Trends and Potential of Eco-tourism Development in Uttarakhand Himalaya

This paper examines the trends and potential of eco-tourism development in the Uttarakhand Himalaya by analysing both the potential of eco-tourism development and eco-tourism resource base. Data were gathered from the Uttarakhand Forest Statistical Diary 2017-18 and the Uttarakhand Eco-Tourism Corporation, Dehradun, respectively. The trends of eco-tourists’ inflow in NPs and WLSs and revenue earned from it were examined. The key results from the data analyses depict that the Uttarakhand Himalaya has plenty of eco-tourism resource bases – six national parks (5006.76 km 2 ), seven wildlife sanctuaries (2683.73 km 2 ), and four conservation reserves (212.54 km 2 ) along with rich faunal, floral, and avifaunal diversity. These resource bases have significant potential for eco-tourism development. The trends of eco-tourists’ inflow in the NPs and WLSs are increasing, mainly domestic tourists (r 2 = 0.941). However, in comparison to natural and pilgrimage tourism, eco-tourists’ inflow is low. In terms of the annual growth rate of eco-tourists’ inflow, it has been decreasing (r 2 =0.168). The main reasons for decreasing growth rate of eco-tourists’ inflow were remoteness, fragile landscape, rugged terrain, geo-hydrological hazards, lacking infrastructural facilities – transportation, accommodation, and institutional support in eco-tourism destinations. This study recommends policy measures for eco-tourism development in the Uttarakhand Himalaya through the creation of eco-tourism circles, development of eco-tourism parks, and providing adequate infrastructural facilities – transportation, accommodation, institutions, and communication. Keywords: Eco-tourism, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, trends, eco-tourists’ inflow, Uttarakhand Himalaya.