Sustainable ecotourism development using SWOT and QSPM approach: A study on Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Promoting religious tourism in Rameswaram has considered its rich and historic footprint and easing tourism infrastructure along the coastal belt of southern most corner state, Tamil Nadu. The prime objective of this study is to offer some strategies for sustainable ecotourism development. The study was based on different empirical analysis including questionnaire and interview surveying of local people, shop-keepers, hotels, and domestic as well foreign visitors. To this end, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) and based on results a quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) approach were used to manage the proper sustainability of ecotourism. Result showed that Rameswaram was facing so many difficulties regarding visitor's satisfaction level on unique food habit, lodging and services including pollution. So, the current management strategies were explicated that Rameswaram should conduct unsustainable ecotourism. If the local government wants to promote sustainable ecotourism development through some proper or concrete strategies then they must have to work on weaknesses and opportunities that will reduce the environmental effects as well as provide quality of services and make the place strategically tourism hotspot.

Keywords

• Tourism infrastructure
• Rameswaram
• SWOT
• QSPM
• Sustainable ecotourism