Entrepreneurs seek a roadmap for promoting ecotourism spots in Kozhikode

As the countdown begins for local body polls, local tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders are eagerly waiting for candidates’ response to a set of innovative and sustainable development strategies for the promotion of ecotourism spots in Kozhikode district. They have raised the issue at a time when ecotourism and farm tourism are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments of Kerala’s tourism economy.

“Routine maintenance alone is not enough. What we need is an attractive action plan tailored to each local body and ecotourism centres that can attract international sightseers,” says N. Shibin, a tourism entrepreneur from Vayalada.

He says that destination management committees should be strengthened with greater authority and a dedicated share of revenue from each destination.

The Kozhikode-based Malabar Chamber of Commerce, which recently convened a meeting of major tourism operators, also points to the need for a structured approach to planning in the sector.

Chamber functionaries point out that showcasing Malabar’s attractions at international tourism fairs is critical to expanding market reach. They also recommend the preparation of detailed field-level reports for even the smallest tourist sites to secure government assistance and ensure systematic development.

According to a district-level coordination of investors in the tourism sector, more than 15 associations in the Malabar region are ready to collaborate with local administrators, provided there is consistent administrative backing.

They point out that candidates contesting the elections have the responsibility to include tourism development, especially ecotourism and sustainable livelihood initiatives, as a central campaign agenda. Although many villages around Kozhikode’s ecotourism hubs now have a network of homestays and resorts, residents in rural areas argue that their opportunities for income generation, especially for financially backward families, remain largely untapped. They point to the potential for new ventures in traditional cuisine, handicrafts production, cultural performances, farm visits, and adventure tourism.

“Over the past decade, ecotourism sites such as Thusharagiri, Arippara, Kakkayam, Vayalada, Janakikad, and Kakkadampoyil have gained popularity among travellers. What we seek is the launch of more domestic tourism promotion ventures with local people’s participation around such destinations,” says P.V. Ajinas, a tourist taxi operator.

Local residents from panchayats like Koodaranji, Kodenchery, and Thiruvambady point out that they have already appealed to all candidates to prioritise sustainable livelihood promotion projects.

Some of the leading rural tour operators also observe that Kozhikode is yet to explore its potential in pilgrim tourism, an area that can attract visitors with an interest in heritage, culture and spirituality.