Final

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism
INTRODUCTION
Tourism in Kerala is passing through a significant phase of growth and development. The sustained efforts of the department of Tourism over a period of several years have played a crucial role in achieving this momentum and direction. The department of Tourism is committed to preserving this trend and working towards long term goals of establishing tourism as a major development factor in the state, with improved infrastructure and publicity, the department of tourism hopes to receive more tourists, both domestic as well as international in the seasons to come. Better hotels, restaurants and other facilities alone will not develop tourism. Along with the department of tourism efforts to facilitate adequate infrastructure for the same, it is equally important that step taken to be taken to create and maintain a collective mindset among the people of the state with a positive orientation towards tourism and hospitality. We have to re-establish the traditional Indian concepts of atithi devo
bhava in the tourism industry. Our motto should be to receive a guest and to send
back a friend. Tourism industry can develop only with the co-operation and whole hearted patronage of a friendly and hospitable host community. It is with the objective that the department of tourism is envisaging a massive awareness campaign in the state. Growth with responsibility is the present mantra for the Kerala tourism as the state continues to grow, consolidate and diversify all together. Tourism marches forward as the single largest economic activity for its people, T. K . Manoj Kumar , principal secretary of tourism, Government of Kerala speaking on the growth for the last year, said that impact of the tsunami was minimized as the state tourism department responded fast and within two week of the disaster, it was difficult to find rooms in Kerala. Tourism according to him is a key driver. He pointed out that recently when President Prathibha Patel unveiled the 10-point mission statement for Kerala, tourism ranked first. That is where he seems tourism in Kerala.
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Nirmala Arts and Science College, Mulanthuruthy
NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE STUDY This study is exploratory and analytical in nature. This study is confined to the growth of ayurvedic medical tourism in Kochi. The study is related to measurement of both positive and negative aspects of medical tourism. The scope of the study is confined to tourists domestic and foreign, not to forget those connected with Ayurveda. The study covers the impact of medical tourism at Kochi only. Also it brings attention to the drawbacks, weaknesses, threats etc faced by the tourists. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY The study is intended to bring to the limelight the impact of the spread of medical tourism at Kochi. The problems faced by medical tourism industry and the prospects open to this relatively new branch of tourism in a busy tourist place like Kochi are to be analyzed. The following aspects are expected to be covered by this study: To present a general picture of tourism at Kochi. To gauge the current status of medical tourism at Kochi. To have an understanding on the various elements and ingredients of medical tourism.. To highlight the major problems encountered by this nascent branch of tourism. To assess and measure the level of satisfaction of the tourists regarding various aspects of tourism package. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES are: To find out the pros and cons of tourism In Kochi. To know about the opinion of tourists attractions. To make suggestions and recommendations on the basis of findings.
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METHODOLOGY The following methodology has been adopted to carry out this work. Collection of Data This study is based on primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected with the help of interview schedule. Data was collected from the tourists, both domestic and foreign. Direct personal communication with tour operators, employees under tourism department, Local People of Kochi etc. has been much helpful in the study. 1 well structured Questionnaire is issued and collects the relevant information obtained is used for the analysis of data. Secondary data were collected from journals, Magazines, books, newspapers and various websites. Secondary data was mainly used for literature review in order to develop a theoretical background. Sample Design The researcher has made used of the convenience sampling technique. The sample size comprised 30 tourists, both foreign and domestic. TOOLS APPLIED The collection of data was classified and tabulated and the below mentioned tools were applied for the purpose of analysis. The following tools have been used for the presentation of data: Pie diagram Bar chart In order to facilitate analysis the following tools have been applied: Percentage analysis
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PERCENTAGE ANALYSIS This is the simplest tool for analysis where in the frequency of each item is expressed as a percentage of the total frequency applicable for the relevant question. This tool helps to draw simple questions. LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY A study of this nature, of course, faces limitations and entails constraints. The inherent limitations of sampling theory might have affected this study too. There was non-co-operation on the part of some hotels and tourists to disclose necessary information. The class of respondents covered by the study falling under varied categories is a reason for restricting the sample size under each category of respondents and as such the law of inertia of large numbers will apply. Besides there is also the problem of resource constraint. The researcher being a student, paucity of funds has to a great extent reduced the size of this research canvas .So too has the question of time constraint, especially on the eve of examinations when everybody is mad rush against time, the impending deadline has compelled the researcher to rush through many stages of the research. In spite of all these constraints, the researcher feels that a modest but serious and sincere attempt has been made through out. Inadequacy of time is also another limitation. .
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LITERATURE REBVIEW TOURISM Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes". Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. In 2010, there were over 940 million international tourist arrivals worldwide, representing a growth of 6.6% when compared to 2009. International tourism receipts grew to US$919 billion (693 billion) in 2010, corresponding to an increase in real terms of 4.7%. It creates opportunities for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services, such as airlines, cruise ships and taxicabs, hospitality including hotels and resorts; and services, entertainment such venues, as accommodations, such as amusement
parks, casinos, shopping malls, music venues and theatres. Tourism in India It is the largest service industry, with a contribution of 6.23% to the national GDP and 8.78% of the total employment in India. The tourism industry in India generated about 100 billion US dollars in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$275.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate. In 2010, 5.8 million foreign tourists visited India. India generated about 100 billion US dollars in 2008 and that is expected to increase to US$275.5 billion by 2018 at a 9.4% annual growth rate. The majority of foreign tourists come from USA and UK. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are the top five states to receive inbound tourists. Domestic tourism in the same year was 740 million. Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra received the big share of these visitors. Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency to formulate national policies and programmes for the development and promotion of tourism. In the process, the Ministry consults and collaborates with other stakeholders in the sector including various Central Ministries/agencies, the state governments and union territories and the representatives of the private sector. Concerted efforts are being made to promote new forms of tourism such as rural, cruise,
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medical and eco-tourism. The Ministry of Tourism also maintains the Incredible India campaign. According to World Travel and Tourism Council, India will be a tourism hotspot from 20092018, having the highest 10-year growth potential. The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007 ranked tourism in India sixth in terms of price competitiveness and 39th in terms of safety and security. Despite short- and mediumterm setbacks, such as shortage of hotel rooms, tourism revenues are expected to surge by 42% from 2007 to 2017. India's thousands of years of history, its length, diversity and the variety of geographic features make its tourism basket large and varied. It presents heritage and cultural tourism along with medical, business and sports tourism. India has one of the largest and fastest growing medical tourism sectors. Medical Tourism Over 50 countries have identified medical tourism as a national industry. However, accreditation and other measures of quality vary widely across the globe, and some destinations may become hazardous or even dangerous for medical tourists. In the context of global health, the term "medical tourism" is pejorative because during such trips health care providers often practice outside of their areas of expertise or hold different (i.e., lower) standards of care. Greater numbers than ever before of student volunteers, health professions trainees, and researchers from resource-rich countries are working temporarily and anticipating future work in resource-starved areas. This emphasizes the importance of understanding this other definition
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Medical tourism in India It also called medical travel, health tourism or global healthcare is a term initially coined by travel agencies and the mass media to describe the rapidly-growing practice of travelling across international borders to obtain health care. It also refers pejoratively to the practice of healthcare providers travelling internationally to deliver healthcare. Medical tourism is a growing sector in India. Indias medical tourism sector is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 30%, making it a Rs. 9,500-crore industry by 2015. Estimates of the value of medical tourism to India go as high as $2 billion a year by 2012. As medical treatment costs in the developed world balloon - with the United States leading the way - more and more Westerners are finding the prospect of international travel for medical care increasingly appealing. An estimated 150,000 of these travel to India for low-priced healthcare procedures every year Services typically sought by travelers include elective procedures as well as complex specialized surgeries such as joint replacement (knee/hip), cardiac surgery, dental surgery, and cosmetic surgeries. However, virtually every type of health care, including psychiatry, alternative treatments, convalescent care and even burial services are available. MEDICAL TOURISM AND AYURVEDA- AN OVERVIEW Medical Tourism is one of the branches of tourism but gaining wide popularity in developed countries. It is the act of travelling to other countries to obtain medical, dental, or surgical care. Many of the components of health tourism also feature in the growing industry of medical tourism too. Medical tourists are generally residents of the industrialized nations of the world and primarily come from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Western Europe, Australia and the Middle East.
India with its huge and modern hospitals, alternative forms of medical care and abundant natural beauty is able to attract a large number of medical tourists. Usually,
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the trend is to combine a surgery in India with a yoga holiday or a trip to Taj Mahal. Else they will travel to the southern state of Kerala, to enjoy the backwaters of kumarakom and historical monuments at Kochi with an ayurvedic massage done in those hotels. The alternate practices like acupuncture, naturopathy, yoga, homeopathy, yunani, Ayurveda are attracting many tourists to our country. AYURVEDA Introduction Ayurveda originated in India long back in pre-Vedic period. Rig-Veda and Atharvaveda(5000 years B.C),the earliest documented ancient Indian knowledge have references on health and diseases. Ayurvedic texts like Charaka samhita and sushruta samhita were dominated about 1000 years B.C. The term Ayurveda means science of life, it deals elaborately with measures for healthful living during the entire span of life and its various phases. Besides dealing with the principles for the maintenance of health, it has also developed a wide range of therapeutic measures related to physical, mental, social and spiritual welfare of human beings. Ayurveda becomes one of the oldest systems of health care dealing with both preventive and curative aspects of life in a most comprehensive way and presents a close similarity to the WTOs concept of health propounded in the modern era.
Present study on Ayurveda Ayurveda is growing deep and fast and is even spreading to foreign countries. Today, Kerala is the state in India that promotes research and practices Ayurveda the most. There are many famous Ayurvedic centers(vaidyashala) all over Kerala.
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Today, Ayurveda is gaining a lot of interest in the western countries. Ayurvedic treatments in the west are primarily massage and dietary and herbal advice, due to the strong regulations surrounding medical practice in Europe and America. Treatment is aimed at restoring harmony or balance to the mind-body system. Kerala is the only state that acts as adjutant to ayurvedic treatment, apart from the many effective local editions and their basic panchakarma techniques. The renaissance of Ayurveda as it is now is due to these Kerala centers. Keralas natural abundance with the equitable climate is best suited for Ayurvedas curative and restorative programmes. Kerala is the only place on earth where it is practiced with absolute authenticity and dedication. Kerala is the place where ayurvedic education is kept in its classical form, while incorporating rapidly developing modern science. 1. Medicines are available on reasonable prices. 2. No import i.e. medicines are vegetables, metals, minerals and animal products which are available in nature. Various types of treatments in Ayurveda are :
1. Panchakarma : The panchakarmas are nothing but five medical operations
being practiced in ayurveda. Basically the treatments of diseases are classified in to shodhana, and sharmana. Panchakarma procedures are purifactory ones.
2. Therapeutic vomiting : Artificially induced vomiting should be approached
with care. If we stain ourselves to vomit, it can damage our nerve reflexes. it is possible to learn to do it for ourselves with a little patience. It can be done on a regular basis to cleanse the stomach.
3. Purgation : It is the simplest of the Panchakarama method and it is very easy to
see its effect. this therapy stomach.
can be used whenever we need to cleanse the
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4. Cleaning enemas : Enemas are mild therapies and can b used for so many
conditions. There are different kinds of enemas, some of which are useful for tonification others for reduction.
5. Nasal application of herbs : Ayurveda lists a whole variety of herbal
preparations, including diction oils, ghee and the smoking herbs for direct action on the nasal passage.
6. Rejuvenation (Rasayana) : It is a special form of tonification therapy. It
properly follows deep cleansing like Panchakarma and elimination of excess humors from the body. Rejuvenation diet is the same as the tonification diet.
7. Diet and dietaries : Ayurveda specially insists the importance of food and
habits in the maintenance of good health. According to ayurvedic scientists, human body itself is a product of food. Modern scientists classify food according to the ingredients included in it like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins. The insufficiency of any of these components are said to cause ill health.
8. Yoga : Yoga was modeled to help human beings to achieve a higher state of
mind and body while ayurveda deals with day to day affairs of human beings. It is proved that in certain diseased conditions such as asthma, use of ayurvedic medicines along with Yoga technique give sure relief and present relapses.
9. Pizhichil : In this treatment, lukewarm herbal oil is applied all over the body by
two to four trained masseurs in a special rhythmic way continuously for a period of 7 to 21 days. This treatment is very useful for rheumatic diseases like weakness and nervous disorders etc.
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Njavarakizhi : It is the process by which the whole body or ant specific
part thereof is made to perspire by the application of certain medical puddings externally in the form of boluses tied up in muslin bag. This treatment is for all
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types of rheumatic, pain in the joints, emaciation of limbs, blood pressure, cholesterol and certain kind of skin diseases.
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Dhara :In this process, some herbal oils, medicated milk, medicated
butter milk etc. are poured on the forehead in a special method. This treatment is mainly for insomnia , vata predominated diseases.
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Sirovasthi : Certain lukewarm herbal oils are poured into a cap fitted on
the head. This treatment is highly effective for facial paralysis dryness of nostrils, mouth and throat, severe headaches etc.
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Udvarthanam : This is a typical massage with herbal powders. This
treatment is for diseases like hemiplegic, obesity and paralysis etc.

