Sustainable heritage Tourism: Exploring its economic potential in Wayanad

Abstract

This study investigates the economic potential of sustainable heritage tourism in Wayanad, a region celebrated for its rich cultural and natural heritage. The primary objective is to assess the impact of heritage tourism on household income, community development, and local perceptions. Utilising a combination of descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and correlation studies, the research aims to identify significant predictors of economic benefits from tourism activities. Findings indicate that while there is broad recognition of the potential positive economic impact of heritage tourism, the actual benefits observed in household income are inconsistent and not strongly associated with demographic or socioeconomic factors. Challenges such as insufficient government support and low local involvement were highlighted as barriers to achieving sustainable growth. The study concludes that for heritage tourism to yield more substantial economic benefits, targeted policies and enhanced local participation are essential. Future research should incorporate qualitative approaches, explore longitudinal data, and evaluate the impact of government interventions to build a comprehensive understanding of sustainable heritage tourism’s role in regional development.