Exploring psychological mechanisms behind tourists’ sustainable behaviours at homestays

A phenomenological study of tourists' categories in the Indian Himalayan Region

“…Tourism and allied activities of Uttarakhand and IHR are viable catalysts for regional development and a significant source of employment opportunities for local communities (Chakraborty & Ghosal, 2022;Kumar & Chandra, 2023;NITI, 2019;Sati, 2020;WWF, n.d.). However, underlining the fact that the IHR and Uttarakhand possess conservative cultural values and a unified social structure; the aberrated form of visitors and tourism activities in the region do not represent harmony with the essence of IHR tourism and cannot be considered sustainable for the regional stability (Chandra & Kumar, 2021;Kaur, 1985;Pandey, 2022;Shinde, 2012).…”

“…Therefore, it is imperative to closely monitor and regulate these resorts and spas to restore and maintain a harmonious alignment between tourism activities and the social and cultural essence of the region (Kumar & Chandra, 2023;Pandey, 2022). Doing so will safeguard the integrity and authenticity of the region's tourism industry while preserving its unique identity and values.…”

“…Therefore, the identity and heritage of regional destinations of IHR have traditionally been linked to divine and mystical deeds (Gawlik et al, 2022;Kaur, 1985;NITI, 2019;Singh, 2004). With pilgrimage, religious, spiritual, recreational, adventurous, cultural, and eco-tourism activities (Figure 1), the IHR has long drawn visitors and pilgrims from India and abroad to experience peace and solace, the core objectives of the IHR tourism (Chakraborty & Ghosal, 2022;Kumar & Chandra, 2023;NITI, 2019;Sharma et al, 2016;WWF, n.d.).…”

“…Among many, the deterioration of local cultures is the most perturbing negative influence on the social and cultural ontology of the Himalayan region. Some tourists often come to the region with preconceived notions about what constitutes "authentic" culture and traditions, leading them to overlook or ignore the rich and diverse local customs and practices (Chandra & Kumar, 2021;Kumar & Chandra, 2023;Sharma et al, 2016). This has led to the commodification of culture, with locals altering their practices to cater to the tourists' expectations, resulting in a homogenization of local culture.…”

“…To analyze, describe, and categorize the tourists of the Indian Himalayan Region, data for the present study were collected from Uttarakhand, a globally renowned pilgrimage, religious, spiritual, recreational, adventurous, and eco-tourism destination state in the IHR (Chandra & Kumar, 2021;Chaudhary et al, 2022;Kumar & Chandra, 2023). However, because of hostile incidences, similar to the Yoga City of Uttarakhand (Pandey, 2022), conflicts between the tourism sector's revenue aspirations and Uttarakhand's cultural, ethical, and social integrity are intensifying.…”