Tourism in Kullu Valley : An Environmental Assessment

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Status of tourism and tourism development plans. 3. Kullu Valley and tourism resources. 4. Transport, tourist arrivals and occupancy. 5. Positive impacts of tourism. 6. Negative impacts of tourism. 7. Environmental assessment of Kullu Dessehra. 8. Solid waste management in hotels. 9. Ecotourism. 10. A strategy to develop sustainable tourism, conclusions and recommendations. References. Author Index. Subject Index.

"Tourism is a fast growing global industry. The growth of this industry has been primarily profit-oriented with little regard for environmental concerns. Such an approach is the common norm globally, with very few exceptions. Unplanned tourism especially in the fragile Himalaya can, therefore, prove to be ecologically damaging. Tourism developmental activities are already causing environmental degradation in certain tourist areas of repute. Tourism related environmental concerns, such as, increasing solid waste, air pollution, over construction or lack of tourism resources in certain spots are becoming increasingly evident.

Tourism can be the best suited industry for the Himalayan region if planned scientifically. It offers considerable opportunities for a prosperous hotel industry, opening up job opportunities in urban as well as rural communities. The negative impacts of the industry can be mitigated by positive efforts like regulated infrastructure developments within the carrying capacity of the area, ecotourism and decentralisation of tourism. The industry can, therefore, be sustainable if properly planned. A fundamental strategy has to be the development of new areas for tourism away from the present concentrations, thus opening up opportunities for the locals and tourists in new areas and also minimising the problems of existing tourist spots.

Tourism in Kullu Valley : An Environmental Assessment contains data based information on tourism of special interest to students, teachers, researchers, planners and administrators engaged in environmental impact assessment. It also has information about marketing, business administration, resource management and planning. This book will also be useful for tourists who are fascinated by the call of the Himalaya." (jacket)