Abstract

Kerala, Gods own country situated on the tropical Malabar cost of southwestern India, has the privilege of tourism trendsetter in the nation is also well-known amongst tourists for its boat races.  Boat racing is amongst the widely held water sports conducted during the monsoon period in some of the topmost lakes and back waters in Kerala. Being a sports-tourism product, boat races of Kerala needs sustainable and responsible tourism practices to reduce the multidimensional impacts on the host community and participants. For the sustenance of these cultural regattas as a unique tourism product of Kerala, it is mandatory to ensure the quality of facilities and services to the sports tourists. In this study, the researcher is highlighting the need for the sustenance of the boat races in Kerala as a sports tourism product by giving effective recommendations to reduce the negative impact. Also, giving special attention to identify issues of host community and the conduct of boat races in different tourism centers in the state. In this study, the researcher is adopting a historical descriptive, analytical and socio-economic approach method. Apart from literature, information has been collected through personal interactions with the officials of state tourism departments, local community members and stakeholders of the industry. The findings of the study shows that the lack of infrastructure facilities for the sports tourists at the venue, lack of government funding for the conduct of the event, issues of transportation to the venue, lack of support of the local bodies, lack of planning and support from the tourism promotion council, environmental issues, and lack of quality services are the major issues related to boat race as sports tourism product in Kerala.

Keywords: Boat Races, Sports Tourism, Champions Boats League, Stakeholders and Government Polices.