1.
Sahidur Alom
– PhD Research Scholar, Department of Management, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, Guwahati, Assam, India.
2.
Nripendra Narayan Sarma
– Professor in Management, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, Guwahati, Assam, India
Abstract
The 800-square-kilometre Majuli is India’s first island district and the world’s longest riverine island. This study aims to investigate and critically evaluate the contributions of diverse stakeholder groups, including government agencies, cultural institutions, artisanal communities, and tribal communities, towards the sustainable development of Majuli as an ecotourism destination. Thematic Analysis has been chosen as the primary qualitative research method to examine the contributions of five major stakeholder groups towards the sustainable development of ecotourism in the Majuli district. In the present study,60 in-depth interviews with the five key stakeholders, i.e., Officials of Assam tourism development corporation and Dept of Tourism, Assam, leading travel agencies/Tour operators, concerned people of satras, residents of Salmara and Sinatoli pottery village and residents of tribal theme village, Jengraimukh, Majuli, were conducted. The government plays a crucial role in infrastructure, such as eco-lodges and craft centres. It explores partnerships with the private sector, NGOs, and academia to support sustainable ecotourism development. The travel agency/Tour operator plays a crucial role in educating tourists to respect tradition and the environment. Local communities, including tribal groups and Neo-Vaishnavites, are committed to preserving their traditional practices and environment. Based on the interviews and discussions with stakeholders, there is a strong consensus supporting the sustainable development of Majuli as an ecotourism destination. Research found that Tourism stakeholders in Majuli are working towards coordinated and sustainable ecotourism.