World tourism is considered as a significant factor in the economy of many nations. Today tourism related infrastructure in various parts of the country has improved the quality of life of the local people and helped to promote local arts and crafts. Tourism has contributed to increase awareness about conservation of the environment and the cultural heritage. Tourism is the fastest growing industry in modern world. People have always travelled to distant parts of the world to see monuments, arts and culture, taste new cuisine etc. The term tourist was firstly used as official term in 1937 by the League of Nations. Tourism was defined as people travelling abroad for period of over 24 hours. The main aim of the study is to know the attitude of the tourists towards tourism products available in Tuticorin. The study intends to find consumer attitude and knowledge about the various tourism products in Tuticorin. This also includes the study about shortcoming in tourism infrastructure development in the study area and tourism support services such as quantity and quality of various tourism products. The opinion and suggestions from the tourism respondents incorporated herein would provide guidelines for future course of action to be followed in Tuticorin. Keywords: Tourism, Attitude, Quality, Quantity, Knowledge.

1. A STUDY ON CONSUMER ATTITUDE TOWARDS TOURISM PRODUCTS
IN TUTICORIN DISTRICT
*Dr.C.Thilakam **U.Jothimani
Abstract
World tourism is considered as a significant factor in the economy of many nations.
Today tourism related infrastructure in various parts of the country has improved the quality of
life of the local people and helped to promote local arts and crafts. Tourism has contributed to
increase awareness about conservation of the environment and the cultural heritage. Tourism is
the fastest growing industry in modern world. People have always travelled to distant parts of
the world to see monuments, arts and culture, taste new cuisine etc. The term tourist was firstly
used as official term in 1937 by the League of Nations. Tourism was defined as people
travelling abroad for period of over 24 hours.
The main aim of the study is to know the attitude of the tourists towards tourism products
available in Tuticorin. The study intends to find consumer attitude and knowledge about the
various tourism products in Tuticorin. This also includes the study about shortcoming in
tourism infrastructure development in the study area and tourism support services such as
quantity and quality of various tourism products. The opinion and suggestions from the tourism
respondents incorporated herein would provide guidelines for future course of action to be
followed in Tuticorin.
Keywords: Tourism, Attitude, Quality, Quantity, Knowledge.
*Professor & Head, Department of Commerce, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli-12,
thilakchandru@gmail.com.
** Research Scholar, Department of Commerce, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University , Tirunelvel-12,
joeskyrunner@gmail.com.

2. INTRODUCTION
Tourism is one of the service sector industries and service sector plays important
role in Indian economy which accounted alone 55.1% in 2009. Within the Service sector
tourism and hospitality industry (including Hotel industry) has more importance about
generating employment, yielding foreign exchange. Tourism is the third largest industry of the
world after garments and gems-jewellery industry. Recognizing the importance of the tourism
industry, the Government of India has taken many policy measures such as Tourism Policy
1982, Tourism Plan of Action 1992 and Tourism Policy 1997. Through these policies, the
government called for effective coordination of public and private participation to achieve
synergy in the development of tourism. These plans identified new forms of tourism products
for taking advantage of the emerging markets. Business tourism, health tourism, rural tourism,
pilgrim tourism, adventure tourism, Niche Tourism and sustainable tourism are some of the
new products devised for changing demand.
Tourism in India
The tourism industry of India is economically important and grows rapidly. The
Tourism council calculated that tourism generated INR6.4 trillion or 6.6% of the nation's GDP
in 2012. It supported 39.5 million jobs, 7.7% of its total employment. The sector is predicted to
grow at an average annual rate of 7.9% from 2013 to 2023. This gives India the third rank
among countries with the fastest growing tourism industries over the next decade. India has a
large medical tourism sector which is expected to grow at an estimated rate of 30% annually to
reach about 95 billion by 2015.
The Ministry of Tourism designs national policies 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, state governments,
Union Territories and the representatives of the private sector. Concerted efforts are being
made to promote new forms of tourism such as rural, cruise, medical and eco-tourism. The
Ministry also maintains the Incredible India campaign. India's rich history and its cultural and
geographical diversity make its international tourism appeal large and diverse. It presents
heritage and cultural tourism along with medical, business, educational and sports tourism.
A number of state governments such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal,
Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have set up policies to
promote tourism. Some of these initiatives include the Kerala Tourism Development
Corporation’s marketing of its tourism sector under the Eco-Kerala banner and Uttar Pradesh
new plans to develop major tourist attractions and cultural zones with a funding of Rs77 core

