Xavier Kurian P. and Laisa Thomas
Abstract
Rural tourism in India has emerged as a powerful catalyst for the socio-economic transformation of the countryâs villages. Majority of the Indian population lives in rural areas, provide a plethora of unrealized potential in terms of culture, customs, scenic beauty and distinctive local experiences to visitors. Attracting tourists to these lesser-known areas through rural tourism offers a sustainable development model that strikes a balance between environmental sustainability, cultural preservation and economic growth. Tourism provides a means of economic diversification by giving rural inhabitants, particularly those whose primary source of income is agriculture, alternate sources of revenue. With increasing tourists looking for genuine, meaningful experiences outside of congested cities, rural tourism offers a path towards inclusive growth sustainably. Thus, this paper examines the various ways that rural tourism contributes to the revitalization of Indiaâs villages, emphasizing the ways in which it creates economic opportunities, encourages crosscultural interaction and supports sustainable development while tackling associated difficulties.