An Analysis of the Socio-economic Activities of Tourist Interest in Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand

Tourism contributes to the local economy in a number of ways. It particularly contributes to poverty reduction by providing employment and various livelihood opportunities thereby raising an additional income that helps the poor by increasing the range of economic opportunities available to them. The tourism industry offers workable opportunities for the development of small and micro industries. A unique feature of the Kumaon Region is its people and their breathtaking skills and proficiency. Rural and semi-urban areas of Kumaon are packed with diversified local culture and tradition, arts and crafts, products and technologies. Information on socio-economic activities of this region is firstly scattered and secondly available by a hair's breadth. By highlighting the socio-economic activities, the Kumaon Region has the potential to attract a large number of domestic as well as foreign tourists thereby leading the region towards sustainable development. The Uttarakhand Tourism Industry needs to immediately highlight local communities and exploit new and specific areas of tourist interest thereby expanding its base and reach out to the millions of domestic and international tourists, waiting for the right kind of information.