CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION

The present study attempts to examine the socio-economic and cultural impacts of

Rural tourism in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The study also identifies the

effects of Demographic variations on the resident’s attitude towards Rural

Tourism. This study is an effort to find out how tourists and tourism professionals

perceive Rural tourism in Shekhawati. The study also gives suggestions on how

rural tourism can be improved in Shekhawati area thus benefitting the rural folks.

The present study has been classified into five major chapters.

Chapter 1 emphasizes on introduction about tourism industry. The main areas that

are covered under this chapter are: Tourism, Types of tourism, Forms of Tourism,

International Tourism Scenario, Tourism Scenario in India, Impacts of Tourism,

Tourism market in India, Rural Tourism in India, Rural Tourism in Rajasthan,

Rural Tourism in Shekhawati.

Chapter 2 focuses on Socio-economic and Cultural implications of Rural tourism

in the study area, i.e. Shekhawati. The chapter begins with a little brief about the

background of Shekhawati. Further reasons for Rural tourism has been discussed

which continues with the potential of Rural tourism in the study area. Growth of

tourism in Shekhawati has also been discussed which finally concludes with

Tourism in context to Socio-Economic and Cultural environment of the study area.

 Conclusion

Chapter 3 discusses all about Research Methodology, to begin with the Research

Problem. Various articles related to tourism, rural tourism have been reviewed in

this chapter. Further research gap, need of the study, relevance of the study,

objectives, hypothesis, preparation of questionnaires and selection of variables,

research design have been discussed. Finally tools used for data analysis in the

study have been explained. One way ANOVA, Independent t-test and one sample

t-test have been applied and explained in this chapter. Rank analysis has also been

done to find out which factor is more effective, factor analysis have been applied.

Chapter 4 describes the data analysis and interpretation part of the study. After

getting the questionnaires filled, the graphical presentation has been done. To

check the reliability of the data, Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test have been

applied. The data was found to be reliable. Further KMO and Bartlett test for

factor analysis was applied and thus the data was found adequate.

One way ANOVA has been applied to see whether there are any statistically

significant differences between the means of three or more independent groups.

Independent t-test has been applied for gender factor.

One sample t-test was applied to find out the mean difference between the views of

the tourists and tourism professionals respectively.

Chapter 5 emphasizes on conclusions, findings, suggestions and scope for further

study.

231
 Conclusion

5.1 Findings

On the basis of graphical presentation and data analysis, results have been

compiled and the findings have been discussed below:

5.1.1 Findings Based on Demographic Profile of Local Residents

• It has been observed from the study that majority of the respondents were

male. Male respondents constituted 76.8 % whereas female’s respondents

were 23.2 % only.

• It was inferred from the study that the majority of the respondents belonged

to the age group 25-35 years that is 43.5% followed by 35-45 years age

group that is 29.8 % , 45 and above years age group that is 13.5 % and the

age group falling between 18-25 years had the least respondents that is 13.2

%.

• It was found that 36.6% earned below 10,000 monthly, 24.2 % earned

between 10,000-15,000, 20.6% earned between 15,000-20,000 and lastly

18.6 % earned above 20,000.

5.1.2 Key findings based on Local Residents responses

Prestige: The study revealed that majority of the respondents agrees that rural

tourism has increased the prestige of the village which showcases that rural

tourism has proved to be beneficial for the village.

232
 Conclusion

Livelihood opportunities: About three-fourth of the respondents are satisfied with

the opportunities that the village locales get in the form of host families and they

agree to the host family in the rural areas as an interesting concept.

Recreational facilities: It was found that tourism has increased the recreational

facilities for locals as half of the respondents agree to this, on the other hand

37.0% of the respondents are of the opinion that tourism has not increased the

recreational facilities for the locals and for the rest it did not make any difference.

Copy visitors: It was revealed that majority of the respondents feel that local

people are not mere copy cats and they do not try to copy the visitors or aspire to

become like them.

Quality of life: It has been observed that rural tourism has improved the quality of

life of the local residents. Majority of the respondents agree with the same.

