Emerging tourism spots in Kozhikode district are struggling due to the absence of well-equipped destination management committees. Despite efforts to form these committees with the participation of people’s representatives and local residents, the lack of funding and support from government departments remains a major obstacle.
Two popular eco-tourism spots, Kakkadampoyil and Kariyathumpara, are particularly affected by this lack of proper management. While there are small collectives of local residents assisting local bodies in planning new projects, tourists visiting these spots have yet to experience the benefits of independent committees.
In many locations, the development of master plans for tourism amenities is still in the early stages. Only areas under the jurisdiction of the District Tourism Promotion Council and the Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre are currently benefiting from a comprehensive management system that caters to the growing number of visitors.
Efforts are being made to address the issue in Kakkadampoyil by reconstituting the committee with more members and preparing a master plan for the destination. Once these plans are finalized, the majority of concerns can be addressed. Furthermore, the lack of parking spaces can be resolved by developing the already identified spots after the monsoon season.
Meanwhile, at Kariyathumpara, the absence of a controlling mechanism for crowd management continues to be a major headache. The high turnout during weekends and holidays often overwhelms the destination, dampening the experience for first-time visitors. The establishment of a fully equipped destination management committee, with increased participation from local residents, is urgently needed.
Pathankayam, another eco-tourism spot in Kozhikode district known for recurring incidents of drowning, faces similar challenges. The Kodenchery panchayat is considering implementing a safe tourism destination project with multiple facilities, but completion is expected to take several years.
To tackle this issue, the panchayat is planning to form a Vana Samrakshana Samiti model destination management committee under the destination challenge scheme. The cooperation of approximately 50 families in the area will be sought to establish the committee and ensure a participatory model of development. The panchayat has allocated ₹30 lakh to initiate the development works.
In conclusion, the lack of well-equipped destination management committees is hindering the development of emerging eco-tourism spots in Kozhikode district. The shortage of funds and the lack of patronage from government departments are major obstacles that need to be addressed. Efforts are being made to reconstitute committees and prepare master plans, but more support and resources are required to fully realize the potential of these tourist destinations.
