Sustainable Rural Tourism in Himalayan Foothills


Book Description

This book discusses the development of the rural tourism industry in the Himalayan region, specifically in the region of Himachal Pradesh (HP), from the perspective of different stakeholders in the tourism industry. It examines the current status and trends of rural tourism in HP, discusses the challenges faced in response to the vulnerability of the Himalayas to global climate change, and evaluates the consequences of rural tourism on the socio-economic structure in HP to sustainably formulate a framework for promoting financial and social inclusion. This framework covers flexible strategies for planning rural tourism development, assesses the role of technology in the tourism industry in achieving the objective of social and financial inclusion, and identifies the factors influencing a tourist’s decision to undertake rural tourism and develop a hierarchical relationship among those factors. The book will be of interest to students and researchers of sustainable rural tourism and tourism economics, as well as stakeholders from various sectors aiming to sustainably improve the ecological and economic fragility of the Himalayas due to climate change.




Sustainable Tourism Development in the Himalaya: Constraints and Prospects


Book Description

This book provides a detailed description of sustainable tourism development in the Uttarakhand Himalaya. Though the Uttarakhand Himalaya is bestowed with numerous locales of tourists/pilgrims’ interests, tourism has not yet been developed substantially. This book describes geographical and cultural components of tourism, major types of tourism and tourist places, tourist/pilgrim circuits, case studies of the important tourists/pilgrims’ routes, trends of tourism, development of homestay tourism, development of infrastructural facilities for tourism development, major constrains and prospects of sustainable tourism development, and conclusions. SWOC analysis of tourism activities has been carried out. The book is based on the author’s observation of tourism development in the Uttarakhand Himalaya. Further, large tourism data was gathered and analyzed, using a qualitative and a quantitative method, and a sustainable tourism model was developed. This book is very useful for students, research scholars, academicians, and policymakers.




Mountain Tourism and Ecological Impacts: Himalayan Region and Beyond


Book Description

The Himalayas, with their grandeur and cultural richness, magnetize global travelers searching for an escape from the ordinary. However, behind this allure lies an ecological responsibility and sustainability imperative. Many involved with the tourism industry in mountainous regions have been confronting the stark realities of tourism's impact on these delicate ecosystems. There is an urgency to address the challenges posed by climate change, all while safeguarding the indigenous traditions that define the Himalayas. Mountain Tourism and Ecological Impacts: Himalayan Region and Beyond unravels the intricate connections between tourism development and its far-reaching implications. This comprehensive exploration delves deep into the heart of the Himalayan region and beyond, shedding light on the diverse dimensions of mountain tourism and its profound impact on local environments, communities, and cultural heritage. This book reveals the tapestry of tourism experiences found in the peaks and vistas of the Himalayas. It delves into eco-tourist's delicate dance with fragile ecosystems, the coexistence of travelers and wildlife, the exhilaration of adventure tourism, and the spiritual pilgrimages that draw seekers from across the globe. This book comprehensively explores the pivotal role of preserving local cultures and underscores this as a key element of conserving the pristine natural habitats. This book is ideal for academics and researchers, tourism professionals, environmentalists and conservationists, government and NGOs, and travel enthusiasts.




Solid Waste Management and Disposal Practices in Rural Tourism


Book Description

As rural tourism continues to grow, managing the environmental impact, particularly solid waste, becomes increasingly important. Effective waste management and disposal practices are essential for maintaining the natural beauty and sustainability of rural tourist destinations. Addressing the issue of solid waste in these areas is crucial to preserving ecosystems, supporting local communities, and ensuring that tourism development remains environmentally responsible and sustainable for the long term. Solid Waste Management and Disposal Practices in Rural Tourism provides a thorough exploration of how rural tourist destinations can implement effective waste management strategies. By examining case studies, modern trends, and practical approaches this book offers valuable insights for policymakers, tourism operators, environmentalists, and community leaders seeking to balance tourism growth with environmental responsibility.




Rural Tourism in Darjeeling Himalayas


Book Description

Today's rural tourism has evolved into a brand-new type of travel activity that helps society on economic, cultural and social level. In the Darjeeling Hills, the research examines how rural tourism contributes to socioeconomic, cultural and environmental development that is ultimately sustainable. In this study, Takdah, Lamahatta, Chatakpur and Sittong, these four rural tourist locations in the Darjeeling Hills are examined in terms of the facilities for tourist attractions, the behavioural and functional characteristics of visitors and the difficulties faced by business owners.




Implementing Sustainable Development Goals in the Service Sector


Book Description

"This book will examine the various digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain and their applications in the service sector to promote economic growth, create new job opportunities, and improve access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and financial services"--




Managing Tourism and Hospitality Sectors for Sustainable Global Transformation


Book Description

The tourism and hospitality sectors face significant challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental preservation and socio-cultural integrity. The rapid growth of global travel, exacerbated by phenomena like "revenge travel" following the pandemic, has highlighted the urgent need for sustainable practices. However, implementing such practices is often needed due to comprehensive guidance and understanding of effective strategies. Managing Tourism and Hospitality Sectors for Sustainable Global Transformation offers a holistic approach to addressing these challenges. It thoroughly examines current issues and trends, offering actionable solutions grounded in research and best practices. By exploring the integration of AI technologies, the book presents innovative ways to enhance sustainability in tourism, from mitigating adverse impacts to promoting positive outcomes.




Sustainable Ecological Restoration and Conservation in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region


Book Description

The years 2021 to 2030 have been designated as "The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration". Ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation efforts face unprecedented challenges, especially in developing countries and areas, such as the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region. This huge HKH region, which includes areas in eight separate countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, India, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan), is a biodiversity hotspot with a vast array of ecosystems, landscapes, peoples and cultures. It is known as one of 'the pulses of the world'. However, the HKH is also the world's largest and poorest mountain region, where landscapes and environments have been severely damaged as a result of climate change and human activities. Coordinating conservation and restoration policies, sharing knowledge and funds, and maintaining livelihoods are major challenges and are in urgent need of improvement. This book details the past and current ecological problems in the HKH region, and the threats and challenges that ecosystems and local people face. It pays special attention to developments of transformative adaptations and presents examples of sustainable conservation and ecological restoration management practices. This book is essential reading for ecologists and conservation biologists involved in large-scale ecological restoration projects, along with practitioners, graduate students, policy makers and international development workers.




The Shooting Star


Book Description

Shivya Nath quit her corporate job at age twenty-three to travel the world. She gave up her home and the need for a permanent address, sold most of her possessions and embarked on a nomadic journey that has taken her everywhere from remote Himalayan villages to the Amazon rainforests of Ecuador. Along the way, she lived with an indigenous Mayan community in Guatemala, hiked alone in the Ecuadorian Andes, got mugged in Costa Rica, swam across the border from Costa Rica to Panama, slept under a meteor shower in the cracked salt desert of Gujarat and learnt to conquer her deepest fears. With its vivid descriptions, cinematic landscapes, moving encounters and uplifting adventures, The Shooting Star is a travel memoir that maps not just the world but the human spirit.




Seasonality in Tourism


Book Description

Seasonal variation in demand is a reality for most tourism destinations. This work provides a balanced overview of the evidence and issues relating to tourism seasonality using European, North American and Pacific Rim cases and research evidence.