Ecotourism for Community Development

A significant gap in knowledge and awareness about ecotourism exists among local communities in the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), despite strong opinions from other stakeholders such as tourists, operators, and government officials. This study identifies critical issues related to ecotourism development in GHNP through stakeholder perspectives, using ANOVA and Scheffe tests for statistical analysis. Findings highlight the need for targeted capacity-building initiatives to educate local communities about ecotourism benefits, foster community participation, and enhance sustainable tourism practices. The research underscores the potential of ecotourism as a tool for both ecological conservation and economic empowerment in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bansal, S. P., & Kumar, J. (2011). Ecotourism for Community Development. International Journal of Social Ecology and Sustainable Development, 2(2), 31–40. https://doi.org/10.4018/jsesd.2011040103