Title: Impact of overtourism on sustainable development and local community wellbeing in the Himalayan region

Authors: Sheetal Kapoor; Jigmet Wangdus

Addresses: Department of Commerce, Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India ' Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India

Abstract: Globally, key tourist destinations are facing the challenges of overtourism. In recent times, with modern technology and the establishment of affordable airlines has given a boast to mass tourism, the unrestrained demand has a negative impact on tourist spots and local communities. This paper adds to the literature by presenting a comprehensive model and an empirical framework to better understand the environmental challenges due to rapid growth of tourism in the Himalayan region over the short span and explains how locals are dealing to overcome these challenges. An exploratory research design was carried to achieve the research objectives empirically to understand the perception of local resident towards overtourism and the impact of tourism on environment. In recent past Ladakh is experiencing global warming in the form of rising temperature, lesser snowfall, strain on water resources, etc. Results validate that local community are concerned about the negative impact of overtourism and systematic efforts and policy formulation is required to protect the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh.

Keywords: environmental impact; sustainable tourism; Ladakh; ice stupa; artificial glacier.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLTM.2022.122454

International Journal of Leisure and Tourism Marketing, 2022 Vol.7 No.3, pp.199 - 214

Received: 18 Jun 2021
Accepted: 07 Nov 2021
Published online: 25 Apr 2022 *