3. for the development of infrastructure in these areas. Haryana state has appointed consultants to
identify the promising tourism destinations in that state. In South India, the Tamil Nadu State
Government has put new policies in place in the last few years with specific targets to increase
the tourism revenue and employment in the tourism sector.
Tourism in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is a state in the south-eastern part of the Indian Peninsula. One of
the four Dravidian states of India, it has had more than 4,000 years of continuous cultural
history. Tamil Nadu has some of the most remarkable temple architecture in the country, and
a living tradition of music, dance, folk arts and fine arts. Tamil Nadu is well renowned for its
temple towns and heritage sites, hill stations, waterfalls, national parks, local cuisine and the
fabulous wildlife and scenic beauty. The state boasts the second largest tourism industry in
India with an annual growth rate of 16%. In 2012, Tamil Nadu occupied the second slot in
the country in terms of domestic as well as foreign arrivals.
Tourism in Thoothukudi
Thoothukudi is head quarters of the Thoothukudi district and it is famed for pearl
fishing, production of salt, fishing and other related business. Thoothukudi is in the extreme
south of Tamil Nadu, was called Tuticorin earlier. The added attraction to this port city is
because it has a natural harbour. Besides all this, it has importance because it is from this
place that the freedom fighter V.O.Chidambaram Pillai set sail his ship to protest against
British supremacy over India. There are stretches of sunny and sandy beaches that are restful
and calm. There are several towns that have historical and religious significance that are
around Thoothukudi. They are Thiruchendur, Manapad, Kazhugumalai, Ottapaitapitram.
Panchalankuruchi, Ettayapuram, Kayalpattinam, Navathiruppathi, Kulasekarapattinam,
Puliyampatti, Deviaseyalpuram and Korkai. The town has a centre for folk art and there are
handicraft centers.
Statement of Problem
Consumer attitude towards tourism product is very important component of
tourism industry. Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu is also blessed with many tourism places.
However, many tourism spots in this district has not been paid due attention by the
government and the researchers. The avenues for the various tourism spots in this district are
not fully explored and the deficiencies and problems are not properly assessed. A study on
the various tourism product issues and problems in the districts will help to promote tourism
industry in general. This prompted the researcher to choose this topic for the study.

4. Objectives of the Study
 To find out the satisfaction level of tourists in Tuticorin district.
 To know the respondents opinion about the availability of various living amenities to
support tourism.
Research Methodology
Sampling Technique
The survey was conducted on the basis of Simple random sampling method. For
developing a sample design, totally 385 respondents were selected for this study. Both
primary and secondary sources of data were utilized for this study. A questionnaire was
designed to collect primary data. All filled up questionnaire were taken for the analysis. Data
tabulation was done question wise. Percentage method of analysis was used for the collected
data and interpreted. Secondary data had been collected from various publications,
periodicals, journals, etc.
Tools for Analysis
The collected data were analyzed with the help of tables and percentages. Various
statistical were viz., percentage analysis, mean score, Garret ranking and Chi-Square analysis
were applied to analyze the primary data.
Hypotheses
The following hypotheses are framed to test the significance of the framed Objectives.
Chi-square Analysis
H01: There is no significant relationship between Age and Place of Attractions in
Tuticorin.
Age with Place of Attraction
Age Relationship with Place of Attraction
Age / Place of attraction
Temples
Outdoor
Activities
Entertainments
Beach
Port
Total
Below 20 yrs 6 21 15 33 30 105
21 to 30 yrs 10 11 18 21 17 77
31 to 40 yrs 64 10 19 20 10 123
41 to 50 yrs 32 3 8 6 4 53
Above 50 15 2 5 3 2 27
Total 127 47 65 83 63 385
Source: Primary Data
Result:
Level of significance – 5%
Critical value – 39.997

