Indigenous Tribes and Inclusive Engagement: An Integrated Approach for Sustainable Livelihood Into the Future

Abstract

Tourism acts as a stimulant in rural poverty reduction and inclusive socioeconomic development. Sustainable tourism can significantly contribute to the economic diversification and local economic development of rural areas with its ability to create jobs and encourage infrastructural development focusing on preserving the environment, culture and indigenous groups. The detrimental effects of tourism on the economy, society and culture have shifted attention to sustainable travel. As a result, terms like ‘tribal tourism’, ‘ecotourism’ and ‘sustainable tourism’ have become popular. Inclusive engagement is a crucial agenda item in future tourism development and a major concern of many international organisations, including the United Nations. This chapter focuses on exploring the tribal communities and their involvement in sustainable tourism initiatives with an overarching focus on the role of the indigenous community and their skill sets in creating sustainable livelihoods through tribal tourism. Apart from creating direct and indirect employment opportunities, tribal tourism will support the growth of locally produced goods and have significant multiplier effects as capability-building initiatives will give impetus to the community's socioeconomic development.

Additionally, the sector offers notable advancements in the development of the tribal region. Tribal tourism will help people comprehend the significance of the ecosystem, local biodiversity and emission control activities on a deeper level (Thanikkad & Saleem, 2021). This chapter explores the indigenous tribes of Kerala and their ethnic skill sets, capabilities and means of livelihood. Further, the discussion on how the tourism domain promotes inclusive engagement of these tribes and aids in mapping skill sets, livelihood and inclusive engagement through tourism initiatives is explored.

Citation

Lakshmypriya, K. and Varghese, B. (2024), "Indigenous Tribes and Inclusive Engagement: An Integrated Approach for Sustainable Livelihood Into the Future", Tanrisever, C., Pamukçu, H. and Sharma, A. (Ed.) Future Tourism Trends Volume 1 (Building the Future of Tourism), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 99-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-244-520241008