Responsible Tourism Practices and Community Involvement in Darap, Sikkim: The Role of Local Communities in Ecotourism Development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12727/ajts.35.9Keywords:
reponsible tourism, sustainability, RT practices, community involvement, community-based tourism, eco-tourism development, sustainable destination managementAbstract
Community engagement in responsible tourism is critical for the sustainable development of destinations where residents can benefit from tourism activities. The community's perception regarding sustainable tourism can significantly impact residents' behaviours, attitudes, and involvement toward environmentally responsible practices. This study investigates and analyses community participation and RT practices at Darap, Sikkim, an acclaimed ecotourism and cultural destination, from the perspectives of the local community. Results indicate that residents perceive Darap's significant potential for development as a responsible ecotourism destination that provides tourism advantages. Local communities nevertheless only contribute an insignificant degree to the growth of ecotourism and responsible practices. About 48.2% of respondents are employed in the tourism industry, which is broadly consistent with the overall economic and social demographics of the local community. The main obstacles to community involvement and participation in ecotourism development are limited funds and knowledge, the absence of continued training, and capacity-building programs on responsible tourism practices, which need to be highlighted for sustainable destination development.
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