Tourism News

Tourism the breadwinner for artisans

A study undertaken by the Union Government revealed tourism as the main source of income for majority of artisans in Kerala. The study was conducted to assess the socio-economic impact of tourism on folk artists and artisans who earn livelihood in and around selected heritage sites in Kerala and Rajasthan. The study brought into light that, tourism provided the much needed employment generation, particularly in the lower income segment of the artisan household. It also shows that tourism plays a vital role in enhancing the standard of living of the artisan families by enabling them to acquire quality housing and other necessities of life such as safe drinking water, electricity, toilet facilities, within the home premises. The educational level of the artisans increased with increase in income level in both the states. Of the findings, a heartening aspect was, no child labour existed in the artisan work being carried out in Kerala. Exposure to tourism activities enhances the scope of employment generation for the artisans and employment increases the income level of the households. In Kerala the study covered 15 heritage sites located in Kovalam, Alapuzha, Periyar-Idukki, Kottayam, Kochi, Guruvayoor-Thrissur, Wayanad, Kasaragod and Kozhikode.