Geographical Indication and Tourism: A Study on the Awareness, Factors Influence, and the Scope of GI Tagging in Kerala as a Rural Tourism Development Tool
Published: 2023
Author(s) Name: Divya Das, M. R. Dileep |
Author(s) Affiliation: Dept. of Travel and Tourism, Pazhassi Raja College (University of Calicut), Wayanad, Kerala, India.
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Abstract
A geographical indication (GI), one of the intellectual property rights, is a sign applied to products with a particular geographical origin that fundamentally bears attributes, reputations, or features unique to that origin (WIPO, 2012). This study inspects the Geographical Indications as a new opportunity for rural areas to develop and to raise awareness of its importance for rural tourism development. The study was conducted in Kerala, India, popular in the realm of tourism as God’s Own Country. The research findings demonstrate that the GI-tagged products in Kerala provide more socio-economic benefits in the rural areas as they offer differentiated and high-value-added products, and the consumers’ willingness to purchase these kinds of products is high. These results are useful in understanding how geographical indications can be used and developed as a means of attracting tourists to visit rural areas of Kerala due to their unique characteristics and also to promote these products at an international scale.
Keywords: Geographical Indication, Authenticity, Rural Tourism, Rural Development, Kerala
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