CHAPTER 8. SAWANTWADI-AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONshodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/73085/18/18_chapter8.pdf · Sawantwadi. The industries here are food processing - canning,

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CHAPTER 8. SAWANTWADI-AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATION8.1 INTRODUCTION

Tourism in developing countries is a crucial agent for development and indeed an ideal

economic alternative to traditional sectors. But as destinations exploit their tourism

potentials, they have to realise that the involvement of the local communities in tourism

development projects is vital. It lays emphasis on how the local people are being involved

in tourism development in the region and how such integration can be used as a means to

win the obviously needed local community’s support for the industry.

Sawantwadi is a Taluka in Sindhudurg district in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

Sawantwadi has a municipal council, which is a local civic body and is 120 years old.

"Sawantwadi Town" was the former capital of the erstwhile 'Kingdom Of Sawantwadi'

during the pre-independence era. It was ruled by the Bhonsale clan. The Sawantwadi

Town also known as Sawantwadi or Sunderwadi is built around a lake called the 'Moti

Talav', the "Khaskilwada" at the north-east of the lake, "Royal Palace Complex" at the

north, "Vizierwada" at the north-west and newly developed housing complexes at the

south. The sprawling Queen's College Of Medicine is at the west.

The place is extremely scenic with the Moti Talav right in the middle surrounded by

small lanes. The whole city is surrounded by mountains on all sides which gives it an

enigmatic view.

Sawantwadi City is famous for its arts and culture. It is especially known for its wooden

crafts. Apart from that various traditional arts still thrive in the city. E.g. Lacquer ware,

Ganjifa cards, Sawantwadi Moghul pattern cards, etc.

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8.2 PROFILE OF SAWANTWADI

1. Geographic Description

Sawantvadi is situated on the west coast of India and is bounded by Arabian Sea to its

west and the Western Ghats to its east, the Northern Boundary reaches Kudal taluka and

the area extends south to Goa.

Sawantwadi has a tropical climate, summer and winter months experience similar

temperate conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 27 °C (81 °F) to 34 °C

(93 °F). Humidity is approximately 78% on average and peaks during May, June and

July. Sawantwadi is connected by road and rail to Mumbai. Sawantwadi Road station on

Konkan Railway is situated 6km from Town Centre. The nearest hill station is Amboli,

which comes under the Sawantvadi taluka jurisdiction. Nearby villages include Verle,

Chaukul, Kumbhawade, Banda, Sangeli, Kalmbist, Shirshinge, and Dongarpal.

2. The People and Communities

As per 2001 India census, Sawantwadi had a population of 22,871. Males constitute 50%

of the population and females 50%. Sawantwadi has an average literacy rate of 82%,

higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85% and female literacy is

79%. The people of Sawantvadi are ethnic Malvanis. Majority of the population is

composed of ethnic Marathas. The population includes Konkanasth (Chitpavan) and

Karhade Brahmins, Dalits and Malvani Muslims, Vaishya Vani samaj, Christians, Deshis

and Saraswats.

3. Culture of Sawantwadi

The official language used in Sawantwadi is Marathi. Though, Malvani which is a dialect

of Marathi is spoken by most of the people. Portuguese and Konkani are also spoken in

this region by a small minority. Most of the people understand Hindi and few people can

also communicate in English. The cuisine is the predominantly non-vegetarian Malvani

cuisine.

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4. Study Area Map

MAP8.1 MAP OF SAWANTWADI TALUKA

5. Education

Sawantwadi has strengthened its capacity as Education Centre. Students from many

nearby villages come here for education. Sawantwadi has Five high schools, of which,

two are English medium, Degree College for Commerce, Science & Arts, Fine Arts.,

Medical College for Ayurveda, Industrial Technical Institute (ITI) etc. are catering to the

educational needs of the people of this area.

6. Study Area Economy

Sawantwadi has mixed economy in which traditional economy has a big role. Traditional

includes Craft, Art & Hospitality. The economic growth has a very good blending of

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traditional craft, art & tourism. In the field of art and culture, Sawantwadi has been

known for its handicraft for about 250 years. It is famous for traditional art of painting,

wooden craft and pottery craft, carved bison horns, gold and silver embroidery.

Sawantwadi has small industries like fabrication, engineering, food processing, cashew

factories, automobile garages and a few other service industries. Few Small Scale

Industries are situated in the area of Udyam Nagar, Mazgaon, which is attached to

Sawantwadi. The industries here are food processing - canning, cashew processing,

cement pipe, fabrication and automobile service industries.

7. Economic Structure

Sawantwadi has mixed economy in which the service sector is gaining importance but its

strength is heavily tied to agriculture, traditional craft, art and small industries.

8. Tourism resources of Sawantwadi

BOX 8.1 TOURISM RESOURCES OF SAWANTWADI

NATURAL TOURISM

RESOURCE

CULTURAL TOURISM

RESOURCES

ECOTOURISM RESOURCES

Hills

Backwaters

Flora and Fauna

Forests

Lakes

Heritage

Religious

Art and Culture

Folk art

Rural image

Entertainment

Agriculture

Fishing

A. NATURAL TOURISM RESOURCES

Destination of Sawantwadi mainly includes beautiful sceneries, backwaters, flora and

fauna, fishing etc. where there are unique natural wonders and reserves. Eco-tourism

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makes economy, ecology and society of Sawantwadi work together to maintain tourism

resources and environment towards sustainable development.

B. CULTURAL TOURISM RESOURCES

One can see the influence of culture in dance, music, festivities, architecture, traditional

customs, food and languages. This richness in culture goes a long way in projecting

Sawantwadi as the ultimate handicraft tourism destination giving boost to tourism

development.