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Snehapanam : Medicated ghee is given internally in a proportionally
increased quantity. This treatment is for osteoarthritis, sporaris, leukemia etc.

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Kizhi : Herbal leaves and herbs or herbal powders are applied to the
whole body in boluses with hot medicated oils. This treatment is for osteoarthtis with swelling, sports injuries etc.
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Nasyam : Herbal juices medicated oils etc. are applied through nose for 7
to 14 days. This treatment is highly effective for certain kinds of headaches, paralysis etc.
The other Ayurvedic treatments are Dhanyamla Dhara,Kativasthi,Ksheeradhoomam, Thalam, Abhyangam.
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Ayurveda is not merely a collection of effective drugs, herbs and remedies, but it is essentially knowledge of the art and science of living which man will need as long as there is life on earth. It is a holistic approach, which is to be handled with special care. A true ayurvedist is not an enemy of science but only sees in man more than meets the eye. And most of the resorts and the ayurvedic doctors and staffs at Kochi have to a large extent been successful in fulfilling this criterion and that is the reason for their popularity too.
Problems related with the Ayurvedic treatment There exists some difficulties which the tourists have to encounter if they opt for this mode of treatment.
1. They will have to struggle for post follow up care if problems arise back home as
no doctor will be ready to attend a case which they had not treated.
2. It is also very difficult for patients to evaluate the credentials of doctors and
hospitals abroad.
3. They may face trouble with medical insurance as health schemes only give their
approval if they can be sure that the services provided are of an equivalent standard.
4. Absence of strong laws in foreign countries for providing resource to tourists, if

