PLANNING FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF KULLU DISTRICT

Abstract

Kullu district is already a familiar place for its tourism activities from past many years. The steady growth in the tourism in Kullu district during last few years has witnessed quite development in terms of physical and economic. It was observed that annual footfall in the district has risen year by year. Due to this, tourism management is lagging in the district for providing tourism amenities and infrastructure at certain places. Also the distribution of tourists is concentrated on particular areas only and quality of service provided is declining in these areas due to heavy strain. Apart from these areas, there are many places in the district which is yet to be explored by the tourists. Therefore, this dissertation aims to provide proper development strategy for the entire tourism development of the region, based on literature reviews, existing conditions and survey analysis of tourists and households. Many questions were asked to the tourists on importance and satisfaction of facilities /components available and opinion of local peoples were also taken. Even though local people strongly support tourism development, however, they are not satisfied with the many facilities and components like tourism promotion, development of tourism etc.; also the interaction between locals and tourists was very poor. This dissertation suggests that how tourism development can be done by better promotion and marketing, social awareness, control in overpricing etc. The study also suggests that the opinions of local peoples are also a decision-making critical component for sustainable tourism development.