Community Participation in Responsible Tourism - A Case of Thenmala Panchayath in Kerala

Kerala has become one of the top tourism destinations and considered as the trendsetters in the country. The availability of natural resources and skilled laborers, strong local governments, helpful entrepreneurial community, multitude of small enterprises, streams of professionals and academicians, responsive tourism industry and responsible media give the state a perfect setting to implement and apply Responsible Tourism. Responsible tourism (RT) is the tourism that minimises negative social, economic and environmental impacts and generates greater economic benefits for local people. It gives the local community a sense of participation and socio-economic benefits. It is considered as a responsible path towards sustainable future. It enables local communities to enjoy a better quality of life through increased socio-economic benefits and improved national resource management. It provides various employment opportunities to enhance their wellbeing. Local community plays a significant role in Responsible Tourism that creates socio-economic development on the lives of local community. Responsible tourism is the way ahead for Kerala�s tourism industry.