anything went wrong.
PROFILE OF TOURISM INDUSTRY
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Tourism is a major phenomenon of the modern society with significant socioeconomic consequences. Tourism has been emerged as a growing sector in terms of employment and income generation. World Travel and Tourism Council (WITC) have identified tourism as the worlds most rapidly growing industry. According to WTTC, the contribution of tourism to the world economy would be doubled more than the base level of 1994. Tourism is the worlds largest and fastest growing industry. IT is an invisible export, which means earns valuable foreign exchange without any significant or tangible loss of internal sources. It is a source of revenue and employment. It is an activity involving a complex mixture of material and psychological elements. The material ones are accommodation, transportation, the attractions and the entertainments available. The psychological factors include wide spectrum of attitudes and expectations. Tourism Origin and History The word tourism was originated from the Latin word tornos meaning a tool for describing a circle or turners wheel. The notion of round tour or package tour was emerged from this. Another view is that the word tourism was derived from the word torah which means studying or search implying the travelers desire to discover something about a place. Sanskrit literature contains three terms for tourism derived from the root atna, which means going or leaving home for some other place. The three terms are: a) Parayatna means going out for pleasure and knowledge b) Desatna means leaving the country primarily for economic gains c) Trithatna means travel for religious purpose Meaning and Definition Tourism refers to the temporary movement of people from one place to another and tourists are voluntary temporary travelers, travelling in the expectations of pleasure from the novelty and change experienced on a relatively and non recurrent round trip.
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Tourism is defined as the sum of the phenomenon and relationship arising from travel and stay of non residents, in so far as they do not lead to permanent residence and are not connected with any earning activity. United Nations defines tourist as a temporary visitor to a country other than the one in which he usually resides for any reason other than following an occupation remunerated from within the country visited. It was further elaborated that the temporary period should not be less than 24 hours. History Tourism is an activity that has been existing since the dawn of history. Man has been travelling to satisfy his curiosity long before Christ was born. The first tourism industry probably grew up about 3000 years ago around the supply of goods and services to pilgrims journeying through India and other parts of Asia. But pleasure travel was available only during periods when there was peace and political stability in the world. Travel became much easier after 16th century when stage coaches were built. The most revolutionary step in travel was the replacement of dirty roads with hard surfaced roads in the first decade of the 19th century. Soon Europe has its first railways, which expanded into a network. Steamships that followed made international travel more comfortable, bringing Americans to Europe and taking Europeans to North America in less than a week. The introduction of automobile in the beginning of the 20th century made travel within the reach of many people in industrial concerns. Airlines followed and the technology changes in the transportation industry made it possible to carry hundreds of people over the oceans in a few hours at a cost which was well within the reach of the middle classes in the Europe and North America. Characteristics Tourism, according to an old dictionary came to be understood as the theory and practices of tourism or traveling for pleasure. Some of the important characteristics of tourism can be viewed as:
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1. Tourism arises from a movement of people to and their stay in, various destinations. 2. There are two elements in all tourism; journey to the destination and the stay including the activities at the destination.
3. The journey and the stay takes place outside the normal place of residence and
work, so that tourism gives rise to activities, which are distinct from those of the resident and working population of the places through which tourists travel and in which they stay. 4. The movement to destinations is of a temporary or short term character with the intention to return within a few days, weeks or months. 5. Destination is visited for purposes other than taking up permanent residence or employments in place which they visit. Reasons for the Growth of Tourism The phenomenal growth in tourism during the last 50 years has been due to several economic, cultural and technological factors. Major of them are:Increased leisure In 1949, the ILO adopted a convention fixing the minimum length of paid holidays, at 6 weeks days a year. In most countries of the world; however it is now up to 3 weeks a year. This has led to extensive holiday travel. Future trends are even more optimistic. Industrial Development and urbanization Large scale industrial development coupled with pollution and overcrowding in the cities has led the people towards the search for sun, sand and pure mountaineering during annual holidays.
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Revolution in Transport The development of air transport leading to the evolution of jumbo jets has resulted in believable low airfares. This has democratized the holiday market. Education and Culture The spread of education worldwide has led to a natural curiosity among the people to travel and discover how others live and work. Raising the standard of living The rapid economic development has raised standards of living. In developed countries with sizeable disposable income a part of this income is now spent on travel for fun.
Publicity and promotion, government interest Most governments are actively promoting tourism like any other product. This has resulted in the current travel boom.
Importance of tourism The tourism industry enjoys major advantage over other industries a unique product that might differ from state to state. As an industry the impact of tourism is manifold. It provides a stimulus to maturing economies augments foreign exchange earnings and brings new money and business into an area. It also serves as a tool for promoting understanding and tolerance among people and culture, besides encouraging and preservation of natural environment. Tourism and economy Tourism is considered to be an economic bonanza. it is a multi segment industry. The positive effect of tourism includes its contribution to the generation of national income, expansion of employment opportunities, rising of tax revenue, generation of foreign exchange and transformation of regional economy. It helps to absorb and redistribute a large amount of the consumer income. Tourism is also labour intensive industry both for skilled and unskilled labour. Tourism
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also stimulates infrastructure improvements in backward areas and assists in regional development by increasing land values. One significant contribution of tourism to economy is the multiplier effect. Tourism multiplier effects are additional income and employment. Benefits to society and culture Tourism acts as a catalyst in promoting cultural understanding. It reduces international tensions and suspicions and creates an atmosphere conductive to interaction between the different people of the world. Widening of the social opportunities, setting up of the social life, promotion of inter-regional and intraregional understanding, and creation of integration are some of the important positive effects of tourism industry. Benefits to environment Tourism is a way of utilizing resource, which would otherwise remain idle for instance landscape, backwater and cultural sites. Tourism encourages the restorations of ancient monuments, archeological treasures and historical buildings. In many countries fare lifting and restoration of town and neighborhoods have been undertaken with great gusto. More significantly some countries have started specializing in tourism as their major export industry.
Types of Tourism Tourism can be classified into different types. Recreational In the recreational tourism, the tourists spend their leisure hour at the hill stations , sea beaches etc. such type of tourism provide an opportunity to the tourists to get away from the day to day humdrum and refresh, their mind and energy to deliver goods.
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1) Cultural
Such types of tourism satisfy the cultural curiosity of the tourists and involves visit to ancient monuments, places of historic and religious importance. Adventure Sports This adventure tourism provides an opportunity to travel towards adventure places or sports based places, such as playing of golf, hiking, skiing etc. Health Such type of tourism makes available to the tourists suitable places for recovery or medical treatment like hot springs, yoga etc. Indian Tourism Asian countries including India are becoming attractions to the tourists from the countries like Europe, America, and Australia. The phenomenal growth of tourist industry in China, Hong-Kong, Thailand, Japan, Gulf and Malaysia is contributing much to the inflow of tourists to India. Geographical diversity, rich heritage, ancient renowned culture, varied ways of life have made India a premier tourist center, Britain is in the fore font in sending tourists to India. France, USA ,Germany, Switzerland are the other countries just behind Britain. Income Generation Income from various tourists forms a major part of Indian economy. the net profit derived from tourism industry is much higher than the income earned from other industries like textile, iron, and diamond. As the provider of employment, the direct and indirect employment ratio is 1:8 in tourism industry whereas it is only 1:2 in other industries. it is estimated that the tourism industry whereas it is only 1:2 in other industries. It is estimated that the Indian tourism will fetch direct employment of 9.3 million in coming years. The average percentage of growth of Indian tourism from 2000 onwards is 4:7,5:13.it is heartening to note that there is a quantum jumps of domestic tourists from 63.8 million in 1990 to 215 million in 2002. According to the world map
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of tourism, India has ranked 40th and in respect of income it has achieved the 30th place. In national terms income from tourism is 1000 billion (5.6% of total income). In respect of employment it provides employment opportunities to 18 billion people(5.8% of total employment) and in respect of investment it is 250 billion rupees(6.4% of total investment). Kerala Tourism Since there are unfavorable conditions prevailing in Kashmir, the tourists turn their attention to the tourist destinations in south India particularly Kerala. Gods Own Country With the Arabian sea on the west, the western Ghats towering 500-2700 meters on the east and networked by forty four rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographic features that have made it one of the most sought after tourism destination in Asia. An equitable climate, a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling, plantations and paddy fields, ayurvedic health holidays, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historic and cultural monuments, an exotic cuisine etc all of which a unique experience to the tourists and added to that each of this charming destinations are when two hours drive.
