IMPACT OF TOURISM ON LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN TELANGANA: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF THE ERSTWHILE ADILABAD DISTRICT

Tourism has considerable potential to promote local economic development in the erstwhile Adilabad district by generating employment, supporting small businesses, increasing household income and creating supplementary livelihood opportunities. The study indicates that tourism benefits are particularly relevant for local communities and tribal groups associated with cultural and natural tourism resources. However, inadequate infrastructure, seasonal demand, limited promotion, skill gaps and weak market linkages constrain its broader impact. Therefore, sustainable and inclusive tourism policies should emphasize local participation, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, skill enhancement and environmental conservation. Strengthening these areas can enable tourism to become a more effective and equitable driver of regional economic development.

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