SUSTAINABLE HERITAGE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA: A CASE OF DELHI HERITAGE TOURISM

Abstract

This research paper explores the economic, environmental, and socio-cultural sustainability of Delhi heritage tourism development from the perspective of tourists. Primary research was conductedamong the touristsbased on a structured questionnaire survey executed at various tourist places across Delhi.This research paper used exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM) for exploring the sustainability of Delhi heritage tourism.The research findingson environmental pressure confirm that tourism activities are inflicting pressure on the environment.The environment management mechanisms implemented by the government have notbeen successfulin mitigating the adverse impact of tourism and accomplishing environmental sustainability.The findings on economic and cultural empowerment demonstrate that tourism ensures economic sustainability. However, the research findings on socio-cultural pressure reveal that tourism is exerting adverse impact on society and culture.Thus, the heritage tourism development inDelhi has not been encouragingeconomic and social sustainability. Therefore, the government of Delhi should initiate appropriate policies and programmes to mitigate the adverse environmental and social impacts.