First Public Sector Caravan Park In Kerala To Bring In More Tourists To Bekal Fort

Relevance: GS3 - Mobilization of resources, Growth, Development and Employment

(Source: The Hindu, 10/06/2023)

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Why in the news?

• Recently, the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC), has decided to set up a caravan park in Bekal Fort in Kasaragod, Kerala.
• The caravan park in Bekal will be the first one managed by the government in the state.

About Caravan Kerala Project

• Kerala is setting up a caravan park at Bekal Fort, which is known for its stunning architecture and overlooks the Arabian Sea.
• The project is being undertaken by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).
• Bekal has been selected for development under cinema tourism to attract tourists, while KTDC has also proposed caravan parks at Ponmudi and Bolgatty Palace.
• This will be the first public-sector caravan park in Kerala and the project has been sanctioned with a budget of ₹1.53 crore.
• Caravan tourism in the state initially gained popularity but lacked private investment. Currently, there is only one private caravan park in Wagamon.
• Administrative issues delayed the construction of some parks in the state. The introduction of more public-sector caravan parks is expected to boost the sector.

Growing Popularity of Caravan Tourism

• Caravan tourism has become increasingly popular worldwide due to its emphasis on freedom and flexibility in travel.
• It encompasses various types of vehicles such as Recreational Vehicles (RVs), Campervans, and Motor Homes.
• Caravans offer a unique tourism experience, allowing for family-oriented trips even in areas with limited hotel accommodations.
• These specially designed vehicles serve the dual purpose of transportation and accommodation.
• For successful caravan tourism, the availability of sufficient Caravan Parks in designated circuits is crucial.
• Caravan Parks are locations where caravans can park overnight in designated spaces, offering essential amenities and facilities for travellers.
• This type of tourism is gaining traction for its ability to provide a more independent and customizable vacation experience.

What are the Challenges Related to the Tourism Sector in India?

• Lacking in Infrastructure: The tourism sector in India faces issues with inadequate infrastructure, including roads, water supply, sewage systems, hotels, and telecommunications. These deficiencies can hinder the overall travel experience for tourists.
• Seasonality: Tourism in India is highly seasonal, with the peak tourist season typically limited to six months from October to March, and particularly crowded in November and December. This seasonality can lead to issues like overcrowding during certain months and reduced economic activity during the off-season.
• Challenges in Beautification of Other Places: There are several challenges in beautifying places in India including environmental impact, budget constraints, urban congestion, historical preservation, community engagement, maintenance, legal issues, diverse cultural preferences, resource allocation, and infrastructure and accessibility concerns.
• Lack of Connectivity: Many unexplored areas in India remain undiscovered due to insufficient surveys, infrastructure, and poor connectivity. As a result, domestic travel to these regions is hindered, leading to limited interest in exploring these hidden gems.
• Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety and security of tourists, particularly foreign nationals, is a significant concern. Incidents of attacks on foreign tourists raise doubts about India's ability to provide a secure environment for visitors from distant countries.
• Lack of Skilled Manpower: The tourism industry in India suffers from a shortage of skilled personnel. Trained professionals are needed in various roles to enhance the quality of service and the overall visitor experience.
• Absence of Basic Amenities: Many tourist destinations in India lack essential amenities such as clean drinking water, well-maintained restrooms, first-aid facilities, and cafeterias. The absence of these amenities can negatively impact the comfort and convenience of tourists.

Significance of Tourism Sector in India

• Economic Benefits: Tourism generates revenue through services like accommodation, transport, and attractions, fostering economic growth and job creation in the tourism sector and related industries.
• Cultural Exchange: It facilitates cultural exchange as visitors from diverse backgrounds learn about and experience the rich cultures and traditions of the destination, such as India.
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Tourism can contribute to preserving cultural heritage sites like temples and forts by providing funds for their maintenance and restoration.
• Environmental Benefits: In some instances, tourism supports environmental conservation through eco-tourism initiatives, promoting the protection of natural areas.
• Social Benefits: Local communities can benefit socially from tourism, including the creation of jobs and the development of essential infrastructure like schools and healthcare facilities.

Status of the Tourism Sector in India

• India ranks 6th according to the World Travel and Tourism Council in terms of Travel & Tourism total contribution to GDP in 2021.
• India is currently ranked 54th in World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index in 2021.
• India now has 42 sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as of 2023.
  • The latest ones are Rabindrnaath Tagore’s Shanktiniketan and Hoysala Temples of Karnataka.
• Employment: The tourism sector added 14.6 million jobs in 2022 bringing the total employment to 37.2 million.
• Budget: According to the Union Budget 2023-24, it was stated that up to 50 new tourist destinations will be developed. It was also stated that an information-driven app for tourists will be developed; and "Unity Malls" will be established in state capitals to showcase handicrafts and products with geographical indication (GI) status.

What are the initiatives related to tourism in India?

• Swadesh Darshan Scheme
• Dekho Apna Desh Initiative
• National Green Tourism Mission
• PRASAD scheme
• Buddhist Conclave
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
• Vibrant Villages Program

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