Sawantwadi showcases the rich cultural heritage. The various folk art and music

‘Dashavatar', Koli Dance, Dhangar Dance, Wooden mask Dance & Puppets, Jogva &

'Kadak Laxmi' demonstrated at Shilpgram also reflect the cultural heritage of

Sawantwadi. All these have the potential to attract many tourists to Sawantwadi who will

get to see the rich culture of the state.

C. ECO TOURISM

Ecotourism appeals to ecologically and socially conscious individuals. Amboli is a hill

station where Flora and Fauna attract tourists. Tourists like to know more about the various

types of plants and trees that they see and which trees are seen in which seasons. There are

many plants which are specific to certain regions and many times students and travellers

visit those areas especially to see those varieties of plants. Thick forest covers, attract

tourists who enjoy trekking and adventure activities. Fauna attracts tourists who like to

watch birds, wild mammals, reptiles and other exotic and rare animals. Amboli has the

largest green cover, ranks second for biodiversity and pollution free climate which are the

primary attractions. Ecotourism is a conceptual experience, enriching those who look into

researching and understanding the environment around them.

Eco tourism is a tool which ensures ecological, environmental, economical and cultural

friendly tourism. Ecotourism provides funds for conservation which directly benefits the

economic development and empowers local communities and fosters respect for different

cultures.

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9. Tourism area development of Sawantwadi

BOX 8.2 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AREAS OF SAWANTWADI

TYPES SAWANTWADI

Art and craft

tourism

Wooden Fruits & Toys, Ganjifa, Gift Articles From Paper

Pulp,Teracotta Toys & Articles, Earthen Pots, Bamboo Work,

Wooden & Stone Idols, The Traditional Folk Arts In Konkan

'Dashavatar', Koli Dance, Dhangar Dance, Wooden mask Dance &

Puppets, Jogva' & 'Kadak Laxmi' Shilpgram.

Sports tourism Moti Talav, Amboli, Narendra hills

Adventure Tourism Forest trail at Amboli, Jungle Safari, trekking, nature walk

Backwater Tourism Aronda, Kerim, Arambol

Cruise Tourism Aronda

Wellness Tourism Ayurvedic resort, the center is proposed to be built using eco friendly

techniques of construction such as laterite stones and mud walls.

MICE Tourism Lotus back water resorts at Aronda, Shilpgram a village which can be

converted to a MICE destination.

Eco Tourism Eco tourism by Sawantwadi municipal corporation, Magdalene

almeida paryavaran Kendra St Teresa soc, eco and education trust

Amteshwar tali (water reservoir). Amboli known for its unique

biodiversity, flora and fauna. Amboli experiences the highest

rainfall in Maharashtra which is about 750 cms.

Educational Tourism Amboli is preferred by students and research scientists working on

medicinal plants and herbs.

Village Tourism Chaukul

Religious tourism Mauli temple at Sonurli

Hill station Narendra hill, Amboli forest

Heritage Kolgaon Darwaza, Royal palace, the lester gate, Raghunath market,

Hanuman gad, Chitnis wada.

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8.3. TYPES OF TOURISM APPROPRIATE TO SAWANTWADI

Art and craft tourism

Sawantwadi is well-known for its wooden crafts, wooden toys, bamboo crafts, pottery art,

lacquered furniture, ganjifa card painting, articles from paper pulp, terracotta toys &

articles, earthen pots, bamboo work, wooden & stone idols and tradition arts of painting,

carved bison horns etc. Folk arts Dashavatar, 'Koli-dance', Dhangar - dance, Mask-dance,

Kadak Laxmi etc. are the popular folk arts in Konkan. Chitar Ali is a home for

traditional wooden artisans.

Shilpgram has an amphi Theatre for the live performance of cultural shows consisting of

all types of dances like Dashavatar, Koli Dance, Dhangar Dance, Puppet etc.

demonstrates various crafts: Wooden articles, Ganjifa, jewellery boxes, bamboo craft,

traditional lacquer painted furniture, earthen pottery work, knitting of hand bags and

purse, gold and silver jewellery by local artist and cooking demonstration of local special

dishes like Ghavane, Shirvale, Chakali, Khichadi, Ras, Modak, Golma - Bhaji, Khaparoli

etc.

Ubha Bazaar- It is a bazaar in Sawantwadi famous for wooden toys.

Backwater and Cruise Tourism

Aronda is a beautiful village joining Maharashtra and Goa state. Kiran Pani-Aronda ferry

carries vehicles & people through Terekhol creek. Its attractions are the Sun Set Point

Shiroda, Aaravali, Hamal beaches and Redi Ganesh temple which are mere 5 KM away from

Aronda.

Vitthal Kamats Lotus Backwater resorts and lotus Shacks built in Aronda with coconut

creeks, fishing boat rides etc. and the Aronda-kiranpani Bridge may fuel tourism in

skyrocketing direction. In Aronda the famous wadi is Bhatpawni, the famous Shri Devi Tulja

Bhavani Temple. Shri Devi Bhavani is Kulswamini of Maratha (Naik) religions in Aronda.

266

Wellness Tourism

Ayurvedic Health Resort is being completed using eco friendly techniques of

construction such as laterite stones and mud walls. The traditional practice of Ayurvedic

Panchkarma aims at removing all the impurities in human body are taken out by herbal

treatments like herbal massage, herbal steam bath etc. Comprehensive service packages for

tourists will be provided comprising physical fitness, beauty care, health, nutrition, diet,

relaxation and meditation. Fully trained staff is available at renowned Ayurvedic Institute

and Medical College at Sawantwadi.

Eco Tourism and Adventure Tourism

Ecotourism is essential to develop and revive the cultural tradition of a placet to make it

more attractive. The Report prepared by the Tata Consultancy Services identifies

Sawantwadi as the entry point of Maharashtra from Goa.It would serve as an information

and cultural centre for the district.

