A Study on Challenges of Houseboat Tourism in Punnamada Lake of Alappuzha District, Kerala, India

Abstract

Kerala’s backwaters provide a setting for houseboat tourism, particularly in Alappuzha district. This study assessed the challenges encountered by houseboat owners operating on Punnamada Lake, with attention to economic, financial, political, environmental and waste-management dimensions. Primary data were collected from 60 houseboat owners selected through simple random sampling, using a structured interview schedule administered in person. Responses were examined using percentage analysis, an index method based on a five-point Likert scale and Henry Garrett ranking. The findings indicate that owners reported constraints across all five dimensions. Within the economic category, inadequate docking spaces received an index of 95. Tourism seasonality affecting cash flow was the most prominent financial challenge (index 97), while inadequate government support was the leading political challenge (index 97). Seasonal changes in weather patterns recorded the highest environmental index (97), and inadequate regional waste-management infrastructure received the highest waste-management index (98). The Garrett ranking identified waste-management infrastructure as the highest-priority concern, followed by government support, tourism seasonality, docking-space availability, water hyacinth and off-season maintenance costs. The findings also reflect concerns regarding operating expenses, regulatory conditions and the effects of water hyacinth on navigation and maintenance. Improved waste-disposal and docking facilities, coordinated institutional support and management of aquatic weeds may help address these constraints. The results provide a respondent-based assessment of challenges affecting houseboat operations in the study area.