Strategies for Development Of Sustainable Tourism In Chhattisgarh

Abstract

The present study was conducted in the state of Chhattisgarh to identify the pace of Tourism development, sustainability and its awareness among the tourist visiting the state, the study tries to develop a model to determine the important variables which can contribute towards the development of sustainable tourism at Chhattisgarh state. newlineIn a larger perspective the importance and contribution of tourism industry cannot be overlooked nationally and internationally. Renovating existing destinations, exploring new possibilities to the level of expectation, comfort and satisfaction that is person s travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for various purposes, tourists and tourism remains the core concern which needs to be addressed at the national and state level in modern day tourism. newline The tourism industry is helping nations to become economically strong and the growth of this industry is remarkable in last two decades but there are some big threats associated with the unprecedented development of this industry across the globe. Today India and especially Chhattisgarh is rich in every sense be it infrastructure, connectivity, flora and fauna, preserved ancient architect or culture, the shrine places etc bound to attract domestic and global tourists. As a new state Chhattisgarh is trying to explore the developmental possibilities of this industry and it become important to think about the sustainable options to minimize the negative impact of this industry. A tourism strategy is essential which is ecological, economical and socially feasible for long term. newlineLiterature review suggests promoting and ensuring the growth in sustainable tourism industry with minimal damage to local culture, nature, and natural habitat through tourism community relationship where local community plays an important role in attracting the tourists from all across the geographical regions, can substantially help holistic growth of the country especially of the region. newline With micro level adjustments and then imposing modification at the macro level in the administration, influence of transformation is sought which gives the insight about the expected tourism to actual tourist arrival in the state of Chhattisgarh this gives and indication about sustainable development of tourism at various destinations in terms of all round development. A conceptual model proposed model framed on the basis of various literature review and feedback taken from various stakeholders like local residents, business houses, tour operators, administration and then both qualitative along with quantitative approach were adopted, also referred to as triangulation newline The present study adopted Focus Group Discussion to gain insights to understand the phrase Sustainable Development, variables that constitute it, the factors on which strategies can be formulated and so on. A research model was developed and examined with a questionnaire designed using 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was administered using survey method from tourists of different destinations of Chhattisgarh. newline The results show that the formative relationship between the constructs: Government Initiative (GI), Stakeholder Enlightenment (SE), Social Upliftment (SU), Carrying Capacity Reduction (CCR), Awareness (AW), Strengthening Economy (SEC), and Ecological Degradation (ED) should be calibrated to develop sustainable tourism in Chhattisgarh newline newline