tour operators and tourist transport operators;
 Units providing facilities for cultural, adventure and wildlife experiences to tourists;
 Surface, water and air transport facilities for tourists;
 Leisure, entertainment, amusement, sports and health units for tourists; and,
 Convention/ seminar units and organisations.
 And finally the local community / dependent on particular eco resource.

5. CONCLUSION
Ecotourism in Tamilnadu had potential to generate revenue and pay for conservation of
important natural habitats of coastal and marine habitats and wild forests because these are major
attractions for tourists. The state eco-tourism policy encourage the following activities in Coastal
areas such as
 Exploring Mangrove Forest
 Exploring Coral reef and sea World
 Motor boat riding
 Para sailing and Scuba diving
 Water Skiing and Wind surfing and Kite surfing
 Board surfing and Snorkelling
But eco-tourism activities must ensure that the natural resources of protected and natural areas
that may be affected by tourism development are protected and that appropriate action is taken to
avoid potential conflicts between nature conservation and tourism (destruction of plants,
disturbance of animals, trampling damage, and erosion). The focus of activities in this area is on
supporting a cooperative and sustainable protected-area management (tourism zoning, visitor
direction and information, creation of an appropriate infrastructure, visitor monitoring). In
addition, tourism is used to create new sources of income which are intended to benefit the local
population and to provide more financial flexibility for sustainable protected area management.

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Hence, the present study suggested to follow the approach of eco-tourism efforts must be
community based one and the local community of this region must be primary rightful
beneficiary of the big effort than business groups.

REFERENCE:
1. 20 Year Perspective Tourism Plan for the State of Tamil Nadu – Final report, 2003
2. Government of Tamil Nadu Annual Plan 2011-12
3. Government of India, Ministry of Tourism, Annual Report 2011
4. Government of Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy Document 2013-14
5. Government of Tamil Nadu Tourism Policy Document 2014-15
6. Tamilnadu Vision 2023 document
7. Manickaraj (2015), Coastal tourism in the gulf of mannar an economic analysis, Dept of
Economic, Manonmaniyam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli
8. Bhaskarn and Premavathi (2014) Eco-tourism, scope its ecological impact analysis and the need
for conservation ethics – a case study of Dindugal, Theni and Madurai districts of Tamil nadu.
African Journal of Science and Research , 2014, (3)2:34-41 ISSN: 2306-5877 Available Online:
http://ajsronline.com/
9. V. SOBHANA DEVI and SAMPADA KUMAR SWAIN (2012), An Assessment Of Sustainable
Tourism Development Practices: A Qualitative Study Of Selected Resorts In East Coast Road In
Tamil Nadu, SAJTH, July 2012, Vol. 5, No. 2, © South Asian Journal of Tourism and Heritage
10. Naomi M. Saville (2002), Sustainable Ecotourism and eco-enterprise opportunities in the Gulf of
Mannar, Tamil Nadu, India, M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation Taramani Institutional
Area, CPT Campus, Chennai 600 113, INDIA
11. Revenue Generation through Eco tourism: Potential and Prospects from Forestry Sector in
Tamilnadu, Workshop Series 16/EE (2014), State Planning Commission – Tamilnadu,
Tharamani, Chennai.