Social amenities & infrastructure: Most of the respondents agree or strongly

agree that the development of social amenities and infrastructure has increased due

to tourism, whereas few of the respondents strongly disagree or disagree for the

same and for some of the respondents it did not make any difference.

Local identity and values: The study revealed that majority of the respondents

disagrees with the statement that tourism has led to the loss of local identity and

values. Only few respondents agree with and for handful of people it did not make

any difference.

233
 Conclusion

Education and health service: It was observed that most of the respondents

agreed that education and health services have improved in the area whereas only

few people disagree with the same. It shows people have realised the importance

of health and education in their life and are giving much importance to it.

Role of women: There has been enhancement in the role of women. Most of the

people gave their opinion in favour of the statement. Only few of the respondents

disagreed with it. And for almost one-fourth of the respondents it did not make any

difference.

Social problems: It was revealed in the study that there is no prevalence of any

kind of social problems due to tourism in the area. Shekhawati area is free from

crime, drug etc.

Maintain cultural identity: Present study portrays that majority of the

respondents feel that tourism in Shekhawati helps keep local culture alive and

maintain cultural identity. There were hardly 4-5 % respondents who disagreed

with the statement.

Cultural exchange: It was observed that cultural exchanges takes place between

the locals and the guests due to tourism. Most of the tourists are keen to know and

learn about the culture of the local people.

Fairs and festivals: It was observed that there is cultural understanding through

fairs and festivals. Majority of the respondents agreed with the statement. This

234
 Conclusion

shows the importance of fairs and festivals in our lives and for building cultural

understanding.

Cultural conflicts: It was revealed from the study that tourism does not lead to

any kind of cultural conflicts or loss of cultural identity and values. This shows

that tourism does not have any negative impact on the cultural identity of the area.

Folk music and dance: Most of the respondents feel that folk music and dance in

Shekhwati is important in terms of tourism. Whereas there were only few people

who did not feel the same.

Local identity: Tourism plays a pivotal role in enhancing local and national

identity. It is because of tourism that a particular area becomes a known

destination.

Arts and crafts: The study revealed that there is increased demand for local arts

and crafts due to tourism. This has helped local craftsmen to display their skills

and earn extra bucks due to its demand.

Cultural clashes: A little more than half of the respondents felt that there are no

cultural clashes due to difference in religion, lifestyle or irritation due to tourist

behaviour. Very few respondents felt that there are cultural clashes.

Native language: Most of the respondents feel that tourism does not lead to the

loss of native language. This shows that there is no negative impact on the native

language due to tourism.

235
 Conclusion

Commercial demand: Majority of the respondents felt that it did not make any

difference that the commercial demand of the tourist’s causes changes in the styles

and forms of traditional arts and crafts. Almost same number of respondents

agreed as well as disagreed with the same.

Employment: Tourism has created employment opportunities for the people in

Shekhawati. Most of the people agreed with this. Although there were very few

people who were not in favour that tourism has created employment for the people.

Personal income: A little more than half of the respondents feels that their

personal incomes are enhanced by getting involved in rural tourism activities in

Shekhawati whereas almost one-fourth of the respondents are of the opinion that

their personal income does not get enhanced by getting involved in rural tourism

activities.

Investment: Tourism has brought investment to the community’s economy. Most

of the respondents were in favour of this statement and there were few respondents

who did not support this statement.

Prices of goods and services: Although prices of goods and services have

increased but we cannot say that tourism alone is responsible for this. About half

of the respondents were of the opinion that tourism has increased the prices of

goods and services. Rest felt that tourism alone cannot be made responsible for

such increase in prices of goods and other commodities.

236
 Conclusion

Entrepreneurial opportunities: Almost half of the respondents feel that there are

entrepreneurial opportunities due to tourism. Rest disagrees with the same and for

few it does not make any difference.

Seasonality: Seasonality plays a major role in tourism and tourism related

business. Majority of the respondents have agreed that seasonality affects tourism.

Even the tourism business goes down due to seasonal effects.