Gen. Jagannathrao Bhonsale Udyan: A beautiful garden named after the Freedom

Fighter. Late Jagannathrao Bhonsale garden is spread over an area of 5 acres, with

Landscape Lawns, Tree Plantation, Water Fall, Musical Fountains etc.

Amteshwar Tali is a crystal clear water source, available for all 365 days of year. It

enhances the beauty of Amteshwar Mandir area which was built up in 1891.

Forest Garden at Narendra Hills. The Environmental Awareness and Research Centre at

Narendra Hill will be a unique model for education, awareness, research and

dissemination of information about the ecological heritage, flora, fauna Waste

Management, Energy Management, Water Management and biodiversity of Sindhudurg

district.

Moti Talav - This pearl-lake formed like an open oyster under the sun that lies in front of the

royal palace. Built in the era of the then King Khem Sawant Bhonsale III (1755-1803), the

palace buildings which are still in pretty good condition, possesses the rustic beauty of

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Maharashtra's wadis uplifted by regal proportions. This scenic lake is situated at the centre of

the town. With walkways and designer lamp-posts all round, it makes evenings very

beautiful.

Mountain Tourism

Amboli was declared as a hill station in 1880 by the British Government. Amboli is

known for its unique biodiversity, flora and fauna. As a part of Sahyadri hills, it has the

second largest biodiversity in the whole of India and hence is preferred by students and

research scientists working on medicinal plants and herbs. It is a hill station with divine

natural beauty located in the Sahyadri ranges. Around 30km from Sawantwadi, this is also

origin of Hiranyakeshi River.

Rain Tourism

People come to visit this exotic place in the rainy season. Amboli has the second highest

rainfall in India. The rainfall brings with it the beauty of the mesmerizing waterfalls

surrounded with dewdrops all over, the lush greenery becomes a dreamlike experience.

The waterfalls of Amboli come to their full glory in the rainy season which makes this

picturesque town a new world.

Heritage Tourism

Chitnis Wada (House) -The symbols of old decorative structures in Sawantwadi.

Chitar Tekadi – Chitarali where artisans create wood craft for years. Wood Craft has a

history of around 300 years. This has a great role in the economy of Sawantwadi city and

therefore deserves to be preserved.

Lester Gate Development of Heritage Lester gate of a Royal Family Palace called as

Rajwada being maintained along with palace to keep the memories alive.

Kolgaon Darwaza is around 200 years old and an entry gate to Sawantwadi from Mumbai

side on Mumbai - Goa High Way.

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8.4 EMPLOYMENT PATTERN IN THE TOURISM SECTOR OFSAWANTWADI

A study conducted by FICCI on development perspective of eco and rural tourism

revealed that it had the highest employment and investment ratio. Every additional

investment of Rs 10 crore has the potential to generate 47.5 jobs. Further, every direct job

created in tourism leads to a creation of 77 jobs in other related sectors of the industry,

the study stated. Besides the multiplier effect of tourism generates high revenue-capital

ratio in the Indian context. Indirect employment is generated in the form of revival of

traditional arts and crafts, development of communication, hotels etc

To develop the human capital required for growth, the study involved the employment

pattern of 109 locals who are working in the tourism industry of Sawantwadi. The results

will analyse the potential and promote a positive image of the Travel & Tourism industry

among members of government, in schools and with the public as a provider of career

opportunities for all locals instead of just jobs.

Several important challenges continue to limit Travel & Tourism’s full potential for

growth in Sawantwadi and these must be addressed to ensure the long-term sustainable

development of Travel & Tourism, with maximum benefits for all stakeholders. There is

an imperative need to promote tourism in a big way and attract more and more tourists

for eco-tourism, heritage tourism, historical tourism and art and craft tourism.

TABLE8.1AGE WISE CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS FROM SAWANTWADI

Classification Below 19

20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-64 65years or older

Employer 0 0 3 1 1 1 2

Employee 0 31 24 16 3 3 0

Self employed 0 4 8 5 1 4 2

TOTAL 0 35 35 22 5 8 4

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FIGURE8.1 AGE WISE CLASSIFICATION OF RESPONDENT FROM SAWANTWADI

The highest percentage of respondents was between 20- 29 and 30-39 having 32.11% of

the labour force in the tourism industry and 20.18% in the age group of 40-49.

TABLE 8.2 EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF INFORMANTS FROM SAWANTWADI

Classification primary secondary Highersec.

graduate

Post grad.

others Illiterates

Employer 1 3 1 3 0 0 0Employee 9 37 11 11 2 4 3

Selfemployed

2 13 5 2 0 1 1

TOTAL 12 53 17 16 2 5 4

FIGURE 8.2 EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF INFORMANTS FROM SAWANTWADI

0

10

20

30

40

Below 19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-64 65years or older

AGE CLASSIFICATION

Employer Employee selfemployed

0

20

40

primary secondary Higher secondary

graduate Post graduate

others illiterates

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

Employer Employee selfemployed

270

Figure 8.2 shows 48.62% of individuals in the study have completed secondary and 15.6

% went to some form of higher secondary education followed by graduates of 14.68%.

FIGURE 8.3 GENDER OF INFORMANTS. TABLE8.3 GENDER OF INFORMANTS

The study generated responses from men and women participants. Figure8.3 indicates

that 15.6% of the respondents were female, while 84.4% were males.

FIGURE 8.4 MARITAL STATUS. TABLE 8.4 MARITAL STATUS

About 68.81% of the sample population is married and 31.19% of the population is

unmarried.

