From Digital Inclusion to Intelligent and Immersive Ecosystems: Advancing Tribal Health, Livelihood and Overall Welfare through ICT Integrated Ecotourism Sites in Kerala’s Knowledge Economy

作者：M. P K, P. S. Aithal · 发表于：International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.25258/ijddt.16.46s.50

Background: This paper makes a closer look into the need for technology integration in main eco-tourism sites in Kerala for their greater competitiveness and effectively supporting the cause of the tribal welfare- right from tribal health, sustained livelihood of tribal masses and ultimately leading to their overall prosperity. This needs the adoption of the advances in ICT (Information and Communication Technology), AI (Artificial Intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), and XR (Extended Reality). XR is VR (Virtual Reality)-cum-AR (Augmented Reality). Using a conceptual-analytical framework backed by Kerala-specific empirical insights, this paper proposes a ‘Digital-to-Intelligent-to-Immersive Ecosystem Model’. Case-based evidences along with recent welfare statistics (2024–2026), show how intelligent and immersive technologies improve tribal healthcare, livelihood, education, and eco-tourism. This study end with policy suggestions for inclusive, ethical, and sustainable tribal development. Methods: A descriptive-analytical and also exploratory approach was used for preparing this article. Only very authentic information from published sources were used, mostly from the publications of the Central and State Governments viz. Govt. of India (GOI) and Govt. of Kerala (GOK), as well as statutory bodies, research agencies, Government Departments particularly those relating to ecotourism, public health, tribal welfare, etc. Besides these sources, industry reports, research reports...