Local products: It is true that tourism creates markets for local products. Local

handicraft items are in demand due to tourism. This has also benefitted local

handicraftsmen who gets an opportunity to showcase their expertise and skills

through their art work.

Local development: Most of the respondents are of the opinion that local

development through direct financial and technical support occurs due to high

inflow of tourists. Whereas few respondents feel that tourism is not the reason

behind such local development.

Skilled manpower: Almost average number of respondents feels that tourism has

generated skilled manpower for many locales. 30-35% of respondents do not feel

the same, for them tourism has not contributed towards generating skilled

manpower.

Standard of living: It was revealed in the study that almost same number of

respondents feel that tourism has improved the standard of living of the people as

well as same number of respondents disagrees with this statement.

237
 Conclusion

5.1.3 Key findings based on Tourist’s responses

• Temples and monuments at Shekhawati area have great architectural

and historical value

It was observed that the temples and monuments at Shekhawati area have

great architectural and historical value. Majority of the respondents are also

agreeing with the same. There are number of magnificent temples in

Shekhawati which are best known for their intricate architecture and speak

about Indian heritage.

• Frescoes and paintings are the main attraction of Shekhawati

Shekhawati is best known as an open air art gallery. The frescoes and

paintings of Shekhawati are world famous which awestruck the tourists.

Majority of the tourists also feel that in Shekhawati, frescoes and paintings

are the main attraction. These beautiful frescoes on the walls of the havelis

attracts tourist from all over the world.

• Villages serve as a great attraction for tourists

The concept of farm tourism / village based rural tourism is increasing in

the area and becoming quite famous amongst the tourists. Tourists are much

interested to experience the rustic life of India. Villages are becoming a

great source of attraction for the tourists. And majority of the respondents

also feel the same.

• The concept of host family in the rural village is attracting tourists

Home stay in the rural villages is an emerging concept which is becoming

popular with the tourists. Tourists are enjoying their stay at the villages

238
 Conclusion

while experiencing the life of a villager. Most of the respondents are of the

opinion that the concept of host families in the rural area is attracting

tourists.

• Tourism has led to greater understanding between host and guests

It is rightly said that tourism has led to greater understanding between host

and guests. It is due to tourism that the host and the guests come in contact

with each other and understand each other in a better way. Here also

majority of the respondents feel that tourism has led to greater

understanding between host and the guests.

• Havelis of Shekhawati area are a great attraction for tourists

It was revealed in the study that the havelis of Shekhawati are great

attractions for tourists. Shekhawati is filled with numerous havelis known

for their intricate frescoes. The frescoes on the walls of havelis depict

various mythological and historical themes.

• Shekhawati festival is a great source of attraction for the tourists

It has been found that few of the respondents agree or strongly agree that

Shekhawati festival is a great source of attraction for the tourists, whereas

very few of the respondents disagree or strongly disagree to this. For

majority of the respondents it did not make any difference whether

Shekhawati festival is a great source of attraction for the tourists. This

clearly indicates that Shekhawati festival has not been able to attract major

chunk of tourists in spite being held every year.

239
 Conclusion

• Handicrafts of Shekhawati has local touch which make them unique

Various souvenirs in the form of handicrafts can be taken back by the

tourists as a memento which is locally crafted by the handicraftsmen of

Shekhawati. Shekhawati is famous for fresco paintings, wooden items, tie-

dye fabrics, bangles, brass, metal scirrors and utensils. Most of the

respondents also feel that handicrafts of Shekhawati are unique with local

touch in them.

• Local residents of Shekhawati region are good, friendly and

cooperative

When the tourists were asked their opinions about the locals of Shekhawati,

most of the respondents were agreeing that the local residents of

Shekhawati are good, friendly and cooperative. A very unique character of

human nature in this region is the locals here are always ready to extend an

helping hand to anyone in need.

• Food of Shekhawati region is delicious with local / traditional touch

When tourists were asked about their opinion about food of Shekhawati

region, a lot of respondents agree or strongly agree that the food is delicious

with local / traditional touch. On the other hand, very few respondents

disagree or strongly disagree for the same and for handful of respondents it

did not make any difference.