0

20

40

60

80

Employer Employee Self employed

GENDER

male female

0

20

40

60


MARITAL STATUS

married unmarried

Classification male femaleEmployer 7 1

Employee 62 15Self

employed23 1

Total 92 17

Classification married unmarriedEmployer 7 1

Employee 49 28

Self employed

19 5

Total 75 34

271

TABLE 8.5 INCOME LEVEL CLASSIFICATION OF INFORMANTS

Classification 50000 -100000

100000-150000

150000 -

200000

2-5lakhs

5-10lakhs

10lakhs and

aboveEmployer 0 2 1 1 4 0 0Employee 56 13 4 3 0 1 0

Self employed

10 8 2 3 0 1 0

FIGURE 8.5 INCOME LEVEL CLASSIFICATION OF INFORMANTS

Figure 8.5 indicates 60.55% of the sample indicated that they earned below 50000, 21.1%

between 50,000 and 1lakh and 6.42% between 1 to 1.50 lakhs and 6.42% between 1.50

lakhs and 2 lakhs.

TABLE8. 6 RELOCATION OF WORK FIGURE8.6 RELOCATION OF WORK

0

20

40

60 INCOME LEVEL


0

50

100


RELOCATION OF WORK

yes No

Classificationyes No

Employer 1 7Employee 14 63Self employed

0 24

272

To explore migration associated to tourism employment further, the study asked

individuals whether or not they had to relocate in order to start their current tourism job.

Figure 8.6 indicates that only 13.76 % of the sample had to relocate for work.

TABLE 8.7 LEVEL OF POSITION OF WORK OF INFORMANTS

Classification Front line job

Supervisory job

Management job

Executive job

Owner/operator

Others

employer 0 1 0 7 0 0employee 28 19 15 2 0 13Self employed 0 0 1 0 23 0Total 28 20 16 9 23 13

FIGURE 8.7 LEVEL OF POSITION OF WORK OF INFORMANTS

The level of position held by individuals in the study is represented in Figure 8.7. The

highest percentage of respondents reported to be in an entry-level position with 25.69%,

owner or operator 21.10%, while an additional 18.35% were in supervisory jobs, 14.68%

were in management or mid-management.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30 LEVEL OF POSITION

employer employee selfemployed

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TABLE 8.8 OCCUPATION WISE CLASSIFICATION OF INFORMANTS

Classification

stay Food and

beverage

MICE Art culture

Attractions

Traveland tour operators

Training and

education

Vendors

others

Employer 5 7 0 1 0 1 0 0 0Employee 52 71 9 20 8 6 3 1 1

Self employed

6 17 0 4 0 0 1 11 1

FIGURE 8.8 OCCUPATION WISE CLASSIFICATION OF INFORMANTS

Tourism generates employment in a variety of sectors in the industry. Figure 8.8 shows

the primary sector of tourism reported by the sample is the accommodation sector which

accounted for 57.7%, food and beverage 87.1%, Arts ,Culture and Entertainment 22.9%.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80OCCUPATION WISE CLASSIFICATION


274

0.89% of the sample identified with a sector of the industry other than those provided.

11% consisted of vendors and the remaining sectors Mice with 8.25%,attractions

with7.3%, training and education with 3.7%.

TABLE8.9 MOST IMPORTANT SECTOR IDENTIFIED IN TOURISM INDUSTRY

FIGURE 8.9 MOST IMPORTANT SECTOR IDENTIFIED IN TOURISM INDUSTRY

The informants were told to identify as many sectors. The most important sector

identified by the respondents was 83.48 % in food and beverage and 77.98% in

accommodation, 22.01% in art and culture and 15.5% identified attractions, locals are

less aware of other tourism services that can be provided by them.

0102030405060708090

100IMPORTANT SECTOR IDENTIFIED BY LOCALS


Classification stay

FandB

MICE

Art

culture

Attraction

Traveltour operator

Training and education

Vendors

others

Employer 8 8 0 2 2 1 0 0 0Employee 76 76 9 21 8 4 2 1 0Self employed

1 7 2 1 7 2 2 7 0

total 85 91 11 24 17 7 4 8 0

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TABLE 8.10 NUMBER OF YEARS EMPLOYED IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

FIGURE 8.10 NUMBER OF YEARS EMPLOYED IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

Individuals were also asked how long they had lived in their current community. Figure

8.10 shows that 35.78% of the sample had lived in their current community for 10 years

and above, 19.27% for 1to 2 years, 14.68 % for 3 to 5 years and 8.26% for 6 to 10 years.

This data suggests that, depending on the number of years used to determine who is

“local” to a community, it appears that tourism provides jobs for longer term and more

recent residents.

0

5

10

15

20

25

Less than 6 months

6-12 months 1-2years 3-5 years 6-10 years 10 years and above

YEARS OF EMPLOYMENT


Classification Less than 6 months

6-12months

1-2years

3-5years

6-10years

10years and

aboveEmployer 0 1 1 0 2 4

Employee 16 6 17 11 4 23Self employed 1 0 3 5 3 12

276

TABLE 8.11 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT DURING DIFFERENT SEASONS

Classification

winter summer rainy

Part time

Full time

Part time

Full time

Part time

Full time

No work


Self employed

0 24 0 24 0 24 0

FIGURE 8.11 CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT DURING DIFFERENT SEASONS

The seasons that individuals reported working are shown in Figure8.11. The figures

demonstrate a high percentage of individuals who are employed year round in full time

employment. The findings indicate 99.09% that of the sample work full time in the

winter, summer or rainy seasons. Part time employment status is very low.

01020304050607080

Part time Full time Part time Full time Part time Full time No work

winter summer rainy

EMPLOYMENT IN DIFFERENT SEASONS


277

TABLE 8.12 INCENTIVES RECEIVED BY INFORMANTS IN 3YEARS

Classification Promotion

Increase in pay

Increase in

responsibilities

Recognition for

outstanding performance

Learn

new skills

others none


Self employed 0 23 24 15 3 1 0

FIGURE 8.12 INCENTIVES RECEIVED BY INFORMANTS IN 3YEARS

The study sought to determine the types of rewards or recognition that individuals have

experienced in their current organization within the last three years. A list of items was

provided and participants were asked to circle all those that they have received.

