The Role of Local Stakeholders in Sustainable Tourism Development in Guwahati, Assam

Abstract

The intention of this study is to discover how local stakeholders contributes to the sustainable growth of Guwahati, Assam's tourism industry. Guwahati, situated in Northeast India, has emerged as a thriving tourist destination, experiencing a swift rise in the number of visitors drawn to its cultural and natural wonders.Concerns regarding the adverse impacts of increased tourism on the environment, local people, and culture are becoming more and more prominent in famous tourist locations.Sustainable tourism development is critical to preserving the region's unique identity and natural integrity.Hence, the inclusion and empowerment of local stakeholders in the decision-making process are vital for attaining sustainable tourism development in Guwahati.

Preliminary findings reveal that Local stakeholders make substantial contributions to sustainable tourism through community participation, providing financial support, resource management, and cultural preservation efforts. These stakeholders participate by creating jobs, promoting local businesses, protecting the environment, and so on.However, challenges such as limited resources, competing interests, policy gaps, lack of communication, lack of awareness etc. impede the smooth adoption of sustainable practices.

Using a mixed-methods approach involving samples and interviews, this research will delve more deeply into examining the importance, attitudes, influence, collaboration, obstacles, and challenges that local stakeholder, including community leaders, government officials, and non-profit organizations, face in promoting sustainable practices in Guwahati.Moreover, this research paper shall highlight the importance of instilling a sense of ownership and pride among local stakeholders regarding their cultural and natural heritage.