240
 Conclusion

• Shekhawati is a safe place for travel

Shekhawati is absolutely a safe place to travel. One can travel here with

family, friends or even alone. As most of the tourists also feel that they feel

safe to travel in this region.

• Information centres are equipped with all sorts of information for the

tourists

Most of the tourists are of the opinion that they get all the information

easily as required by them. Tourist information centers are located in

Jhunjhunu and Sikar.

• Guides in the area are good or knowledgeable

There are good numbers of guides available in Shekhawati. Majority of the

tourists are also agreeing that guides in the area are good and

knowledgeable.

• Accommodation facilities are good.

A good number of accommodation facilities are available in Shekhawati.

There are varieties of accommodation options to choose from like Fort

hotels, Hotels, Guest houses to even living in a farmer house. Most of the

tourists also feel that the accommodation facilities are good in Shekhawati.

• Communication and transportation facilities are proper

It was found that communication and transportation facilities are good

enough in Shekhawati region. Most of the respondents strongly agree or

agree that transportation facilities are proper whereas few respondents

241
 Conclusion

disagree or strongly disagree for the same and for some of the respondents

it did not make any difference.

5.1.4 Key findings based on the Tourism Professionals responses

• Tourism has improved the image of Shekhawati

When tourism professionals were asked what they feel about the image of

Shekhawati, majority of the respondents agree or strongly agree that

tourism has improved the image of Shekhawati, while very few respondents

strongly disagree or disagree with the same. And for some of the

respondents it did not make any difference.

• Tourism has increased prestige of the village / rural areas

We have already seen in the above statements that tourism has increased the

prestige of the village / rural areas. When tourism professionals were asked

about their opinion, they were also agreeing that it is due to tourism that the

prestige of the village / rural areas has increased.

• Tourism has created employment opportunities for people at

Shekhawati

When tourism professionals were asked about the employment status at

Shekhawati, most of the respondents were agreeing that tourism has created

employment opportunities for people at Shekhawati, whereas few

respondents disagree for the same.

242
 Conclusion

• Attitude towards work of the rural community have improved because

of tourism

After the introduction of tourism in the rural community, whether their

attitude towards work has improved or not, when this question was

administered to the respondents almost half of the respondents were of the

opinion that the attitude towards work has improved because of tourism.

• Working in tourism makes you feel insecure about your future

employment

It was found that most of the respondents were agreeing that working in

tourism industry makes them feel insecure about their future employment,

although few respondents disagree for the same. It shows that more people

are worried about their future employment in this industry.

• Due to tourism, infrastructure at Shekhawati has been enhanced such

as roads, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals etc.

The study portrays that the infrastructure at Shekhawati has been enhanced.

Majority of the respondents feel that although infrastructure such as roads,

hotels, restaurants etc has been improved, still a lot has to be done.

Government along with private sector must come together and build good

five star infrastructures in the region.

243
 Conclusion

• In Shekhawati tourism management provides local communities with

skills which they can transfer to their household survival activities

There are certain private bodies, NGO’s who select areas and provide the

local people with training skills about tourism, its benefits and how they can

benefit themselves by involving in tourism related activities. Most of the

respondents feel that there are few private organisations which are involved

in such kind of training programmes and were of the opinion that it is also

necessary that government should also come up with some kind of schemes,

training programmes for the locales.

• Living conditions have improved because of tourism

It has been revealed in the study that the living conditions have improved

because of tourism. People who were not involved in any kind of job earlier

are now involved in tourism related activities and are doing well.

• Tourists have shown respect to local culture and traditions

Whatever be the age or country they belong to, it has been observed that

tourists show respect to local culture and tradition. Tourists are very keen to

learn about local culture and traditions and likewise have respect for it.

• Government’s contribution for tourism development has been good

It was found that few of the respondents agree that government’s

contribution for tourism development has been good and some were not in

favour that government has contributed for tourism development in the

region. So it is evident that more contribution from the government side is

required for tourism development in Shekhawati area.