Kerala Fact File Location Area Population Capital Districts Languages : : : : : : South Western tip of India 38863 sq.km i.e. 1.04% of India 31848452 Thiruvananthapuram 14 Malayalam
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Religion Currency Climate Summer Monsoon Winter Roads
: : : : : : :
Hinduism, Christianity, Islam Indian Rupee Tropical Feb-May(24-33 degree Celsius) June-September(22-28 degree Celsius) October-January(22-33 degree Celsius) 125330 km 844km 927 km TVM, Calicut, Nedumbasserry
National Highways : Railway Airports : :
Kerala :Indias No.1 State A Hundred percent literate people. World-Class health care systems. Indias lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Best law and other conditions. Indias most efficient state. Peaceful and pristine, Kerala is also the cleanest state of India. Ayurvedic Treatment in Kerala Ayurveda is the ancient health science developed as a result of centuries long research work of eminent scholarly sages. The word Ayurveda means knowledge of Life. Ayurveda is twofold, preventive and curative aimed at building up the personality to help a person to lead a healthy and happy life. The various types of
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treatment in Ayurveda are :- pizhichil, njavarakizhi, Dhara, Sirovasthi, Kizhi, Thalam etc.. Kerala promotes bill for Ayurveda Kerala tourism and the state health department have drafted a bill to control and safeguard the ancient practice of Ayurveda. According to the new bill, all up coming and already existing ayurvedic health centers will have to obtain two licenses, one issued by the Director of Indian systems of Medicine and another by the concerned local self government institution. Other specifications in the bill are use of good quality medicines and eco-friendly systems for disposal of used oils, medicines and other waste. Each of these ayurvedic health centre should also maintain a record of the people who come in for treatment.
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TOURISM-Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats of KOCHI KOCHI- A Jewel in the Crown of Kerala Kochi is the jewel in the crown of Kerala with cosmopolitan character, with one of the finest natural harbors of the world, breath taking blue lagoons and lush green islands, it is called the Queen of Arabian Sea. It is the biggest and most active port in Kerala and from here ships set sail for foreign parts with spices, rubber, coir and fish. Kochi is a vibrant city situated on the south west cost of Indian peninsula in the breath taking scenic ad prosperous state of Kerala, dubbed Gods own country. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of Arabian Sea. Informally Kochi is referred as Gateway of Kerala. From time Immemorial in the Arabs, the British, the Chinese, the Dutch and the Portuguese have left indelible marks on history and development of Kochi. Kochi is proud of its world-class ports and international airport that link many major cities worldwide. Kochi is a small town. But Kochi has out grown its original bound and now the general name given to much of the region adjoining the original town includes Kochi, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Ernakulam and many other nearby towns and villages. Kochi, a world of palm trees, with serene backwaters, beautiful lagoons, islands, magnificent landscapes and setting sun on the beaches of Kochi, it is undoubtedly the Queen of Arabian Sea.
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STRENGHTS Prime attractions of Kochi : Dutch Palace/Mattancherry Palace Jew Town/Jewish Synagogue Chinese Fishing Net/Vasco Da Gama Square Hill Palace Cherai Beach Vypin Island Willington Island Museum Of Kerala History Santa Cruz Basilica St. Francis Church The Dutch Cemetery Kodanad Boothathankettu Chottanikkara Temple Pareekshith Tampuran Museum Gundu Island Indira Gandhi Boat Race Cochin Carnival
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Culture : The population of this region includes Christians, Hindus and Muslims and thus a unity in diversity exists among them. This culture represents Keralas typical one. Most of the tourists are keen about the culture, nature and ethnic traditions of Kerala. Transportation : Kochis transportation hub consist of majorly 1 airport-Nedumbasserry which is the major airport in Kerala. It consist of 2 major railway stations-EKM North and South.1 mobility Hub situated in Vyttila which would be the main transportation Hub in future of kochi. Metro rail is in its construction phase. Entertainments and amusements : Boat races cruises by country boats, motor boats and house boats(kettuvallam) etc. are the entertainments. Festivals and fairs in temples and churches also entertain the tourists. Amusements parks like Wonder la ,other childrens parks, marine drive etc. also attracts the people. Climate : Moderate climate and peaceful atmosphere exist. Backwaters : Backwaters are the special attraction of this region. Food : Almost all types of food are served by hotels, resorts and restaurants such as Kerala special and Kochi specials, Continentals, Chinese and fast food. North Indian food is also served. These may include Vegetarian meals and Non-Vegetarian items. Accommodations : Star hotels, resorts, medium type hotels and cheap rate hotels , paying guest, home stay etc. are available.
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Ayurvedic Treatment : Ayurvedic hospitals and hotels are located in this region. Hotels also provide Ayurvedic treatment here.
WEAKNESSES Seasonal employment : Tourism is seasonal only. Hence it is difficult for hostels and resorts to meet their expense. Improper Maintenance of roads : Maintenance of road is not done properly by the government. Though there are plenty of transport facilities, quality of the same is to be improved. Failure of Power Supply : Shortage of electricity and regular failure of power supply is common to this region. Shortage of Drinking Water : Drinking Water is not available in all regions In adequate quantities. Hotels and resorts have to buy water at higher prices. Disposal of waste materials : Hotels and resorts in this region are dumping their waste into sea as they have no proper facilities for waste disposal.
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OPPORTUNITIES Increasing number of hotels and resorts show increasing tourist traffic and increasing employment opportunities. The tourism rate is increasing year after year and as a result prices of land are increasing. The new tourism plan aims at developing rural infrastructure in rural areas and encouraging tourists to experience the rural India. Tourist can live in the villages and familiarize themselves about local art, craft and the customs. In order to give a boost to the accommodation sector, the state plans to encourage private players to set up vaz - hioram, or wayside hotels that at the must can house 8 to 10 rooms. In order to regulate the construction of hotels in tourism zones the government has passed the Tourism Zone Act. The state is also embarking on new eco-tourism projects. Kerala has also embarked on a clean Kerala Campaign whereby women self help groups are roped to clean village on a daily basis. In fact the Government has also instituted awards for villages succeeding in this projects.
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THREATS Environmental pollution : Dumping of wastage on roadsides, spitting in the road, unlimited use of plastics etc. are highly polluting the environment. Emission of smoke from vehicles also pollutes the environment to a large extent
Water pollution : Frequent passage of motorboats emits oil and diesel into the sea causing water pollution and destructs the bio-wealth. This adversely affects the flora and fauna and deprives the lively hood of fish-folk. Promotion of Smuggling Activities : With the growing flow of foreign tourists, we find possibilities for smuggling which in addition to the other side effects contraction in the tax revenue of Government. Threats to Society : Tourism industry may bring disastrous results, if not planned properly and found not in consistent with the social norms. In addition, the large influx of tourists from affluent to poor countries may result in social problems such as dishonesty, cheating, violence, crimes and development of inferiority complex.
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ANALYSIS OF DATA AND INTERPRETATIONS
The dissertation Problems and prospects of Ayurvedic medical tourism A study with Special Reference to kochi requires a large canvass of data collected from tourists who related to tourism. Hence the study is based on a survey conducted among these tourists. Using set of interview schedule, primary data were collected from the tourists making use of convenience sampling technique. Data were collected from mainly 30 tourists. This chapter contains an exploratory analysis of the views of the respondents. The respondents include both domestic and foreign tourists.
Tourists A tourists is a person who makes prolonged journey from one place to another especially for pleasure. An attempt is made her to find out the nature of tourists who visit kochi. It is arranged on the basis of age group, gender, education, occupation and income.
28
Table 5.1 Table showing the age group of domestic and foreign tourists Age Group Domestic Tourists No. percentage No. Percentage No Percentage . Below 25 25-35 35-45 Above 45 3 10 5 2 15 50 25 10 1 3 4 2 10 30 40 20 4 13 9 4 13 43 30 14 Foreign Tourists Total
Source : primary data
This table shows that 15% of domestic tourists belong to the age group below 25, 50% of the respondents fall in between 25-35 years while 25% are in the age limit between 35-45 years and the remaining 10% are in the group of 45 years and above. Out of foreign tourists 10% fall in the age group below 25%, 30% fall in the group of 25-35 years. At the same time 40% of the respondents are in the age group of 35-45 years and rest fall in the group of 45 and above.
29
Table 5.2 Gender wise classification of respondents Gender Domestic Foreign Total Percentage Male Female Total 16 4 20 8 2 10 24 6 30 80 20 100
A huge majority of respondents are male. Female tourists constitute only a mere 20% of the total sample size as shown in the table 5.1.1. of the 24 male respondents 8 were foreign nationals whereas 2 female respondents were foreigners.
Table 5.3 Educational qualifications of respondents Education No. of respondents Percentage
30
SSLC PDC Graduate Post Graduate Technical/Professional Total
4 6 10 7 3 30
13 20 34 23 10 100
More number of respondents are graduates. 34% of the respondents have completed graduation. 23% of the respondents are post graduates. Table 5.4 Occupational Details of Tourists Occupation Employee Businessman Professionals Agriculturists No. of Respondents Percentage 15 3 6 5 50 10 20 17
31
Students and others Total
1 30
3 100
Out of 30 tourists who constitute the sample 15 respondents are employees. 6 respondents are professionals where as 5 are agriculturists. Only 3 respondents are businessman. Table 5.4 reveals the details.
Table 5.5 Income wise classification of respondents Income Below 50000 50000-100000 100000-350000 350000-500000 Above 500000 Total No. of respondents Percentage 8 12 6 3 1 30 27 40 20 10 3 100
32
