Impact management and experience design for sustainable development of ecotourism destinations: the case of Eravikulam National Park, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Among India's national parks, Eravikulam National Park(ENP) is the abode of several rare Kurinji flower species, especially Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthianus) that blooms only once in 12 years; it also hosts the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius). It is also the most extensive stretch of the undisturbed Shola-Grassland (Tropical montane forest) ecosystem in the Western Ghats of India. With more than a hundred thousand visitors frequenting the park every year, it became essential to manage impacts and identify the factors contributing sustainably to visitor impact management (VIM) at the national park. Managing the visitor impacts is the primary step in developing a prudent visitor experience design. This study presents the factors influencing VIM for sustainable development (SD), which may help the national park management understand the priority areas for better management and optimize visitor experiences in the future.