244
 Conclusion

• Shekhawati festival is an important event to boost tourism in this

region

Shekhawati festival is a mega event which is held every year in Nawalgarh,

Jhunjhunu. Rural communities are involved in a large number in this event.

Various activities like rural games, exhibitions, food stalls and various

competitions among locals are the major attraction. Most of the respondents

also feel that it is an important event to boost tourism in Shekhawati region.

• Social evils has increased due to tourism

When we talk about social evils, it has been found that majority of the

respondents disagree that social evils has increased due to tourism. This

confirms that Shekhawati is a safe place to travel.

• Culture has been commercialized due to tourism

It was found that almost half of the respondents are agreeing that culture

has been commercialized due to tourism. They feel that many a times they

have to mould things according to the tourist’s preference rather than the

way should be especially with the case of cultural goods.

• Places have become overcrowded and noisy because of tourism

Although Shekhawati was not a popular destination few years back, but

now it has become one of the important destination on every tourist’s map.

It was found that majority of the respondents feel that Shekhawati have

become overcrowded and noisy due to tourism. Few of the respondents

245
 Conclusion

strongly disagree or disagree for the same whereas for some respondents it

did not make any difference and rest 50% respondents felt that the region

have become overcrowded.

• Tariff and taxes has increased due to tourism

It was found that most of the respondents are of the opinion that tariff and

taxes have increased in due course of time, few respondents disagree for the

same. As more number of tourist sare coming in Shekhawati, tariff at

various hotels, restaurants and other services tends to increase.

Rank Analysis

Table 5.1 Rank analyses of Social, Cultural and Economic factors

Weighted Weighted
S. No. Factor Rank
(Total) mean (Total)
1 Social 1298.4 80.559 3
2 Cultural 1357.2 90.48 2
3 Economic 1382.6 92.192 1

A rank analysis has been done to see which of the three given factors are most

effective on local residents. It can be seen from the table that Economic is the

major factor and it is ranked first by respondents. The next major factor is

Cultural which and it is ranked second by the respondents. The factor which is

ranked third by the respondents is Social. In Social factors, Prestige has been

ranked at first, in Cultural factor, the major component is Cultural identity and in

Economic factors, Seasonality has been ranked at no. one.

246
 Conclusion

Factor analysis

The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was found to be .751 which indicates that

the sample was good enough to perform factor analysis. The 30 items were

exposed to factor analysis using principal component analysis and rotation method

with eigen value greater than 1. The factors thus extracted were:

• Social

• Cultural

• Economic

Table 5.2 Conclusion summary

Null
Hypothe
Test ses
Objective Hypotheses Variables Test Result
value accepted
/
rejected
Dependent Independent
1. To Age Accepted The
study the .634 significance
Social .712 level in all
impact of .479 case for
Rural Ho1: There One way Age factor
Tourism is no Social, Demographic ANOVA is more than
on the Cultural and Social Factors (Age, test (Age Inco Rejected 0.05. There
local Economic Cultural Income, and me is no Social,
residents impact of Economic Gender) Income) .010 Cultural and
of Rural and .022 Economic
Shekhawat Tourism on Independ .039 impact of
i region. the local ent t – Rural
residents of test Gend tourism on
(Gender) Rejected
Shekhawati er local
2. To region. .037 residents
determine .020 and there is
the .039 no
Cultural significant
impact of difference
Rural in the
Tourism attitude and
on the thinking of
local different
residents Age groups
of towards
Shekhawat Rural

247
 Conclusion

i region. tourism.

3. To find The
out the significance
Economic level is less
impact of than 0.05
Rural for Income
Tourism factor, so
on the there is
local Social,
residents Cultural and
of Economic
Shekhawat impact of
i region. Rural
tourism on
local
residents.
Also there
is
significant
difference
in the
attitude and
thinking of
different
Income
groups
towards
Rural
tourism.

