Rising standards of living and increasing travel

[jodie]

Among the economic forces which have greatly influenced the growth of tourism in Kerala, higher standards of living, the increase in leisure related activities as a result of industrialization, changes in the demographic picture (resulting from falling death rates and higher life expectancy), the shift of the rural folk from the rural to the urban areas, need special mention.

The above point would be clear from the figures below showing the average increase in certain growth parameters in USA, which is a highly industrialized country.

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Purpose of visit Percent

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Per Capita real income 1900 – 1950 19

Total leisure during 1900 – 1960 20

Population during 1900 – 1960 15

Travel per capita during 1930 – 1960 25

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In some of the industrialized countries, the increase in leisure time has posed a serious problem as well as an opportunity. “Saving the customer time is only one of the marketing opportunities posed by this trend. Another one is to create goods and services for utilizing his spare time”.

Nelson Foots pointed out that General Electric has its feet in both doors: “Time gained through the use of dishwashers allows more hours in front of the TV. It may be stated that in keeping with Engel’s law, the percentage of time spent on travel will tend to increase with a rise in the standard of living.

When choosing a resort Kerala offers enough opportunities to a domestic as well as an international tourist to unwind and enjoy at leisure. The proliferation of resorts is an attempt by the business community to make use of the opportunities arising out of the increased spare time at the disposal of the common man.