5. Calculated value – 144.18
Calculated value is more than the Critical value. Therefore the null hypothesis
is rejected. Hence, it was concluded that there was significant relationship exists between
Age of the respondents and place of attraction in Tuticorin.
H02: There is no significant relationship between Gender and Preference towards
Accommodation.
Gender with Accommodation
Monthly Income Relationship with Accommodation
Gender/ Accommodation
Caravan/ Camping
Hotels/
resort
Guest
House
Family/
friends
Total
Male 159 27 9 19 214
Female 105 15 14 37 171
Total 264 42 23 56 385
Source: Primary Data
Result:
Level of significance – 5%
Critical value – 7.815
Calculated value – 16.751
Calculated value is more than the Critical value. Therefore the null hypothesis
is rejected. Hence, it was concluded that there was significant relationship exists between
Gender and Accommodation chosen by Respondents.
H03: There is no significant relationship between Age Group and Satisfaction of
overall facility in Tuticorin.
Age with Overall Facility
Age Relationship with Overall Facility In Tuticorin
Age /
Overall facility
Yes
No
Total
Below 20 yrs 27 78 105
21 to 30 yrs 31 46 77
31 to 40 yrs 49 74 123
41 to 50 yrs 20 33 53
Above 50 15 12 27
Total 142 243 385
Source: Primary Data
Result:
Level of significance – 5%
Critical value – 11.070
Calculated value – 10.626

6. Calculated value is less than the Critical value. Therefore the null hypothesis is
accepted. Hence, it was concluded that there was no significant relationship exists between
Age of the respondents and overall facilities available in Tuticorin.
Testing Garrett Ranking Method
Assessing the Quality of Accommodation in Tuticorin
Sl. No Statement
Quality Of Accommodation
High
Moderate
(>21)
(=21)
Low
(<21)
1. Overall Quality Of The Accommodation - - 14.50
2. Value For Money - - 7.55
3. Behavior And Professionalism Of The Staff And
Owners
- - 8.57
4. Ambiance Of The Garden And Surroundings Of
The Accommodation
- - 15.62
5. Ambiance Of The Inside Of The
Accommodation.
- - 11.63
Source: Primary Data
Inference:
The Quality of Accommodation in Tuticorin
 Overall Quality Of The Accommodation Is Poor.
 Value Of Money Is Low.
 Behavior And Professionalism Of The Staff And Owners Are Not Appreciable.
 Ambiance Of The Garden And Surroundings Of The Accommodation Have To
Improve More To Attract Tourist Because Its Quality Is Low.
 Ambiance Of The Inside Of The Accommodation Can Make Better.
4.6.2 Quality of Beach
Assessing the Quality of Beach in Tuticorin
Sl. No Statement
Level Of Stress
High
(>15)
Moderate
(=15)
Low
(<15)
1. Overall Beach Quality - - 10.05
2. Beach Signs And Information 15.74 - -
3. Access To The Beach - - 13.80
4. Security/Safety - - 6.70
5. Behavior And Professionalism Of The Beach
Staff
- - 12.69