Table 5.5 reveals that 40% of the respondents earn annual income in between 50000-100000, 27% of the respondents have an income of less than 50000 where as 20% have an income between 100000-350000 and 10% have income between 350000500000 but only 3% have an income in excess of 500000. Kochi as tourist Destination : A detailed analysis of different aspects are made and presented in this section to have a general idea about tourism at Kochi. Table 5.6 Respondents opinion about Kochi as a tourist destination Response Like Kochi Does not like Kochi Total No. of Respondents Percentage 27 3 30 90 10 100
33
A huge majority of respondents i.e. 90% like Kochi as a tourist destination. Only 3 out of 30 respondents does not consider Kochi as a tourist destination.
34
Table 5.7 Number of visits to Kochi No. of visits First visit 2-5 times 5-10 times More than 10 times Total No. of Respondents Percentage 15 9 6 0 30 50 30 20 0 100
Majority of respondents have come to kochi for the first time. Out of the 30 respondents, 15 tourists have not come to kochi before, 9 respondents have been to kochi for 2-5 times, 6 respondents have visited Kochi 5-10 times. But none of the respondents has visited kochi more than 10 times. Table 5.8 Purpose of Visit Purpose of visit No. of respondents Percentage
35
Business/official Entertainment Education Medical and health grounds Total
3 21 2 4 30
10 70 7 13 100
70% of the respondents are visiting kochi for entertainment. 7% of respondents are on visit to kochi for education purpose. 10% of respondents are of business/official trips whereas 13% of the respondents is on a visit to kochi on medical and health grounds.
Table 5.9 Reason for choosing Kochi Reason Scenic beauty Ayurvedic Treatment Back water No. of respondents Percentage 10 8 1 40 32 4
36
Serenity/palaces etc. Pleasure trip Climate Culture Total
6 0 0 0 25
24 0 0 0 100
More respondents prefer Kochi on account of the scenic Beauty. Out of the respondents who have come to Kochi on non-official reasons.10 have assigned the scenic beauty aspect of Kochi as a prime reason for choosing it. The serenity attracts 6 respondents. One respondent has accorded backwater as the reason for selecting Kochi.8 respondents select Ayurvedic Treatment as a reason for selecting Kochi.
37
Table 5.10 Sources of Information relating to Kochi Sources of info Friends/Relatives Magazines/Journals Television Internet Total No. of Respondents Percentage 18 9 2 1 30 60 30 7 3 100
38
Majority of the respondents come to know Kochi from their Friends and relatives.60% of the respondents have regarded friends to be the source of information.30% of the respondents consider magazines as the source of information. Television has been the inspiring force which persuaded to visit Kochi for 7% of respondents. Only one respondent comes to know about Kochi from internet.
39
Table 5.11 Length of Stay at Kochi Length of stay Less than a week 1 week-2 week 2 week-1 month More than 1 month Total No. of respondents Percentage 24 3 3 0 30 80 10 10 0 100
The majority of respondents prefer to stay at Kochi for less than a week. But none is planning to stay for more than a month. Table 5.11 clearly reveals that 3 respondents prefer to stay more than a week but less than 2 weeks and 3 respondents prefer to stay up to 1 month.
TOURISTS AND AYURVEDIC TREATMENT It is the Ayurvedic clinics that bought Kochi into the limelight as a tourist paradise. The popularity of any system depends on the perception of the people. To
40
understand why Ayurvedic treatment gained so much popularity among the tourists, information relating to the treatment undergone by the respondents, their experiences in relation to it, details of their earlier treatment etc. were collected, analyzed and these responses are presented below. The tourists level of satisfaction with regard to various factors related to Ayurvedic treatment as well as the facilities available at Fort Kochi are also being analyzed. The tourists opinion regarding the package offered, the preferences as well as the problems encountered by them at Kochi are also dealt in this section.
Table 5.12 Details of respondents undergoing Ayurvedic treatment Response Already undergone treatment Do not undergo treatment Planning to undergo treatment Total No. of Respondents Percentage 12 40 9 9 30 30 30 100
41
Of the 30 respondents, 12 respondents have already undergone Ayurvedic treatment during their stay at Kochi. Of the remaining, 18 respondents 9 have a plan to undergo treatment and the other respondents do not have such plan.
Table 5.13 First Experience at Kochi who already undergone treatment Response No. of Respondents Percentage Yes No Total 9 3 12 75 25 100
42
Of the 12 respondents who have already undergone medical treatment 75% say that it was their maiden experience at kochi.
Table 5.14 Respondents feeling after treatment Response Better No Change Ailment Worsened Total No. of Respondents Percentage 12 12 100 100
43
100% of the respondents feel that Ayurvedic treatment has made feel better than before. No respondents has felt worse after undergoing Ayurvedic ailment.
Table 5.15 Details of earlier Ayurvedic Treatment Response Have you been to other ayurvedic resorts Have not been to other Ayurvedic Resorts Total No. of Respondents Percentage 9 21 30 30 70 100
44
Only 9 respondents have been to other Ayurvedic treatments earlier.
Table 5.16 Respondents opinion on the quality of treatment received at Kochi Quality of treatment No. of Respondents Percentage Satisfied Not Satisfied Total 8 1 9 89 11 100
45
89% of those who have undergone treatment at other places as well as have high opinion on the quality of treatment offered at kochi. Only one respondent however feels that the treatment quality does not have any specialty.
Table 5.17 Sources of information regarding ayurvedic treatment at kochi Sources of information Friends/Relatives Tourist Guide Magazines/Journals Internet Place of Stay(Hotels)itself Others No. of respondents Percentage 7 3 4 0 7 0 33 14 20 33 -
46
Total
21
100
The details regarding availability of ayurvedic resorts facilities were obtained from the hotels itself, in case of 7 respondents where as another 7 respondents got the details from their friends and relatives. The tourist guide provide information for 3 respondents. Journals and magazines gave the details for 4 respondents.
Table 5.18 Details of facilities involved in package offered Facilities Food Accommodation Ayurvedic Treatment Visit to places Guide Fishing Others No. of Respondents 21 21 17 16 3 21 16
47
Out of the 30 Respondents, 21 respondents have opted for a package during the visit. Table 5.18 reveals the ingredients which are part of the package. 17 out of 21 respondents have been offered Ayurvedic Treatment as an ingredient.
Table 5.19 Respondents opinion on the condition prevailing at Kochi relating to Ayurvedic Treatment
F=Frequency, p= points, CI=composite index
Rating
Excellent
Very Good
Good Satisfactory
Poor
CI
5 F P F
4 P F
3 P F
2 P F
1 P
Availability of infrastructure Capability of Doctors and Staff Hospitality of local
30
3 12 3
51
25
5 15
48
15
40
48
people Availability of Medical Insurance Post treatment care The rating accorded by 12respondents who have undergone medical treatment at kochi on various aspects in connection with treatment are shown in table 5.19 the composite indices are worked out by the following 5 to 1 point pattern on grades of opinion from excellent to poor respondents. A maximum of 60 points is possible on the rating and an index above 36 shows higher levels of rating. Regarding the availability of infrastructure facilities at the various resorts at kochi, the respondents are highly satisfied as revealed by a composite index of 51. They have also given a high rating on the capability of doctors and staff at various resorts. The respondents are reasonably satisfied with the hospitality of local people, the associated composite index being 40. However, the respondents have utter dissatisfaction on the availability of medical insurance facilities. The lowest possible score of 12 on full responses clearly indicates the high level of dissatisfaction. However there is a reasonable grading for the provisions regarding post treatment as revealed by a composite index of 46. Out of the 30 respondents, 21 respondents have opted for a package during their visit to kochi. Table 5.19 reveals the ingredients which are part of the package. 17 out of 21 respondents have been offered Ayurvedic treatment as ingredient. Table 5.19 reveals that out of the 12 respondents who have undergone Ayurvedic treatment at kochi, 10 are ready to recommend the medical package to their friends and relatives. 4 20 4 16 2 6 2 4 0 46 0 0 0 0 12 12 12
49
Table 5.20 Table showing Recommendation of Kochis Medical Tourism Package Response Will Recommend Will not be recommended Total 12 100 No. of respondents 10 2 Percentage 83 17
Table 5.20 reveals that out of the 12 respondents who have undergone Ayurvedic Treatment at kochi, 10 are ready to recommend the medical package to their friends and relatives.
50
FINDINGS AND SUGGESTIONS
Problems and prospects of ayurvedic medical tourism a study with special reference to Koch was done by way of collecting data from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected from tourists, operators of tourists hotels and local people through interview schedules. Secondary data was collected from various journals, books and websites to examine the current position of tourism in general and medical tourism in particular in Koch. The collected data was analyzed using various mathematical tools. The findings arrived at through such an analysis are given below. Findings related to the opinion of tourists regarding various aspects of tourism at Kochi. 1. Majority of respondents are male (80%) only 10 foreign nationals are included among respondents. 2. Majority of respondents are graduates (34%). Post graduates constitutes 23% of the sample. 3. Out of 30 respondents 15 are employees, 3 are businessman, 6 are professionals and 5 are agriculturists. 4. 40% of the respondents earn an annual income ranging from 5000-100000. 27% of respondents have an annual income less than 50000 while another 33% of respondents have an annual income more than Rs.100000.
5. Majority of the respondents have come to Kochi for the first time i.e. 50%.
30% have visited Kochi more than one but less than 5 times and 20% have been to this tourist center for more than times.
6. Majority of the respondents i.e. 90% have given a positive opinion on Kochi
as a tourist destination.
51
7. Majority of the respondents (70%) visit Koch for entertainment, 13% on
medical and health ground and 10% for business or official purposes. 8. More respondents like Kochi for its attraction, amusement and scenic beauty i.e. 40%. While 32% like its ayurvedic treatment. 9. Most of the respondents got knowledge about Kochi from their friends and relatives i.e. 60% while another 30% got information about Kochi from magazines and journals.
10. Major chunk (80%) of the respondents prefer to stay in kochi for less than a
week. 11. While 40% of the respondents have already undergone Ayurvedic treatment and 30% plan to do so during the latter part of their stay the remaining 30% of respondents have no intention to undergo the same. 12. It was a maiden experience for 75% of the respondents who underwent an ayurvedic treatment.
13. 100% of the respondents felt that the Ayurvedic treatment has made them
feel better than before. 14. Majority of respondents (70%) have not been to any other Ayurvedic resort earlier. 15. 56% of the respondents who had undergone treatment at other ayurvedic hotels earlier did so at clinics available in other tourist destination.
16. 89% of the respondents who have undergone treatment at other places
believe that the quality of treatment in kochi is superior.

