Heritage Tourism and Sustainability in the Western Ghats of Kerala: An Integrative Assessment of Environmental, Economic, and Socio-Cultural Dimensions

Heritage tourism has been increasingly positioned as a tool for promoting sustainability in ecologically sensitive landscapes. This study examines the Western Ghats of Kerala, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to evaluate the extent to which heritage tourism contributes to environmental, economic, and socio-cultural sustainability. Using an Integrative Sustainability Assessment (ISA) framework, the study combines secondary data analysis (2010–2023 tourism statistics, forest cover reports, biodiversity monitoring, and waste audits) with case-based evaluation of five sites: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Eravikulam National Park, Silent Valley, Wayanad heritage circuits, and Thenmala ecotourism. Results indicate that Periyar demonstrates high sustainability scores, with effective community participation yielding biodiversity gains and livelihood security, whereas Eravikulam faces ecological pressures from over-tourism despite economic growth. Across sites, tourism revenue has grown significantly (from ₹17,348 crore in 2010 to ₹50,885 crore in 2023), with uneven local retention due to leakages in resort-dominated circuits. Socio-cultural outcomes include increased women’s participation (18% in 2015 to 32% in 2022) and revitalization of cultural performances, though risks of ritual commodification persist. The findings underscore that heritage tourism can support sustainability goals only when environmental thresholds are respected and benefits are equitably shared. The ISA framework offers a replicable approach for policymakers to monitor trade-offs and guide strategies that balance conservation, livelihood, and cultural integrity in heritage landscapes.