Impact of sustainable eco-tourism over local communities of maredumilli tribal village on quality of life and other associated factors as perceived by local community.

Abstract

Eco-tourism in other words is sustainable and responsible tourism ¹. Ecotourism points towards socially responsible travel along with personal growth of the local communities, and environmental sustainability². It helps in educating travellers on local environments and natural surrounding and thus conserves natural resources. Eco tourism helps the local communities to develop economic opportunities without hampering the nature. Empowerment of local communities by making them financially stable and inculcate respect to various cultures is the hidden agenda of eco-tourism ³. Tourism in India is very important for the country’s progress and development. The World Travel and Tourism Council said that tourism creates about 16.91 lakh crore and 9.2% of India's Gross Domestic Product in the year 2018 and generated 42.673 million. The tourism sector is forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 6.9% to 32.05 lakh crore by the year 2028 ⁴.