17. Regarding the availability of infrastructure, capability of doctors and staff,
respondents have expressed high degree of satisfaction. But they are only moderately satisfied about the hospitality of people and post treatment care and not at all satisfied with the availability of medical insurance facilities.
52
18. Nearly 70% of the respondents opted for package during their visit to kochi
which include food, travel, accommodation and ayurvedic treatment. 17 out of 21 have been offered ayurvedic treatment.
19. Visit to various places, boating, fishing as well as cultural programs have
been special attractions of the tourism package offered to the said respondents.
20. 83% of the respondents who have undergone ayurvedic treatment in kochi
are willing to recommend the same to their friends and relatives.
FINDINGS IN A NUTSHELL Awareness of the concept of medical tourism is becoming widespread. Tourist come to various destinations in Kerala with a view to undergoing various forms of ayurvedic treatment required for their ailments. The hotels have ayurvedic clinics attached to them with stay in facilities. In order to capture the attention and interest of prospective tourists, hotels offer a package which include the facilities for ayurvedic treatment. This has actually popularized medical tourism a lot. Tourists who have availed of such facilities have expressed a reasonable degree of satisfaction with the same. The hotels however face the challenge competing with unauthorized clinics which mushroom in kochi and draw away some of their tourists. These clinics are likely to bring disrepute to the tourist destinations like kochi. The local people generally welcome the inflow of tourists on account of the various advantages. However the growth of tourism also brings in its train a lot of evil effects too. Yet, in spite of this, concepts like medical tourism seem to add to the growing popularity of this pristine destination.
53
Recommendations and Suggestions

