Beetu Sebastian1 and Irene Eliza Sabu
Abstract
Ecotourism offers a compelling alternative to mass tourism, defined as traveling to relatively undisturbed or pristine natural areas with the specific goals of studying, admiring, and enjoying their scenery, wildlife, and cultural elements (both historical and contemporary). It is dedicated to preserving and sustaining the diversity of the worldâs natural and cultural environments. By accommodating and entertaining visitors in a manner that is minimally intrusive or damaging to the environment, ecotourism supports and sustains native cultures within these locations. Essentially, it involves managing tourism and conserving nature to balance the demands of tourism with ecological needs, while also addressing local community needs for employment, skills development, income, and improved status for women. Sustainable development is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept encompasses various dimensions, including economic, social, cultural, ecological, and physical constraints (IISD, 2012). Both ecotourism and sustainable development are closely linked, as ecotourism activities and policies can foster sustainable development and environmental conservation. This paper aims to assess the capacity of ecotourism to promote sustainable development in the state of Kerala.