Tourism as a Tool for Poverty Alleviation

A Sustainable Model approach towards Community Based Tourism at Kathputli Colony

Tourism as a tool for poverty alleviation has been eulogised worldwide. Moreover poverty alleviation has been given utmost priority by United Nations World Tourism Organisation by implementing the ST-EP -Sustainable Tourism as an effective tool for eliminating poverty. Public Private Enterprises are turning to several alternative forms of tourism like Community Based Tourism (CBT), Pro Poor Tourism and Eco Tourism etc.

According to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Goals to make the world a better place to live in, Poverty Elimination is the Primary Goal. Following are certain targets projected by UN to achieve the goal for Poverty Eradication.

– By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day

– By 2030, reduce at least by half, the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions

– Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030, achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable

– By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and financial services, including microfinance

– By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters

– Ensure significant mobilisation of resources from a variety of sources, through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end poverty in all its dimensions

– Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional and international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions (Source un.org)

Aligned with the above agenda is an activity which Open Eyes Project has initiated in Delhi with the artisans who are living with inadequate income. The most inspiring characteristic of this community is that they have imbibed tremendous creativity and expertise on the folktales of Rajasthan through puppetry music, dance and body acapella. There are around 2800 families living in sheer poverty but are rich in art and crafts.

Rajasthan is famous for one particular style of puppet known as Marionette which means that puppets have to be manipulated from top through the threads. The puppets are made of wood. Kath (wood) + Putali (puppet) has joined in the making of animated objects for the performance. Puppeteers come from a community of Bhats (genealogist) of Nagaur and around districts of Rajasthan. It is said that the Bhats adopted Kathputali from Mugal Courts i.e. from Persian puppeteers who played with paper machie puppets. The Bhats are also known as Nat i.e. acrobats.

But very less emphasis is given to skill development and vocational education and training in Tourism. Open Eyes, a social enterprise, as part of ‘inclusive tourism’, took initiative to provide training and integrate them to mainstream tourism. A study has been conducted to show the impact of vocational training in tourism for a period of 90 days for the subjects who hail from below poverty line and various slum areas of Delhi. The objective of this programme was to link vocational training in tourism to livelihood. Respondents have shown keen interest in training and indeed the study reflected that tourism can be used for poverty reduction and can be a pathway to prosperity.

The present scenario of education, even though is theoretical, has incorporated scope for creativity enhancement. But there is little emphasis given on skill education and sustaining of family based tradition.

Sustaining Family Tradition: The initiative to train them has given scope for the puppeteers to learn and adopt the nuances of the family tradition of making and enacting the puppet show. The advent of technology has completely negated the traditional folk arts like music, dance and puppetry. Therefore it is much more essential to sustain this dying art and preserve it for the coming generations.

Social Enterprise Impacts: Non Government Organisations and social enterprises like Open Eyes are working for the betterment of this community. As a part of ‘inclusive tourism’, which works for the below poverty line, Open eyes initiated a project on skill development, and promoted their activities with tourists. The tour activity includes body acapella, puppet show and music and some part of the revenue is given to sustain them for their livelihood.

Skill Development: With a lot of emphasis on skill development by the present government, the society seems to comprehend its significance. Education is just not what is imparted in the theoretical manner from the text books but it is an amalgamation of theory and practical. That is where skill development plays a pivotal role in sustaining the traditional arts. The puppeteers are imparted various soft skills on communication and elementary English language. This has not only given them confidence but enhanced their creativity.

Self Employment Opportunities: Tourism can be a tool for poverty alleviation while integrating and imparting self employment opportunities. These families are empowered with opportunities of self employment where they are the bosses of their own and also provide job opportunities to others in the colony. Not only do we talk of employment but we were able to create entrepreneurs in the community.

Sustainable Model approach: Involvement of the local community is the key to Sustainable Model approach. From the local level to global level and micro to macro economics, Sustainable Model approach is a more scientific way to alleviate poverty. Basic amenities, including schools, hospitals and sanitation are taken care by the community themselves once there is an inflow of monetary benefits to them. Apart from this, a holistic approach towards development from the grass root level must be incorporated.

Support from the Govt: Therefore here comes the role of the government to facilitate the infrastructure development, and incorporate and implement the policy guidelines for the improvement of the society.

Thus Tourism is one of major tool for poverty alleviation. The UNWTO programme on Sustainable Tourism Eliminating Poverty ST EP Programme proposed a Seven Step Mechanism to improve the income and the quality of life for the below poverty line. With optimism in the air, the world will surely be a better place to live and let live.

Source: travelnewsdigest.in