This study on the impact of medical tourism in kochi has been instrumental in bringing out the following suggestions. These are the opinions collected and synthesized from the various respondents who constituted the sample of the study. 1. Wide spread publicity has to be given to popularize the concept of medical tourism. The services of media need to be fully utilized in order to draw international.
2. Government should, promote ayurvedic clinics as a part of publicity campaign
for medical tourism of its own. Providing quality treatment at subsidized cost would attract more tourists to this splendid destination.
3. The idea of herbal tourism need to be promoted especially in the form of a
package with local food and cuisine. Not alternative continental methods should be offered. 4. Strict registration norms should be laid down for starting and running clinics. It should be ensured that the practitioners and staff are duly qualified and registered. License prerequisites should include emphasis on quality of doctors as well as the basic infrastructure.
5. A district level monitoring committee consisting of ayurvedic experts and
authorities representing the Tourism Department should make periodical inspection of the operating clinics. Strict penal action need to be taken against unauthorized clinics which ruin the reputation of this pristine tourist center. 6. The clinics will be required to submit periodical statements showing the details of tourists who availed the treatment facilities and the revenue earned.
54
7. Ayurveda coupled with tourism can attract unprecedented inflow of tourists to kochi. Every effort should be taken to promote this branch of tourism which will bring far reaching positive impacts on our economy. We need to recognize that Ayurveda is not a mere massage but is actually a massage - message of life.
Conclusion
The ever growing tourism sector is likely to determine the future of our economy. The Governments are now ready to invest crores of rupees for the development of this sector. In a land like ours, rich in culture and traditional values, embedded with serene and beautiful landscape and different palaces, with large quantities of untapped resources, tourism has a vast scope for expansion. Tourism coupled with the traditional treatment, method of herbs and Ayurveda will benefit both these streams, financially and qualitatively. Medical tourism can earn for us a tourist and win us a friend. The main problems related to this sector are unauthorized Ayurvedic clinics which provides cheaper treatment at higher rates causing problems to the Tourists health. Government can monitor this unauthorized clinics and should bring strict norms and policies to curb them so as to protect the ancient practice of Ayurveda which can attract lots of tourist to this land in coming days.
55
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Kappoor R, Tourism Organization and Management. 2. Gerson Scot, Ayurveda : the Ancient Indian Healing Art. 3. Manorama Year Book. 4. Travel Trends Today- Tourism Magazine. 5. Potti.L.R Quantitative Techniques. 6. Kothari C.R, Quantitative Techniques & Operations Research.
Websites : www.keralatourism.org www.cghearth.com www.lakepalaceresort.com www.latoindia.com www.mercury-india.com www.paradisein.com
56
QUESTIONNARE (For Tourists) PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF AYURVEDIC MEDICAL TOURIS - A STUDY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KOCHI 1. Name 2. Age
3. Sex
: : : : : SSLC Post- Graduate Graduate PDC Male Female
4. Nationality
5. Education
Technical/Professional Businessman Student Agriculturists 50000-100000 350000-500000
6. Occupation
Employee Professional Other
7. Annual Income :
Below 50000 100000-350000 Above 500000
8. Do you like Kochi as a tourist Destination ? Yes No
9. How many times have you visited Kochi, so far ?
First Time 5-10 times
2-5 times More than 10 times
57
10. What is the purpose of your visit to Kochi ?
Business/Official Medical/Health Grounds Others

