Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management

Exploring Ecotourism in Himachal Pradesh: Potential, Challenges and Future Directions
Shweta Rana, Deeksha Rana Dr. Seema Choudhary

Abstract
Himachal Pradesh possesses exceptional natural beauty, cultural wealth, pleasant climate, lush green forests, and pristine rivers. It endows the state with significant potential for ecotourism. Ecotourism can be simply defined as visiting natural areas with utmost care and not harming the nature. It focuses on community development and offers socio-economic development for local communities. Travellers prefers ecotourism as it offers them the chance to engage with local communities and immerse themselves in environment, resulting in a distinctly unique experience. -Ecotourism? has gained prominence as a sustainable tourism model that emphasises both environmental protection and community development. Himachal Pradesh, as a mountainous state, possesses a fragile ecosystem. Ecotourism offers the sustainable form of tourism on the one hand and development opportunities on the other. This study aims to elucidate the potential, challenges, and prospects of ecotourism in Himachal Pradesh using a literature review. The state possesses potential for nature-based, adventure-based, and cultural ecotourism. It is essential to utilise this potential with great caution to ensure that the advantages are retained within the host community and do not disperse to other regions or states.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jthm.v12a1