The
significant
value is less
than 0.05 in
all case for
Gender.
There is
Social,
Cultural and
Economic
impact of
Rural
tourism on
the local
residents
and also
there is
significant
difference
in the
attitude and
thinking of
males and
females
towards
tourism.

248
 Conclusion

4. To Ho2: There Heritage and religious One .000 Rejected The

explore is no potential, Tourism potential, sample t- significant
the views significant Cultural exchange, Tourism test value in all
and difference in & hospitality, Tourism case is .000
attitude of the attitude information, Infrastructure, which is
tourists of tourists Host-guest relationship less than
regarding with respect 0.05. The
Rural to Rural result
tourism in tourism in indicates
Shekhawat Shekhawati. that there is
i. a significant
difference
between the
views and
attitude of
tourist
regarding
rural
tourism.
5. To Ho3 There is Culture & tradition, One .000 Rejected The p-value
examine no Employment opportunities, sample t- value for all
the significant Infrastructure development, test case was
attitude of difference in Tourism & community found to be
Tourism the views benefit, Cultural provision, less than
profession and attitude Government initiative, 0.05. There
als with of Tourism Tourism & deviance, Cost of is
regards to Professional living. significant
Rural s with difference
tourism in respect to between the
Shekhawat Rural views and
i. tourism in attitude of
Shekhawati tourism
region professional
s regarding
rural
tourism.

¾ As seen from the above table 5.2 One way ANOVA and One sample t-test

have been performed to test the above mentioned hypotheses. The first

objective of the study was “To study the Social impact of Rural Tourism on

local residents of Shekhawati region.” Thus, the hypothesis framed for this

objective was “There is no Social, Cultural and Economic impact of Rural

Tourism on the local residents of Shekhawati region.” One way ANOVA

test has been applied and the significance level in each case is more than

0.05 which indicates that null hypothesis is accepted in this case. Analysis

drawn depicts that “There is no Social, Cultural and Economic impact of

249
 Conclusion

Rural tourism on local residents of Shekhawati region.” And there is no

difference between the attitude and thinking of different age groups with

regard to their perception about rural tourism in the area.

¾ Second objective was “To determine the Cultural impact of Rural Tourism on

local residents of Shekhawati region.” One way ANOVA has been applied

where the significance level is less than 0.05 in all the case which indicates

that null hypothesis is rejected. The result shows that “There is Social,

Cultural and Economic impact of Rural tourism on local residents of

Shekhawati.” Also there is significant difference in the attitude and thinking

of different Income groups towards Rural tourism.

¾ Third objective was “To find out the Economic impact of Rural Tourism on

local residents of Shekhawati region.” Independent t-test was applied and

the significance value for all case is less than 0.05 which indicates that null

hypothesis is rejected. The result thus drawn shows that “There is Social,

Cultural and Economic impact of Rural tourism on the local residents,” and

also there is significant difference in the attitude and thinking of males and

females towards tourism.

¾ Fourth objective was “To explore the views and attitude of tourists

regarding rural tourism in Shekhawati.” The hypothesis framed for this

objective was “There is no significant difference in the attitude of tourists

with respect to Rural tourism in Shekhawati region. One sample t-test was

applied where the p-value was found to be less than 0.05 in all the selected

variables which clearly indicates that null hypothesis is rejected. Analysis

250
 Conclusion

can be drawn that “There is significant difference between the views and

attitude of tourists regarding rural tourism.”

¾ Last objective of the study was “To examine the attitude of tourism

professionals with regard to rural tourism in Shekhawati.” The hypothesis

framed for this objective was “There is no significant difference in the

attitude of Tourism Professionals with respect to Rural tourism in

Shekhawati region.” One sample t-test has been applied here and the p-

value for all the variables is less than 0.05 which indicates that the null

hypothesis is rejected. The result drawn here shows that “There is a

significant difference between the views of tourism professionals with

respect to Rural tourism in Shekhawati region.”

