Paper Details

This paper explores stakeholder perspectives on the advancement of sustainable tourism within Kashmir’s hotel sector. The region has witnessed rapid infrastructure development in response to increasing tourist inflow, bringing both opportunities and challenges. While tourism growth contributes to economic development, it also places pressure on the environment and local resources, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices. Understanding stakeholder perceptions is essential for effective planning and implementation of sustainable tourism strategies. Kashmir’s unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a compelling case for analyzing sustainable tourism dynamics. Using a qualitative approach, the study collected data through semi-structured interviews, surveys, and field observations, engaging a broad range of stakeholders including hoteliers, government officials, local communities, travel operators, and environmental advocates. The findings reveal diverse stakeholder views shaped by economic priorities, environmental concerns, cultural values, and social implications. The research identifies gaps in coordination and communication among stakeholders, with limited community participation in decision-making processes. Despite shared concerns over environmental degradation, efforts remain fragmented. The study emphasizes the need for stakeholder education, inclusive policy-making, and improved inter-agency collaboration to foster a more coherent and effective model for sustainable tourism in Kashmir’s hospitality sector.

Sustainable tourism, Stakeholder perception, Kashmir valley, Environmental sustainability, Policy implementation