An Empirical Study on the Socio Cultural and Economic Impacts of Event Tourism on Host Community in South Kerala A Case of Nehru Boat Race and IFFK

Abstract

Examining the cultural, social, and economic effects of event tourism in southern newlineKerala is the driving force behind this research. Two annual events that have grown newlineinto mainstays of the region s tourism calendar are the primary subjects of the study. newlineThe International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and the Nehru Boat Race are two newlinesuch events. The state of Kerala, which goes by the nickname God s own country, is newlinerich in natural beauty, fascinating civilizations, and picturesque backwaters. Millions newlineof tourists flock to this state each year to experience its rich legacy. At Alappuzha, newlineyou may see the Nehru Boat Race, a cherished tradition that brings back fond newlinememories of boat racing in Kerala. It also emphasizes the state s link to its water newlinetransportation system that runs inland. The International Film Festival of Kerala newline(IFFK) takes place every year in Thiruvananthapuram with the aim of fostering the newlinecinematic cultural identity of Kerala in India. Artists, filmmakers, and cinema buffs newlinefrom across the globe gather for this festival. The study s overarching goal is to learn newlinemore about the opportunities and threats that event tourism in South Kerala presents. newlineTo achieve this goal, we will highlight the many cultural, social, and economic newlineeffects that these events have on the host town. Research in tourism commonly employ newlineconcepts such as the social exchange theory because residents attitudes are theorized newlineto be based on perceived tourism event costs and gains. Past studies show that events newlineare central to economic development but, they likewise have social vices or change, as newlineevidenced in their Social Impact Assessment on the host communities. However, the newlineimpact of events on the communities has not been expounded on in relation to regional newlinecultures in South Kerala. Given Kerala s unique cultural past, understanding the newlinesocio-cultural and economic components of these two festivals is essential to newlinepromoting sustainable tourism policies and practices. newline