Women as Catalysts of Sustainable Rural Tourism Development: Evidence from Odisha

Abstract

Rural tourism has become a big part of long-term growth, especially in growing areas where women are very important as business owners and community leaders. This research looks at how women in Odisha, India, can help sustainable rural tourism development. It looks at how they can help with economic freedom, community development, and environmental sustainability. This study looks at a lot of existing research and real-world evidence to show that when women take part in rural tourism projects, they improve the health of communities, protect traditional heritage, and create long-term economic growth. The results show that compared to traditional tourism models, businesses run by women are more likely to be successful in community involvement, protecting the environment, and being sustainable in the long term. By looking at gendered methods to rural tourism development, this study helps us understand them better and gives policymakers and development workers working in similar areas new ideas.