The Role of Tourism for Economic Development in North West India with Special Reference to Uttarakhand

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to measure the role of tourism for economic development in Uttarakhand. The paper studies the growth of tourism; the relationship between tourism and economic indicators; and assesses the perception of tourism community for the impact of tourism on the economic development of the state. Relationship of tourist arrival with GDP and per-capita income from 2013-14 to 2017-18 was tested via regression analysis. A questionnaire that included demography and three factors influencing role of tourism on economic development namely, economic impact, socio-cultural impact, and environmental impact through 5-point likert scale administered on the participants of tourism industry within the state. ANOVA tested the significance of the relationship between the statements and demographic variables, type of tourism occupation and experience in tourism industry. The research revealed significant relationship between tourist arrival and GDP, positive responses on economic and socio-cultural impact, whereas environmental impact received a partially positive response.