Figure8.12 shows that 97.2% received increase in pay, 94.4% received increase in

responsibilities and 68.8% received the rewards or recognition in the past three years.

Only 36.7 % of the sample indicated they had opportunities to learn new things.

01020304050607080

INCENTIVES


278

TABLE 8.13 TOURISM SERVICES OF INFORMANTS IN SAWANTWADI

kinds of service not at all

sometimes a lot not sure

a. Interact with tourists 6.42 58.72 33.94 0.92b. booking /reservations 78.9 2.75 18.35 0

c. Guide 54.13 9.17 36.7 0d. provide information 10.09 14.68 75.23 0

e. Event manager 95.41 1.83 2.76 0f. Manage hr 97.25 0.92 1.83 0

g. Manage finance 94.5 1.83 3.67 0h. planning 94.5 1.83 3.67 0

i. Package tours 93.58 1.83 4.59 0j. Transport visitors 89.91 0.92 9.17 0

k. Others please specify 94.5 1.83 3.67 0

FIGURE 8.13 TOURISM SERVICES OF INFORMANTS IN SAWANTWADI

Figure 8.13 shows the skills and knowledge that the sample felt they would like to have more

training or education. The majority of the skills where further training and education were

required were in financial management (94.05%), event management (95.41%),

management of human resources (97.25%), strategic planning (94.5%) and package tours

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

a. Interact with touristsb. booking /reservations

c. Guided. provide information

e. Event managerf. Manage hr

g. Manage financeh. planning

i. Package toursj. Transport visitors

k. Others please specifyTOURISM SERVICES

not at all sometimes a lot not sure

279

(93.58%), transportation (89.91%).This shows that the tourism industry is in its growing

stage.

TABLE 8.14 LEVELS OF SATISFACTION OF INFORMANTS

rank Very good

good Bad Very bad

Neither good or bad

opportunities 95.41 4.59 0 0 0Quality of work 94.5 5.5 0 0 0wages and tips 90.82 8.26 0.92 0 0Level of benefits 90.83 9.17 0 0 0Rewards and recognition given

94.5 5.5 0 0 0

Level of challenge 92.66 7.34 0 0 0Status 94.5 5.5 0 0 0Work environment 94.5 5.5 0 0 0Require Training and education

89.91 10.09 0 0 0

FIGURE 8.14 LEVELS OF SATISFACTION OF INFORMANTS

Figure8.14 indicates the level of satisfaction with these items. 95.41% of the sample was

satisfied with the opportunities, 90.83% were satisfied with the level of benefits, 94.5%

rewards and recognition and work environment and 89.91 % with the type of training and

80%

85%

90%

95%

100%LEVELS OF SATISFACTION

Very good good Bad Very bad Neither good or bad

280

education, status and level of challenge and an additional 94.5% rated the quality of work

positively. When asked to rate how satisfied they were with the level of income, 90.83%

indicated they were satisfied while 0.92 % was not satisfied.

TABLE 8.15 INFORMANTS FIRST TOURISM RELATED JOB

Classification 1year 2years 3years 4years 5years othersEmployer 1 1 0 0 0 6Employee 23 9 6 1 2 36

Self employed

2 2 1 1 3 15

total 26 12 7 2 5 57

FIGURE 8.15 INFORMANTS FIRST TOURISM RELATED JOB

The study sought to determine how long individuals remained in the industry. Figure8.15

shows the length of time the individuals in the sample were employed with their current

organization. 23.85% of the sample had just started work with their employer, 11.01%

having worked for less than 1 or 2 years. An additional 6.42% had worked with the same

employer for 3 years, 1.83% for 4 years, 4.59% for 5 years and the remaining 52.29%

had worked for 6 or more years with the same organization. This data suggests that

individuals in core tourism jobs are remaining employed with the same employer for

extended periods of time.

0

20

40

60

1year 2years 3years 4years 5years others

FIRST TOURISM RELATED JOBS


281

TABLE8.16 SECTOR BEFORE, AFTER TOURISM FIGURE8.16 SECTOR BEFORE, AFTER TOURISM

The survey also asked individuals to identify what they were doing immediately

preceding their first job in tourism. Figure8.16 shows the pattern of migration into

tourism. Approximately 49.15% of individuals in the study previously worked in

Agriculture, 2.54% of participants entered their first tourism job immediately following

high school or College/University. Individuals who migrated into tourism from virtually

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Agric

ultu

re

Cons

truc

tion

Fish

ing

Fina

nce

Hom

emak

er

Man

agem

ent

Prof

essio

nal

Recr

eatio

n

Stud

ying

Trad

e

Une

mpl

oyed

SECTORS

before tourism after tourism

Sectors befor

e

touris

m after tourism

Agriculture49.15

59.18

Arts, culture 5.08 6.13

Construction 0 0

Educational 0 0

Fishing 0 0

Forestry 0 0

Finance 0 0

Health care 0 0

Homemaker 1.69 2.04

Mining 0 0

Management 0 0

Manufacturing 2.54 3.06

Professional 0 0

Public

administration0

0

Recreation 0 0

Retail 5.08 6.12

Studying 2.56 0

Transportation 0.85 1.02

Trade 0 0

Utilities 0 0

Unemployed 1.69 0

Others 31.36 22.45

282

all other industries included art, culture (5.08%), manufacturing (2.54%) retail (5.08%),

transportation (0.85%).

The patterns emerging from this study suggest that tourism is an accessible industry for

individuals who work their way up through the industry, enter after developing skills

elsewhere and for those “drifting” between different jobs. The importance of the other

sectors has not declined after migrating into tourism sector. Tourism has not kick started

the way it should have, though the locals have a positive view on tourism sector. They

still depend for supplementary income on other sectors, 59.18% on agriculture, 6.12% on

retail,1.02% on transport and 22% on others.

