An Exploratory Study on the Sustainable Tourism Development in the Homestays of the Darjeeling Hills

Abstract

Sustainable tourism development is found to be very critical in conserving nature and preserving the indigenous culture. With the adoption of sustainable development goals this is a contemporary global issue. Tourist destinations very often rely on the natural and cultural resources to form their basis of attraction. These natural and cultural resources are associated with the economic development and vitality of the local community. The Darjeeling hills of West Bengal are one of the most popular tourist destinations not just across India but across the globe. The lush greenery, the panoramic view of the hills and the hospitality of the indigenous inhabitants across attracts tourist to the place. This paper explores the sustainable tourism development in the homestays of this place. A homestay as the word suggests involves the staying of tourists at someone’s place as a paying guest for a short time period to feel at home away from a home. The stay may be provided at the individual i.e. family level or community level providing accommodation and other facilities for the short time visitors. This leads to the economic development the local community. Homestays are one of the essential components of rural tourism and community based ecotourism initiatives aimed at the development of sustainable tourism.