The perceived impact of tourism development and sustainable strategies for residents of Varkala, South India

Tourism is an important business for contemporary society and is emerging as a major economic activity globally. Technological expansion and economic divergence have created a tourism friendly environment in the present age of globalization. India has a great geographical, historical and cultural heritage that drives tourism in the country. The Varkala cliff is a geoheritge site and popular tourist destination in Kerala where inhabitants earn a means of living by involving them in medical, pilgrim, beaches, and nature-based tourism. The tourist inflow to Varkala has increased tremendously over time. This paper investigates the impact of tourism the on the local community and alternative strategies of livelihood for residents in Varkala. The aims and objectives of the research are achieved through the use of a mixed method approach (qualitative and quantitative). Semi-structured questionnaires were prepared for 100 households and detailed face to face interviews were conducted with the 13 chief informers. Data were analyzed using correlation, regression analysis and ANOVA tests to examine the relationship between tourism and income level of the local community. The major findings of the paper show that tourism is the major source of livelihood for the local communities in Varkala. While the tourism activities in the study area provide a meaningful source of livelihood, it is imperative to find alternative strategies of producing income, due to the instability and seasonality of the tourism industry. The investigation suggests managers within the study area should formulate plans, policies and strategies that will improve the tourism industry and involve local community members in the decision making process and management of tourism activities.