“Cultural Interpretation and Community-Involved Tourism: Promoting Sustainable Rural Development among Tribal Communities in Kerala"

Abstract

Rural tourism, when grounded in viability and cultural inclusivity, offers transformative potential for indigenous communities. In Kerala, tribal populations such as the Mannan, Kurichiya, and Paniya inhabit ecologically sensitive regions and possess a well-off repertoire of intangible cultural heritage, including oral traditions, indigenous ecological knowledge, art, and ritual practices. These communities portray living cultural landscapes that are increasingly becoming points of interest in the rural tourism sector. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that tourism development respects tribal sameness and promotes community well-being without modifying or distorting their heritage. This research explores the role of cultural interpretation as a strategic tool in promoting sustainable rural tourism among Kerala’s tribal communities. Cultural interpretation is stated as the process of meaningfully conveying local culture to visitors in a way that fosters understanding, respect, and authenticity. It critically evaluates how tribal heritage is presented in rural tourism experiences, and to what extent tribal communities participate in shaping these narratives. Through qualitative fieldwork, entailing interviews with tribal participants, tourism officers, and local stakeholders in Idukki and Wayanad districts, the research identifies existing challenges, opportunities, and best practices in interpretive tourism models. It shows that effective cultural interpretation can bridge the gap between tribal values and tourist expectations, thereby fostering mutual respect and economic inclusion. However, challenges such as top-down tourism planning, lack of tribal agency, and insufficient training in cultural communication persist.