The present review examines rural tourism in Sikkim as a potential driver of sustainable development. Sikkim's unique Himalayan landscape and rich culture make it an appealing destination. While global development often focuses on cities, rural tourism can economically and socially benefit local communities by promoting rural life, art, culture, and heritage. The study explores rural tourism's role in addressing poverty, employment, and community development in underdeveloped rural areas. It uses a descriptive approach to analyze factors contributing to sustainable rural growth and the promotion of Sikkim as a tourist destination. The findings highlight the potential for sustainable development, poverty reduction, community-based tourism, and the importance of pro-poor tourism, which prioritizes economic benefits for rural communities, environmental conservation, social empowerment, and cultural preservation in Sikkim.
Top1. Introduction
Rural tourism in Sikkim is a growing industry that holds significant potential for sustainable development and the empowerment of local communities. According to the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of the Government of Sikkim, there has been a decline in the number of visitors from 2010 to 2021, with less than 25 visitors, mostly domestic, and less than 5 visitors on an annual basis (DEMKOVA et al., 2022). However, recognizing the importance of rural tourism in promoting economic and social well-being, the government has taken steps to promote community-based tourism in rural areas.
From an economic perspective, rural tourism in Sikkim has been regarded as an effective strategy for sustainable social and economic development (Epuran et al., 2020). Rural tourism provides an opportunity for rural villages to revitalize their communities by utilizing and commodifying existing local resources. Furthermore, it contributes to the development of infrastructure, improvement in the quality of life, increase in incomes for the local population, job creation, and the preservation of local traditions and culture. The development of rural tourism also plays a crucial role in the preservation of local identity, tradition, and customs (Vidović, 2018). By engaging tourists in local activities, such as traditional crafts, agricultural practices, and cultural events, rural tourism helps to safeguard and promote the unique heritage of Sikkim.
Moreover, rural tourism in Sikkim has a positive impact on the environment by promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the conservation of natural resources. It encourages the adoption of organic farming methods, which minimize the use of chemicals and reduce the ecological footprint. Furthermore, rural tourism in Sikkim contributes to the overall goals of sustainable development by diversifying the economy and reducing dependency on traditional agriculture. Rural tourism in Sikkim also contributes to the overall development of the national economy. The development of rural tourism in Sikkim not only benefits the local communities but also has a positive impact on the national economy. The revenue generated from rural tourism in Sikkim contributes to the overall GDP and helps to strengthen various sectors such as agriculture, construction, transportation, and hospitality. Additionally, rural tourism in Sikkim can contribute to the reduction of income disparities between urban and rural areas. The government's promotion of community-based rural tourism in Sikkim is based on recognizing the importance of achieving sustainable development in economic, ecological, and social aspects. In the context of Sikkim, rural tourism has been recognized as an effective strategy for achieving sustainable social and economic development.
Thus, rural tourism in Sikkim has emerged as a vital tool for rural development by leveraging local resources, preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable practices, and contributing to the overall economy of the region. Rural tourism in Sikkim has become an integral element of rural economies, generating additional employment and income for farmers and small communities. Particularly in marginal areas, rural tourism creates entrepreneurship opportunities for small and medium local rural enterprises and offers new forms of travel experiences (Khartishvili et al., 2019). Rural tourism in Sikkim not only generates additional employment and income for farmers and small communities, but it also creates entrepreneurship opportunities for small and medium local rural enterprises. It fosters economic diversification and reduces dependence on traditional agricultural activities, thus contributing to the overall development of the national economy. Rural tourism in Sikkim plays a significant role in promoting sustainable development, economic diversification, and reducing income disparities between urban and rural areas. Rural tourism in Sikkim contributes to the overall development of the national economy by generating additional employment and income for farmers and small communities. Moreover, it creates entrepreneurship opportunities for small and medium local rural enterprises, thereby fostering economic diversification.