Special Tourism Area - A Critical Study of Bekal

Abstract

Bekal in Kerala has been identified as "Special Tourism Area" (STA) for integrated development, as per the National Action Plan of 1992, with the objective of intensive development of the destination in co­ordination with the state governments and the private sector. Bekal is one of the best potential beach resort destinations in South Asia. India has a very few comparable locations that offer the diversity of attractions to be found in Bekal. The area of Bekal beach is still virgin and pristine, offering the opportunity to set up a new planned resort destination. The Bekal Resort Development Corporation (BRDC) Limited was set up by the Government of Kerala to develop Bekal as a tourist destination after the declaration of Bekal as a Special Tourism Area in 1992. BRDC focuses on planned, environmental friendly and geographically viable methods of development. This article is a critical analysis of the potential of Bekal as a beach resort and the present stage development.