A Study on Factors Influencing the Visitor Experience on Eco Tourism Activities at Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Abstract

Eco tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of tourism industry. Its potential for growth is virtually unlimited. Any tourism program which is: nature - based, ecologically sustainable, where education and interpretation is a major concept and where local people are benefited can be called ecotourism. The Western Ghats of Kerala, with its tropical forest ecosystem, provides a natural advantage for development of Ecotourism and can be projected as an Ecotourism Zone in the true sense. It is commonly perceived that ecotourism in protected areas can bring incentives necessary for their management and has minimal physical and social impact on the visited area. They also demonstrate the commitment of the present generation to the future generation. Protected areas are the cornerstone of most national biodiversity conservation strategies. The research study revealed the features, facilities and experience of tourists on ecotourism activities at Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. The study identifies the factors that influences the visitors to undertake tourism activities at Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, and suggested measures to increase the satisfaction level of visitors by improving the facilities at the Tiger Reserve for a sustainable tourism development in the region.

Keywords: Eco Tourism, Protected Area, Sustainable Development

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