Problems Faced by Local Vendors From Tourism in Selected Tourist Destinations of Hooghly District in West Bengal

Abstract

The present study highlights the problems faced by local vendors as a result of tourism in selected tourist destinations of Hooghly district in West Bengal. Principal component factor analysis which resulted in three factors has been applied.  Ten major problems have been identified:  permanent shops/stalls, financial support from Government, proper sanitation facilities, bargaining of the tourists, small quantity of goods, interference of middlemen, slack season, online payment system, scarcity of suppliers and providing schemes. After factor reduction, three major dimensions identified are: economic problem of the local vendors, infrastructure problem to local vendors and administrative problem of the local vendors. Cronbach’s Alpha test has been conducted to assess the consistency and reliability of the variables included in the study. Kaiser Meyer Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy has been employed to evaluate the validity of the sample data for the factor analysis. A Correlation analysis has been conducted to examine the relationship among the problems affecting the local employment at selected tourist destinations in Hooghly. This study has found that permanent shops/stalls have significant positive relation with provision of schemes to tourists. Financial support has positive significant relation with the bargaining behavior of the tourists. Small quantities of goods have a negative relation with providing schemes. Similarly, interference from middlemen has a negative relationship with the availability of small quantities of goods, while the provision of schemes has a significant positive relationship with the presence of permanent shops/stalls. The State Government should extend greater support to local vendors by providing adequate financial assistance so that they can expand their business activities during tourist seasons. The MSME sector in West Bengal is currently experiencing significant growth and development. Therefore, private companies should collaborate with the government through the PPP model to strengthen local employment opportunities. In addition, commercial banks should consider reducing interest rates for local vendors to facilitate easier access to credit, enabling them to obtain loans and repay them within the stipulated time period.