Women Entrepreneurship Development in Kerala’s Tourism Industry: A Responsible Tourism Perspective from Malappuram District

Tourism plays a significant role in the overall
development of a nation by generating employment opportunities and
fostering both economic and social progress. The tourism sector
contributes substantially to job creation and community development.
Kerala is recognized as one of the world’s most popular tourist
destinations due to its distinctive culture, traditions, and diverse
demographic composition, which attract visitors from across the
globe. Marketed as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala is endowed with
abundant natural resources, including beaches, hill stations,
backwaters, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.
The tourism industry in Kerala provides extensive opportunities
for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to participate in small-scale,
income-generating activities such as hospitality services, textile
businesses, airlines, tour operations, travel services, and other related
sectors. Existing studies indicate a growing involvement of women
entrepreneurs in tourism development activities in Kerala, which has
contributed positively to the overall development of local
communities.
The present study seeks to examine the role of women
entrepreneurs in promoting responsible tourism, with specific
reference to Malappuram district. Malappuram is home to several
prominent tourist destinations. The study is based on both primary
and secondary data. Primary data were collected from women
entrepreneurs engaged in tourism-related activities in Nilambur,
Biyyam Kayal, Nilayoram Park, Kuttippuram, Kottakkal, Ponnani,
Mampuram, Padinjarakkara Beach, and Kottakkunnu. These
locations represent major tourist centers in Malappuram district,
where a majority of women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector
depend on these destinations for their livelihood.