11. Reason for choosing Kochi ?
Education Entertainment
Scenic beauty Serenity/places
Ayurvedic treatment Pleasure trip
Back water Culture
Climate
12. How do you know about Kochi ? Relatives Magazines Television Internet
13. How long would you like to stay at Kochi ? Less than a week 2 week- 1 month 1 week 2 week More than 1 month
14. Did you undergo any Ayurvedic treatment during your stay at Kochi ?
Yes
No
planning to undergo treatment
15. If you have undergone medical treatment, was this your first experience at Kochi
? Yes No
16. How do you feel after undergoing the ayurvedic treatment ? Feeling better No change Ailment worsened
58
17. Are you satisfied with the Quality of treatment received at kochi than any other
places ? Yes No N/A Kochi :
18. Sources of information regarding ayurvedic treatment at
Friends/Relatives Internet
Tourist Guide Others
Magazines
Place of stay
19. While visiting Kochi did you opt for medical tourism as a package alone ?
Package
Alone
a) If as package what facilities were included in the package Food Accommodation Ayurvedic Treatment Visit to places Guide Fishing Others
59
20. Give your opinion about the following at Kochi in appropriate cell.
Excellent
a) Provision of
Very good
Good
Satisfactory
Poor
post treatment care

b) Hospitality
of local people
c) Availability of
medical insurance
d) Capability of
doctors and staff in providing service

e) Infrastructure
available for providing treatment

21. Will you recommend Kochis medical tourism package for friends and
relatives? Yes No
60

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Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

see its effect. this therapy stomach.

can be used whenever we need to cleanse the

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Njavarakizhi : It is the process by which the whole body or ant specific

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Udvarthanam : This is a typical massage with herbal powders. This

treatment is for diseases like hemiplegic, obesity and paralysis etc.

Snehapanam : Medicated ghee is given internally in a proportionally

increased quantity. This treatment is for osteoarthritis, sporaris, leukemia etc.

The other Ayurvedic treatments are Dhanyamla Dhara,Kativasthi,Ksheeradhoomam, Thalam, Abhyangam.

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

4. Absence of strong laws in foreign countries for providing resource to tourists, if

PROFILE OF TOURISM INDUSTRY

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Religion Currency Climate Summer Monsoon Winter Roads

National Highways : Railway Airports : :

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

ANALYSIS OF DATA AND INTERPRETATIONS

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Source : primary data

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Table 5.3 Educational qualifications of respondents Education No. of respondents Percentage

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

SSLC PDC Graduate Post Graduate Technical/Professional Total

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Students and others Total

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Business/official Entertainment Education Medical and health grounds Total

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Serenity/palaces etc. Pleasure trip Climate Culture Total

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism

Problems and Prospects of Ayurvedic Medical Tourism