A Study on Significance of Backwater Tourism and Safe Houseboat Operation in Kerala

The Backwaters of Kerala are historically important. The backwaters and interconnecting navigable canals have made a number of rural tourism destinations with matchless beauty. These backwater systems were once Kerala’s own trade highways. The major component of backwater tourism is houseboat cruising. The State has sensed the potential of backwater tourism in nowadays. Mass tourism movement in this sector caused for the multidimensional impacts on the economic, socio-cultural and bio-physical environment. Being an Eco-tourism product, backwater tourism needs sustainable and responsible tourism practice. Considering the need for the sustenance of the houseboat operation as a unique tourism product, it is mandatory to ensure the quality of facilities and services. In this paper, the researcher is trying to focus on the importance of backwater tourism in Kerala. Also giving special attention to identify various aspects of safe houseboat operations and the issues related. The major issues related to houseboat operation are lack of infrastructure, issues of licensing, issues of safety, environmental issues, and lack of quality services. In this study, the researcher is highlighting the need for the sustenance of the house boating by giving effective recommendations to reduce the negative aspects.