SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN KONKAN: A NEED OF TIME

Tourism is one of the largest global industries with much of the growing market
focused around pristine natural as well as cultural environments. It includes coastal and
marine areas, forts, forests, wildlife sanctuaries, temples, etc. Tourism plays an important
and vital role in the economic development of the developing country, like India (Tourism,
Planning Commision of India). It creates opportunities for employment in the service
industries associated with it and include transportation (Airlines, Cruise ships and
Taxicabs), hospitality (Accommodations including hotels and resorts) and entertainment
venues (Amusement parks, casinos, shopping malls, music venues and theatres)
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruise_ship). Tourism can benefit local communities and
Government through revenue generation and employment. However, tourism can also
threaten the resources by destroying habitat, disturbing wildlife, affecting water quality,
and threaten communities by over-development, crowding, and disruption of local culture.
In addition, conventional tourism often does not benefit the local community when tourist
revenue “leaks” to outside operators (World Tourism Organization). As a result, tourism
can destroy the very resources on which it depends. In contrast, sustainable tourism is
consciously planned to benefit local residents, respect local culture, conserve natural
resources, direct more of the profits to the local community and Government, and educate
both tourists and local residents about the importance of conservation.