TABLE 8.17 REASONS FOR CHOOSING TOURISM AS AN OCCUPATION

Reasons for choosing to work in your first tourism related job

Agree disagree

Neither agree/disagree

N/A

It was easy to start business in tourism 25.68 4.59 0.92 68.81

to improve my standard of living 99.08 0.92 0 0better working conditions 100 0 0 0An interesting job 99.08 0 0.92 0Family had a business in tourism 19.27 77.06 0.92 2.75to establish my own business 17.43 78.9 0.92 2.75Unemployed and needed a job 4.59 91.74 0.92 2.75Saw tourism as a profitable industry 51.37 47.71 0 0.92Was attracted by the image of tourism 100 0 0 0Wanted a job that was conducive to my lifestyle 100 0 0 0Was downsized in a declining industry 2.75 96.33 0.92 0Wanted a job that suited my skill 98.17 1.83 0 0Did not seek prospects in my previous occupation 6.42 93.58 0 0Leave my previous job 31.19 68.81 0 0To deal with people 96.34 1.83 1.83 0First job offered was in tourism 70.64 29.36 0 0Pleasant surroundings 99.08 0.92 0 0Have good business skills 99.08 0.92 0 0

283

Figure 8.17 shows the results of why individuals in the study chose to work in tourism; the results

clearly indicate that individuals in this study chose to work in tourism for a host of positive

reasons. 99.08% wanted to work in pleasant surroundings and was attracted by the image of

tourism, 100% felt tourism was conducive to their lifestyle, nearly 100% wanted to work

in better working conditions, 51.38% of them saw tourism as a profitable industry,

99.08% wanted an interesting job, 96.34%% wanted to work with people, 99.08% felt

their business skills would be useful in tourism, and 100% wanted a job that was

conducive to their lifestyle.

FIGURE 8.17REASONS FOR CHOOSING TOURISM AS AN OCCUPATION

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

It was easy to start business in tourismto improve my standard of living

better working conditionsAn interesting job

Family had a business in tourismto establish my own business

Unemployed and needed a jobSaw tourism as a profitable industry

Was attracted by the image of tourismWanted a job that was conducive to …

Was downsized in a declining industryWanted a job that suited my skill

Did not seek prospects in my previous …Leave my previous job

To deal with peopleFirst job offered was in tourism

Pleasant surroundingsHave good business skills

REASONS

Agree disagree Neither agree/disagree N/A

284

There was very little agreement that a shift into tourism was due to downsizing in other

industries, the fact that they didn’t need any qualifications or that individuals could not

get work elsewhere. 68.81%felt they did not have to leave their previous jobs.

The motivations behind individuals wanting to work in tourism paint a positive image of

the industry and the perceptions individuals from a variety of backgrounds lead us to

believe that they like to work within it.

Making a career shift is never an easy decision, particularly when it involves crossing

industries. The individuals in this study were posed a series of statements about why they

chose to work in tourism. They were asked to rate, on likert scale, the extent to which

they agreed with each of the statements.

Figure8.17 provides a summary of the strength of agreement for each statement made.

The strongest motivators for individuals to shift out of a resource-based job into tourism

appear to be positive in nature.

In other words, individuals did not feel forced to make the decision, or that they had no

other alternatives. As shown earlier in job tasks performed, many positions require high

levels of contact with customers and employees on a day-to-day basis. This was a

motivator for 96.34 % of individuals who agreed that they chose to work in tourism

because they wanted a job which requires working with people.

The study included a number of statements that compared tourism to individual’s

previous job. A mixed pattern of agreement appears when analyzing these statements.

6.42 % of individuals felt there were no prospects in their previous line of work and

31.39 % wanted to leave their previous job for better prospects. 5.94% indicated that they

were downsized in their previous line of work and 4.59 % indicated they were

unemployed and needed to find work.

285

TABLE 8.18 SOURCE OF INCOME FIGURE 8.18 SOURCE OF INCOME

In order to get a better understanding of who was satisfied with the level of income

generated by their tourism job, the sample was split into those who indicated that their

job was their primary source of income and those that use it for supplemental income.

Figure 8.18 indicates that 100% used their position as their primary source of income.

TABLE 8.19FUTURE IN TOURISM SECTOR FIGURE 8.19 FUTURE IN TOURISM SECTOR

Figure 8.19 points out that 98.1% of the people wanted to continue working in the

tourism industry as they felt that tourism is in its nascent stage and within a period of 5

years the tourism will develop.

0

20

40

60

80

100


SOURCES OF INCOME

primary supplementary

0

100FUTURE IN TOURISM

continue working until something better comesnot formed any decision

Classification

primary supplementary

Employer 8 0Employee 77 0

Self employed

24 0

area continue working

until something

better comes

not formed

any decision

Employer 8 0 0Employee 75 1 1

Self employed

24 0 0

286

TABLE8.20 OCCUPATIONAL STRATEGY FIGURE8.20 OCCUPATIONAL STRATEGY

Figure 8.20 shows that the individuals in Sawantwadi reported a broad range of

occupational strategies to work and those that are most important to work, employees

concentrated more strongly on a few. 32.47% felt that pays for performance was the most

important motivator, housing and bonus came second, and the other strategies like pay

rise, profit sharing, promotion providing education were specified by very less number of

respondents. There is a need for educating the opportunities to the locals about the

benefits of other services in tourism that can increase their quality of human resource and

skill so that they can earn more revenue from tourism.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Pays

for p

erfo

rman

ce

Prov

ides

mot

ivat

ion

Pay

raise

Bonu

s

Prov

ides

…

incr

emen

ts

Prom

otio

n

Prof

it sh

arin

g

Reco

gnize

s edu

catio

n …

prov

ides

edu

catio

n &

…

Oth

ers p

leas

e sp

ecify

OCCUPATIONAL STRATEGY

to work important to work

Strategy to work

important to work

Pays for performance 32.47 32.47Provides motivation 2.16 4.7

Pay raise 4.76 1.71Bonus 20.35 20.09Provides housing\accommodation

20.78 20.51

increments 4.76 5.56Promotion 5.63 5.56Profit sharing 0.87 0Recognizes education & training

