Statistics Book 2007.pdf - Kerala Tourism

ordinary and other categories of boats are available, we followed stratified sampling technique and a
sample of 80 units was identified for collecting primary data from Alleppey. Simultaneously at Kumarakom
a sample of thirty units was identified for the same purpose.
The second phase of the study started with the testing of questionnaire in the field. After pre-testing a
detailed questionnaire was prepared and the boat owners were contacted during the month of June and
July 2007. Since house boat operation is a tourism business activity and rules and regulations are also
involved, we found it very difficult to get all information as expected. Though the identified sample
houseboat owners are contacted in person by our field investigators, we could collect fully answered
questionnaire from 88 representatives from the two destinations. Partially filled up questionnaires were
not considered for analysis. Similarly, the data given in this report is the information reported by the
house boat owners. In certain cases the reported figures does not convey the actual position. However,
the results enabled us to make a general understanding of the houseboat operators in these two destinations
and the major issues involved.
Structure of the Report
The report is structured in to five chapters. The executive summary is followed by brief account of
backwater tourism in Kerala focusing Alleppey and Kumarakom. The essential and optical condition for
registration of house boats is also given. The third and fourth chapters are devoted for evaluation of
houseboats at Alleppey and Kumarakom respectively.
Major Findings
Since this is a maiden attempt to conduct an evaluative study of house boats, a detailed profile of
houseboat operation is made. The profiling is done in terms of ownership, classification/category and
facilities. Regarding various categories, deluxe is most prominent at Alleppey (45%) and 19% of them fall
under gold star. Houseboats are owned under sole proprietorship, partnership and company forms also.
Interestingly it is noted that 46% do not possess ay registration at all. However, barring a small percentage
almost all units ensure safety and security measures in terms of life jackets, fire extinguishers etc.
While in Alleppey 70% refused to reveal the age of houseboats, in Kumarakom it is reported between 1 to
30 years. Regarding bedroom, kitchen and other facilities - both in Alleppey and Kumarakom - houseboats
followed same principles. But the numbers of ordinary and unregistered boats are focused more at
Kumarakom.
Regarding the preference of food, local cuisine is mostly demanded. Indian and local food are the most
preferred ones. Unlike hotels and resorts, majority of customers makes advance booking and is made
through travel agency. Travel agency seems to play a decisive role in marketing house boats in Kerala.
With the regard to the type of tourist, both destinations attract more domestic than foreign tourist. It is
also found that customer relations practices are not strictly followed in this area. Majority succeeded in
attracting new customer every year.
The major type of employment offered in houseboats include kitchen staff, drivers, house-keeping and
others. Except house keeping department, temporary and trainees are found in all other departments.
Interview conducted among the workers revealed that majority (72%) are in need of training on
communication, safety measures, first aid and product knowledge. The average number of staff in various
departments in a houseboat is worked out as eleven.
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