STRATEGIES FOR ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT - A CASE OF WAYANAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY FOREST AREA & ENVIRONS

Abstract

Ecotourism is a sort of responsible tourism that aims to educate visitors while raising funds for environmental protection, economic development, and respect for various cultures and human rights. The idea combines conservation, community, and long-term growth through travel. Over the last several decades, conservation groups, ecological disciplines, policymakers, and community planners have all shown an interest in applying eco-tourism concepts to maintain and preserve an area's biological richness while simultaneously boosting the economic well-being of the local people. Over the last decade, countless ecotourism studies have established a knowledge framework for sustainable tourist growth. Most earlier research has concentrated on the benefits of ecotourism sites for the economy and the environment. The eco-tourism development significantly contributes to Wayanad’s expansion as a premier global tourism destination. The main contribution of Wayanad's economy is agriculture and tourism. The study includes ecotourism spots of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and its environs which also includes heritage & culture tourism spots of Wayanad. Ecotourism hotspots should be on the agenda of both domestic and foreign tourists even though the infrastructure and other amenities are inadequate. Climatic change, irregular climate behaviour, poverty, unemployment, and inequality have all been identified as threats to which eco-tourism techniques have been acknowledged as viable solutions. This thesis looks at formulating strategies for ecotourism development in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary & environs to build economic, social, and environmental characteristics at ecotourism sites and in local communities. Information gathering and observation methods were used to obtain data from ecotourism spots in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Forest area. The environs and the materials were evaluated using ecotourism ideas and principles. This also assisted in exploring multiple alternatives that aid in uplifting local inhabitants and how to develop transportation & infrastructure facilities without jeopardizing the environment in many ways. Strategies are provided to enhance eco-tourism that would be both responsible and profitable.