1.3 0.43

provides education & training

6.92 1.71

Others please specify 0 7.26

287

TABLE8.21-JOB SEARCH METHODS FIGURE 8.21-JOB SEARCH METHODS

Tourism, like all areas of the labour market, is forecasted to experience significant labour

shortages in the upcoming decade. This is due to two factors. First, more baby boomers

are expected to retire resulting in an increase in demand for leisure products and services,

such as tourism experiences. Second, as numerous baby boomers leave the workforce,

including jobs in tourism, there will be less labour supply to accommodate the increase in

demand.

Figure 8.21 demonstrates 100% of the employees rely heavily on word of mouth to locate

potential employees/jobs and the most effective strategy was personal contact,

Both employees and organizations were asked to identify which recruitment or job search

strategy was the most effective. Figure 25 demonstrates that a strong agreement exists

between employees and organizations when it comes to job search strategies. 33% of

employees felt the most effective job search strategy was to meet the potential employer,.

020406080

100120

JOB SEARCH METHODS

While searching for job

Most effective method

Methods While searching

for job

Most effective method

Online job search 0 0Friends & relatives 0 0

Employment offices 0 0

Job & career fairs 0 0Newspapers 0 2.59

Personal contact 100 97.41Others 0 0

288

TABLE 8.22 MIGRATION FIGURE 8.22 MIGRATION

The data reveals that 79.8 % agrees to migration from Sindhudurg to other places for

higher education, better jobs and higher income.

TABLE8.23TOURISM DEVELOPMENT FIGURE 8.23 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Development of the tourism industry develops the destination with more profit, more

employment, income generation, more contribution to GDP, support to traditional

industries and agriculture. These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for socio

economic progress. The participants were asked whether there is tourism development in

Sawantwadi and about 99% people agreed to development.

0

50

100 MIGRATION

yes no

0

50

100


TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

yes no

area yes no

Employer 8 0

Employee 65 12

Self employed

14 10

area yes no

Employer 8 0

Employee 77 0

Self employed

23 1

289

TABLE8.24 TECHNIQUES OF FIGURE 8.24 TECHNIQUES OFEMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT

Figure 8.24% demonstrates that a strong agreement exists between employees and

organizations when it comes to job search strategies. 100% of employees and

organizations felt the most effective job search strategy was to meet the potential

employer and employee was word of mouth.

TABLE 8.25 STRATEGIES TO RETAIN EMPLOYEES

020406080

100120

Web

site

Empl

oym

ent …

Atte

nd jo

b …In

cent

ives

to …

Post

jobs

in …

Post

in n

ews …

Wor

d of

…M

ake

time …

Oth

ers …

EMPLOYERS

employers

Employment organizations %

Website 0Employment organizations 0Attend job and career fairs 0Incentives to employees 0Post jobs in colleges and universities

0

Post in news papers 0Word of mouth 100Make time for drop in visits byjob seekers

0

Others please specify 0

statements Your organization

uses

Effectivestrategy

Pays for performance 48.48 48.48

Provides incentives 7.58 7.58Higher wages 6.06 7.58Perks 9.09 9.09Provides housing 13.64 13.64Increment according to seniority 3.03 3.03promotion 6.06 6.06

Profit sharing 1.52 1.52Recognizes education & training 1.52 1.51

Provides training& education 3.02 1.51

290

FIGURE 8.25 STRATEGIES TO RETAIN EMPLOYEES

Locating suitable employees is only one step to building a sustainable human resource

component in an organization. The study also asked organization which of the retention

strategies was the most effective for them or for the organization.

Figure 8.25 shows that while organizations reported a broad range of strategies as most

effective, employees concentrated more strongly on a few. 48.8% of organizations felt

that pays for performance was the most effective motivator to remain working with an

organization whereas 13.64% of organizations indicated housing.

Both groups indicated that occasional rewards for outstanding work, education and

training and higher than industry standard wages are working to retain employees.

Employees reported that a few retention strategies such as attractive benefits and

promotion are keeping them around more than was identified by organizations.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60 RETENTION STRATEGIES

Your organization uses effective strategy

291

TABLE 8.26 HUMAN RESOURCE ISSUES

FIGURE 8.26 HUMAN RESOURCE ISSUES

Individuals who were knowledgeable about the human resource strategies used in

organizations were asked to rate how significant a range of human resource issues were

for their organization. Figure shows the issues that were significant or not significant for

tourism organizations in the Island region. While 62.5% of organizations indicated that

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

High rate of

turnover in

employees

High costs of training

Inability to get

qualified persons

Inability to recruit

persons

Inability to provide housing

Inability to pay high wages

Inability to give

incentives

HUMAN RESOURCE ISSUES

significant Not significant Not sure

Human resource issues significant Not significant

Notsure

High rate of turnover of employees 3.13 96.87 0High costs of training 0 100 0

Inability to get qualified persons 0 100 0Inability to recruit persons 0 100 0

Inability to provide housing 0 100 0Inability to pay high wages 0 100 0Inability to give incentives 0 100 0

292

that they were unsure of inability to pay higher wages, 10.42% indicated that locating

qualified applicants for positions was a more significant issue. 6.25% felt that a

significant issue was High rate of turnover in employees.

High rates of staff turnover are often viewed as one of the most significant human

resource challenges for the industry. 6.25% of the organizations identified turnover as a

significant issue but numerous comments indicated “only with some jobs” although

details of these jobs were not provided.

