Journal of Tourism & Hospitality
Open Access

Abstract

An Analysis of Tourist’s Perception towards Handicraft Tourism Development: A Study on Channapattana Toy Town in Karnataka

Mukunda BG

Handicraft is an important productive sector and export commodity and in many cases, they account for a significant part of the export economy. The handicrafts sector has a rich and traditional offering for the world through the numerous products created by craftsmen and indigenous products. Handicrafts play a vital part in acquainting the country's tourism resources and enticing tourists. Karnataka is one of the few states that produce arts and crafts employing traditional methods. The state has a massive collection of timeless handicrafts that must be protected and promoted to boost tourism in the state. Artisans from all over the state are striving to create high-quality products. Karnataka's Channapatna, popularly known as ‘Gombegala Ooru’ (toy-town), is renowned for its wooden toys.

Understanding tourists’ perceptions are very often regarded as an important tool in planning and developing tourism in any tourist destination. The more we understand the tourist better services could be provided to tourists for the development of the tourist destinations. Previous studies claim the importance of tourist’s perceived value and its application in tourism planning and development. The present study examines the tourist’s perception of handicrafts in Channapatna toy town in Ramanagara District of Karnataka. To measure the tourist responses a range of indicators related to handicraft tourism development were identified and the responses were analyzed by using statistical tests Factor Analysis, Cron Bach Alpha test, and Regression Analysis. The statistical analysis of data reveals that tourist perception is determined by two factors good craftsmanship and value for money out of which good craftsmanship is the main contributor in determining tourist perception towards handicrafts tourism in Channapatna. Further, this toy town requires adequate raw materials for handicraft making and local awareness about tourism facilities to promote handicraft tourism.

Published Date: 2022-06-20; Received Date: 2022-05-19