Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

Tourism in rural areas has been recognized as one of the important strategies to promote sustainable rural development, create job opportunities, and preserve culture and traditions in rural areas. The State of Uttarakhand has vast possibilities to develop rural tourism due to its rich geographical and cultural heritage. However, it is important to understand what factors are responsible for the selection of rural tourism destinations by tourists to effectively plan and manage tourism in the region. The present study aims to explore the socio-economic characteristics and travel patterns of tourists, their awareness about rural tourism in Supi village in Kapkot tehsil in Bageshwar district in the State of Uttarakhand, and to identify the factors responsible for selecting the tourism destination in rural areas. The study was carried out in Supi village in Kapkot tehsil in Bageshwar district in the State of Uttarakhand. The sample size consisted of 120 tourists using a multi-stage sampling technique. The study found that natural beauty and environment, culture and traditions, and hospitality of local residents were the most important factors responsible for selecting the tourism destination in rural areas. These results indicate the need for preserving the natural landscape, culture, and basic tourism infrastructure in promoting rural tourism in the region. The study is found to be useful in providing insights to policymakers and tourism planners in promoting rural tourism in the Himalayan region.