Tourism for rural development: a case study of Kheechan Village in Desert Circuit of Rajasthan

Abstract

TOURISM is a human activity in which one travels to a destination for pleasure, culture, health, pilgrimage, business etc. It is one of the biggest industries in the world in terms of gross output and value added, capital investment, employment and tax contributions. The world of tourism today is moving towards experiential tourism. Countries are competing for foreign tourists by offering a mix of facilities, conveniences, comforts and experiences. INDIA is a multi-destination country with a variety of tourist attractions. In Asia, especially in India, rural tourism in its true form is relatively new. Introducing the scheme of rural tourism in the FY 2002-2003 was a step forward in development of rural tourism by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The objective is to ensure that tourism benefits every strata of rural society. RURAL TOURISM in Indian context showcases the rural life either real or recreated which involves rural folk (as artists or guides etc.) benefiting the local community economically and socially at such locations, as well as enabling interactions between the tourists and locals for a more enriching tourism experience. It is emerging as one of the best options available with its proven results in west, to promote incredible India both for domestic and foreign tourists. In absence of any promotional activity for rural tourism, thousands of foreign tourists visit rural areas in Rajasthan, Gujarat and south India every year. It covers „a range of activities provided by rural people to attract tourists to their area in order to generate extra income for their business.‟ The study „Tourism for Rural Development‟ explores such opportunities with a specific case of „Kheechan‟ village in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan state of Indian Union, which falls under the desert circuit region as well. Rural tourism or tourism in rural areas is a new form of activity that can bring economic and social benefits to the society, especially in the desert circuit where agriculture is not a bread earner but a practice to fulfil communities‟ own requirement. This region has 70% of its population residing in villages and is considered to be the most densely populated desert of the world. Moreover, the area offers a unique experience to its visitors in geographical, historical, environmental and cultural term which sets this distinctive place apart from other tourist hubs. Every fourth foreign tourist visiting the state explores the gem of desert circuit and the average duration of stay is highest amongst all the other tourist circuits of the state. Besides, the Government of Rajasthan has increased its budgetary investment in tourism sector to 68% in FY 2015-16 from FY 2014-15. This cements the importance of tourism in the state.