7. Source: Primary Data
Inference
 Overall Beach Quality Is Not More Attractable, Because Its Quality Is Not Good.
 Beach Signs and Information to Tourist Is Good And It Reach The Tourist Is Well
Manner.
 Access To The Beach Is Not So Good.
 Security/Safety Should Improve More To Safeguard The Tourist.
 Behavior And Professionalism Of The Beach Staff Is Not Appreciable As Much
Good.
Findings
 Most of the respondents are prefer to accommodate in camping / caravan (69%).
 Most of the respondents are rate local transportation facilities as average (44%).
 Most of the respondents are rate restaurant services as average (38%).
 Most of the hotels & restaurant are offered all type of Indian foods in Tuticorin
(42%).
 Most of the respondents are rate shopping facilities as average (36%).
 Most of the respondents are attracted by Temples (33%).
 That most of the respondents are rating Tuticorin as average (49%).
 Most of the respondents are not satisfied with overall facilities in Tuticorin (63%).
Suggestion
 The infrastructural facilities such as transportations, sanitation and drinking water
facilities are not enough to the tourist spot. Lack of cleanliness and beggars’ nuisance
are the most important problems faced by the tourists in the study area. Therefore, the
government authorities especially the local authorities should pay the special attention
on their inconveniences and make necessary arrangements to correct them.
 The quality of the hospitality service in the study area is found to be poor. Therefore,
it is suggested that the government authorities should take necessary steps to enhance
the quality of the hospitality services provided in the study area.
 A list of approved hotels and their rates, facilities and types of meals offered,
telephone number with emails their location and taxi charges from station should also
be include in the travel brochures.

8.  Tourism is greatly enjoyed by the young people. This, being demographic truth, the
government has to initiate new programmes like cultural programmes to encourage
the youth in promoting tourism.
 Beaches are prime attraction of tourists at Tuticorin. There is lack of medical facility,
security, parking facilities and it is not well developed with basic necessity.
Therefore, Tourism department should develop all facilities at the beach site to attract
tourist.
Conclusion
The topic of this research "A Study on consumer attitude towards tourism product
in Tuticorin" was undertaken by the researcher as a comprehensive study covering the
Tuticorin district. Tuticorin is a land of rich culture, traditions and festivals and is a major
trade and tourist destination of Tamil nadu, attracting thousands of tourists from across the
world every year. There is opportunity to develop tourism industry on large scale in
Tuticorin. The government should take keen interest to promote tourism in Tuticorin.
To conduct a study like this, the researcher had to visit various tourist destinations
to make on the spot study. A large number of tourists, students and public gave worthwhile
suggestions. All the prominent cases to derived conclusions, an index of tourism was
prepared based on variables, the preferences opinions of tourists were ranked and various
weak areas were identified.
Tourist visiting Tuticorin are not well satisfied with Accommodation facility,
transportation, and quality of Beach, Shopping facilities, safety and security in tourist spots.
In order to develop the tourism in Tuticorin and intend to satisfy the consumer needs,
government should take necessary steps to promote these tourist products. The promotion
may take place through government tourism project or involvement of private originations.
If these problems are addressed properly and enough publicity is given the various
tourist spot of Tuticorin district shall be explored to the optimum level.
Reference
Books
 Tourism Planning: Basics, Concepts, Cases by Clare A. Gunn
 Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism by Philip Kotler, James C. Makens, John T.
Bowen
 Tourism Management by Manohar Puri / Gian Chand

9. Websites
 www.tourism.nic.in
 www.worldtourism.org
 www.indiantoruism.org
 www.tamilnadutourism.org
 Winnipeg, MB 2009 VISITOR profile| www.tourismwinnipeg.com 1
 www.incredibleindia.org
Articles and Thesis
 Nissan, E., Galindo, M., & Mendez, M. (2010). "Relationship between tourism and
economic growth."
 Lord Cultural Resources & Brain Trust. (2009). "Ontario cultural and heritage
tourism product research paper.
 Greffe, X. (2009). "The economic impact of the Louvre."
 Sequeria, T. & Nunes, P. (2010). "Does tourism influence economic growth? A
dynamic panel data approach." Applied Economics, 40(18), 2431–2441
 Cortes-Jimenez & Pulina, M. (2010). "Inbound tourism and long-run economic
growth." Current Issues in Tourism, 13(1), 61–74.