Gap Analysis and Infrastructure Requirement for Tourism Development in the State of West Bengal: Evidence from Bishnupur, West Bengal, India

2. Literature Survey

Tourism studies turned its attention to ‘alternative’ forms of tourism, suggesting that these were more likely to overcome the exploitative dimensions of mass tourism in developing countries (Lea 1993; Brohman 1996; Khan 1997). The ‘pro-poor tourism’ (PPT) approach can be seen as an attempt to take these questions into account and to target the benefits of tourism more directly towards poverty reduction (Brown & Hall 2008). According to Negi (1990) the attractions in rural areas are enjoyment of rural scenery, the desire for open space, quiet and peace of mind, rural sports like hunting, fishing, ethnic attractions like folk life, custom, food, drinks, and festivals, educational and historical attractions like castles, churches, temples and monasteries etc. According to Jennet Hanshall (2000) “describes that Rural area is that rural tourism uses the country side as resources, which is associated with the search by urban dweller for tranquility and space for outdoor recreation rather than being specifically liked to nature.” Bramwell and Lane (1994) point out that “Rural tourism is a multifaceted activity. It is not just farm based tourism. It includes farm based holidays but also comprises special interest nature holidays and ecotourism, walking, climbing, riding, adventure, sports & health tourism, hunting, and angling, educational travel, arts & heritage tourism & in some areas ethnic tourism .”Tourists participate in creation of sales, profits, jobs, returns and income. Tourism is characterized by the fact that consumption takes place where the service is provided (Steenwegen, 2003), and the economic impact of tourism is an important factor of national, regional and public planning and economic development. Focusing on the demand side as several authors have pointed out (Page & Getz 1997, Sharpley & Sharpley, 1997), the recent trends in tourism lead to shift from standardized mass tourism to more individualistic patterns, which look for a more meaningful experience. In this sense the emergent rural tourist segment has varied motivations, which might include ecological uniqueness, cultural attractions, special adventures opportunities or the peace and quiet of the countryside. This represents a unique opportunity for rural operator, who can established network of different service providers to maximize opportunity and offer a diverse range of activities (Briedenhann & Wickens 2004).