Heritage Tourism Opportunities and Challenges: A Case Study on Kalaburagi Heritage Sites

Abstract

This study explores the linkages between cultural heritage tourism and environmental protection in the town of Kalaburagi (previously Gulbarga) in the state of Karnataka. This examines the consequences of heritage tourism development on local communities, the perceptions of tourist development and conservation by the residents, and the opportunities and obstacles of sustainable heritage tourism. This study aims to evaluate the effects of heritage tourism on the local community and analyze residents' perceptions of heritage tourism development and conservation, and opportunities and challenges. This study was conducted in selected heritage tourism sites in Kalaburagi city. Explanatory research was used, and primary data were gathered using a 5-point Likert-scale structured questionnaire from local inhabitants. This study provides a response to the scarcity of empirical studies on the CHT development of Kalaburagi and adds to the awareness of the sustainable development of CHT. This shows high community acceptance, with strong preference shown for community-based management and cultural preservation, and community-based collaborative governance. Socioeconomic and cultural benefits were identified by the residents, with inadequate training and capacity building identified as a key constraint. This cross-sectional study had a small sample size of 147 respondents, limiting the generalizability of the findings. This study provides empirical evidence of community perceptions and identifies some strategies for improving participation, heritage protection, governance, and enhancing local capacity building for sustainable tourism.