Anticipating Overtourism: A Strategic Approach to Sustainable Tourism at Kovalam Beach in Kerala

Abstract

Kovalam Beach, a renowned tourism destination in Kerala, is experiencing a steady increase in visitor footfalls, raising concerns about potential overtourism in the near future. This chapter explores the emerging threat of overtourism at Kovalam, analyzing its possible impacts on the local environment, economy, and socio-cultural fabric. The study aims to identify key indicators of overtourism, understand the current tourism trends, and propose sustainable strategies to mitigate the risks before the destination reaches a critical tipping point.