Study on Economic Effects of Tourism Activities in Thrissur District

Abstract

Tourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing service industries in Kerala, contributing substantially to income generation, employment creation and regional development. Thrissur District, known as the “Cultural Capital of Kerala,” attracts domestic and international tourists through festivals, heritage sites, natural attractions and religious tourism. The expansion of tourism-related activities has stimulated the local economy by generating demand for accommodation, transport services, handicrafts, food industries and informal sector employment. The present study analyses the economic effects of tourism activities in Thrissur District using a descriptive research design and purposive sampling. Primary data were collected from 100 respondents associated with tourism-related occupations. Findings indicate that tourism significantly enhances household income, seasonal employment opportunities and small-scale entrepreneurial activities. However, issues such as infrastructure bottlenecks, seasonal fluctuations, congestion and inadequate promotional strategies continue to limit the sector’s full potential.