SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF TOURISM IN DIAMAR, GILGIT-BALTISTAN

Abstract

Tourism has the potential to generate vast economic, environmental, and social support, based on how tourism operations are controlled and expanded. Tourism, on the other hand, has the potential to have more negative consequences. As a result, the study's objectives are as follows: First, to examine the economic impacts of tourism on the local community of Diamar Gilgit-Baltistan. Second, to explore the engagement of youth in the tourism sector in Diamar Gilgit-Baltistan. Third, social mobility of local people due to tourism in Diamar Gilgit-Baltistan and forth, to know the perception of locals about the tourist and tourism. The study is based on data collected from 35 households in three villages to examine local populations' attitudes and views about tourism development in their respective areas. In addition, six unstructured interviews with government officials from these villages were conducted in order to acquire a clear knowledge of tourism development in local communities and its effects. According to the research, obstacles include inadequate political will, shallow laws, indefinite rules, insufficient knowledge and lack of expertise of travel agencies, and the greater societal difficulties of deprivation and its consequences. Despite enormous economic benefits to the federal government, commercial businesses, and other external groups, local villagers do not benefit directly from tourism development. The research site is located in the cultural triangle; villagers and visitors in this area are generally sensitive to local norms, reducing adverse socio-cultural ramifications