An analysis of livelihood linkages of tourism in Kaziranga National Park, a Natural World Heritage Site in India

We evaluated the livelihood linkages of existing tourism practices in Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage site located in Assam, India. The main objective of the study was to assess the contribution of tourism to local livelihoods and suggest ways to strengthen these linkages. Focus group discussions and interviews of tourism service providers were carried out to identify their share of tourism income. A survey of tourists was conducted to examine the amount spent by visitors while visiting the park. The primary data was supplemented by secondary information obtained from the park office, service providers and records of village self-help groups. In 2006-2007, the total amount of money that flowed through the tourism sector in Kaziranga National Park was estimated to be US$ 5 million per annum, of which different stakeholders (excluding government) received US$ 3.27 million per annum. The balance of income flowed as leakage for purchase of supplies and logistic support outside the tourism zone. The financial benefits to local stakeholders may increase if the leakages could be prevented through planned interventions such as proper marketing of products from cottage industries and strengthening of local level institutions. In addition to wildlife viewing, promotion of nature trails and package tours may be encouraged in the buffer zones and adjoining forests areas to enhance tourist visitation to un-tapped sites that could provide additional livelihood options to local communities.