Related to turnover, the costs of training new and existing staff have been highlighted as

an issue for tourism in other contexts. In this study 97.92% of organizations identified the

high costs of training as a not significant issue.

8.5 PERSPECTIVES FROM LOCALS OF SAWANTWADI

Sawantwadi is Eco Tourism City. It is approved as a Tourist Place; by Government

Tourism Department. It is a hospitality city and proudly welcomes tourist to share its

treasures. Several tourists from all over India and abroad, visit our city. Tourists are

requested to visit all beautiful places & share 'joy & love' which the city offers.

Sawantwadi is well-known for its wooden crafts, wooden toys, bamboo crafts, pottery

art, and tradition arts of painting, carved bison horns etc. Chitar Ali is a home for

traditional wooden artisan. Wooden handicraft, pottery, gold and silver embroidery,

lacquer ware and ganjifa.etc.are traditionally gifted to Chatrapatis and Peshwtis.

Mr. Kudalkar said that they promote folk dance like dhangar nritya and samay nritya.

They also demonstrate pottery, bamboo weaving, paper toys, wooden toys, paintings in

the form of ganjifa cards every Thursday at Shilpgram now managed by Krishnasagar

resorts.

Mr.Khanekar said there is an urgent need to revive the wooden toy industry for otherwise

10 years down the line it will be difficult to revive this industry.

293

Mr. Gawade said he has a problem in shifting his mobile road side stall every day.

Mr.Chauhan feels public private partnership in the tourism industry will develop tourism

at a faster pace.

Mr. Tukaram said that the training provided by Kamats group for their employees has

increased the visitors to their resorts.

Mr. Shanbag said that there is a need to maintain the tourist points in Amboli and sign

boards are required at all points.

Mr. Dhuri said that basic facilities are not available at various points and therefore many

points are not visited by tourists. If all the points are developed then it will be easy to

retain tourists, for a longer period of time in Amboli.

Mr. Pavaskar said that local people cannot develop the area as most of the land is under

forest reserves.

Mr.Korgaonkar says that there is a need to promote awareness of service facilities to be

provided to tourists, funds need to be allocated for developing tourist spots.

Mr. Karpe said that Amboli is the most ideal place to develop paragliding, jungle safari

and adventure trails to see the different kinds of species of birds and reptiles in the

forests.

Mr.Narvekar feels that boating, ropeways at kawalesad point and pony rides should be

developed.

Mr. Rawat said that tourist spots are not maintained, facilities for tourists should improve.

Mr. Ogale an engineer by profession who made a transition to tourism said that

cooperatives will be better for tourism development in Amboli. Chaukul can also be

294

developed as a tourist spot there is a need for new tourism products like rapling,

adventure stops, nature treks in forest, night safari etc will improve tourism in the sector.

Mr. Bhise who is a reporter and has started malaabar nature conservation club in Amboli

to keep the environment clean feels the need to maintain the flora and fauna of the

surroundings. He said that we should conduct awareness programs should be conducted

on how to protect the environment and tourists should be introduced to bird watching,

fishing etc.

Mr. Karande said there should be tourist information centres to promote tourism

aggressively at different places.

Mr. Kautankar said that American Universities have information about the medicinal

herbs available in Amboli. There is a need to preserve and grow the priceless herbs that

are available in the forests.

Mr. Thakur a ganjifa card maker feels that ganjifa painting is a dying art and needs to be

revived very soon.

Mr. Palankar a bamboo craftsman feels the need for a shopping complex or a tourist

bazaar to sell the art and craft of Sindhudurg.

8.6 SUMMARY

Sawantwadi taluka is blessed with natural beauty. Sawantwadi Ecotourism is likely to

increase the demand for foreign tourists and local tourists. At the same time, tourism

development provides opportunities for local people to improve their standard of living and

preserve their cultural heritage, arts and crafts. Three unique projects that are shaping up in

Sawantwadi are: Shilpgram, Environmental Awareness Center at Narendra Dongar and an

Ayurveda-based Health Center.

295

Sawantwadi has one of the best Ayurveda colleges in the country. Ayurvedic health centre

is proposed to be built using eco friendly techniques of construction such as laterite stones

and mud walls.

The Environmental Awareness Center is situated on Narendra hill will also serve as a

demonstration centre for eco friendly construction technologies as well as for renewable

energy, watershed management, water and waste recycling. It will be a self-sustainable

demonstration model for locals and tourists.

The study on the employment pattern of the tourism sector in Sawantwadi shows that the

locals are positive about development of tourism in this area and would like the government

to revive the handicraft industry, the reasons why individuals choose to work in tourism are

primarily positive as the planners, policy makers and the local authorities have helped them

to develop ecotourism in their area.

The problems that the people of Sawantwadi faced are lack of credit facilities, inadequate

measures for safety and security of tourists, local culture, handicrafts and traditions to be

revived and developed. Employment opportunities have been created in establishments like

hotels, restaurants, handicrafts.

The locals feel that poverty reduction is possible in the district if bold new employment

generation schemes are started in the tourism sector. Each Local community need to be

given authority to exercise control over the forms of tourism that they wish to see

developed in their communities.

The purpose of this study was to develop an estimate that can be used to measure the

special event impacts. Despite the growth and popularity of cultural and special events,

researches regarding event impacts and motivations have been very few and not incisive.

296

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IE, (1999) Sindhudurg Tourism Plan shrouded by Skeptism.Local fear private players

will gorge on Tourism pie, Indian Express16th April, 8 Mumbai.

J. Krishnaswamy, (1982) The Economic impact of Tourism: A case study of Maharashtra

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Documents

CHAPTER 8. SAWANTWADI-AN ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONshodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/73085/18/18_chapter8.pdf · Sawantwadi. The industries here are food processing - canning,