Integration of urban tourism in city centre: case of Kochi, Kerala

Abstract

A city or urban region is continuously evolving with complex functions and activities to support daily life of citizens and mainly features a promising civilization which stems from its own natural form, sense of place, sense of history, spirit and ethos. This opens the way towards a destination culture, in which cities can be comprehended historically, culturally and socially so as to offer an experience of an ever evolving urban space to the people. Nowadays, additionally to the first demands of life such as livelihood, many urban areas face an increasing population and a growing demand or expectation of the town for tourism activity. However, whilst increasing tourism activity may be a crucial economic backbone surely cities, tourism facilities are responsible for a substantial increase in environment degradation because of tourists’ rising expectation for services and facilities. Apart from that, the consumption of valuable urban space that cocoons such activities are evolving continuously to meet the ever rising demands of the developing world. To find a sustainable ground, the existing urban fabric can be utilized itself for a incorporated leisure and tourism network causing its rejuvenation as well as supporting the larger networks in the city. For this change, activity centres come into play, which provide an economic background to any city and impart a social character. The structure of this thesis is first to present the general overview of urban tourism in Kochi, Kerala through literature. This study will analyze the potentials of Kochi in the creation of urban tourism, with case studies of other cities, to meet the need of integrative strategies for urban development. Further discusses the importance of urban tourism in proposing social sustainability through city centres, and the potential for development in the current conditions. Therefore, to sum up, it is to be explored in this study that how incorporating a holistic network (people-oriented) of leisure and tourism in city centres can enhance the urban character and sustainability.