Ecotourism: A Strategy for Poverty Alleviation and Growth in Meghalaya

Ecotourism has assumed significant importance today and is the fastest growing segment in the tourism industry. It is a highly labour intensive industry offering a number of jobs that do not require specialised training. Hence, it provides employment to unskilled and semi-skilled workers, part time workers especially women and young people, thereby supporting livelihood and empowering women. Ecotourism also seeks to increase environmental awareness and instils a sense of social responsibility towards its protection and conservation. 

Considering the topography, Meghalaya cannot be expected to be an industrially developed state nor a state with abundant surplus in agricultural production. However, nature's endowment, ethnological diversity and rich cultural heritage provide tremendous scope for economic prosperity through development of ecotourism. 

The book examines the level of development of various ecotourism destinations of Meghalaya. It takes into account the perception of all stakeholders, such as people engaged in tourism, accommodation providers, tour operators, government and tourists, in analysing the net benefits of ecotourism initiatives that accrue to the State and whether such benefits have helped in improving the lives of the people in general and the poor in particular. To analyse the economic impact of tourist spending in the state, the authors have computed the amount of income that is generated via multiplier effect. The study not only delineates the impact of ecotourism activities on the livelihood of people residing in the destinations, but also highlights the opportunities and challenges that should be taken into consideration by the government in formulation of policies, required to realize the real potential of ecotourism that will spur growth and help in poverty alleviation.