Emerging Trends in Indian Tourism

In a state like Rajasthan which is well known for its magnificent forts and palaces,

is coming up with many new concepts of tourism. Tourism in Rajasthan now is not

only confined to historical monuments, but it is going beyond that. A new concept

which has been quite popular here is rural tourism. Small villages in Rajasthan are

gaining popularity giving authentic experience to the tourists as well as providing

an opportunity to the locales to get involved in such activities and improving their

livelihood. One such destination in Rajasthan is Shekhawati, which is hitting the

international visitor’s radar. Shewkhawati provides a perfect setting of rural

tourism destination along with its beautiful havelis, baoris etc.

251
 Conclusion

There are many other changes happening in India as far as tourism is concerned.

There are customized tours, cookery schools, village boutique hotels, village home

stay, campsites and many more. Similarly if we have a look on other Indian states,

we can find akin concepts mushrooming. As for example if we take a look on

Odisha, the Puri district which has been ever illustrious for its Jaggannath Puri

temple, is now also a hub for “kitchen tourism” that is propagandising naïve

Odishi cuisine. Here on a ‘Wild grass’ an eco-friendly restaurant run by Yuga

bratKar, he planted the seeds of this project, only six months ago which has now

turned into a sapling with 60 leaves of international globetrotters and quite a many

Indians too. He has said that this kind of experimental tourism is catching up

across the world and is a great way of attracting tourists. This novel idea struck

Kar during the period of his travel to over 26 countries.

In this restaurant tourists can take classes from local chefs in learning how to make

traditional Odia dishes. An elaborate insight into the local cooking styles is also

offered here.

The session begins with the participants visiting the local market and buying

ingredients. Instead of going to shopping complexes and malls they shop from the

local vendors. In the process the participants get to meet the local traders and

interact with them. First thing they swot (learn) here is special, herbal, and

salubrious “TEA” made from indigenous herbs and spices. Then participants get to

learn various Odia vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes like dahi – baingan, dalma

(lentils cooked with vegetables), saga mooga (lentils cooked with leafy veggies),

252
 Conclusion

khata (chutney), dahi maccha (fish cooked with curd) and kankada jhola (crab

curry) among others.

So, this presents a latest and perfect example of how tourism can be used as a

seamless and harmonious tool just by popping interesting addendums to it. And

then it will indubitably turn into a dual doodad providing evergreen employment

opportunities to thousands bringing incursion of millions of bees (travellers) and

bucks on the other hand.

5.2 Suggestions

¾ The government should play an important role in promoting villages / rural

towns so that the destination can make its position in the world map. The

government should allot funds to promote rural tourism. The government

should also encourage private organisations to promote tourism in the rural

areas.

¾ Shekhawati should be made an all round the year destination by promoting

it in a proper way. For this proper planning and marketing is required.

¾ Government as well as private organisations should organise training

programmes in the villages to develop skills among the locales which will

help them to deal with the tourists.

¾ Touts (lapka’s) should be taken care of as it was a common site in few

destinations of Shekhawati.

253
 Conclusion

¾ Tourism education should be incorporated from the college level itself to

educate the local youth about tourism and its importance so that more and

more locals are involved in tourism related business.

¾ Havelis in Shekhawati need to be looked after. Private organisations and

trusts must look into this matter as these havelis need more concentration

for their survival. Essential measures should be taken for the restoration of

the havelis.

¾ Few more tourist reception or information centre must be set up.

¾ Apart from Shekhawati festival, the government must organize few more

fairs every year on regular basis where the local artisans get an opportunity

to showcase their artistic skills and earn some extra bucks.

5.3 Limitations

¾ There were hardly any tourism based studies done in this area, so lack of

literature was a major problem.

¾ The language barrier with the locales as well as with few of the tourists

restricted the free form of communication.

¾ It was also difficult to convince the travel professionals to spare some time

and patiently fill the questionnaire.

¾ For the convenience of the locales, the questionnaire was translated into

Hindi, even then they were not willing to fill up the questionnaire on their

own.

¾ The survey is confined to only Shekhawati region and thus cannot be

generalized to all rural spots in India.

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 Conclusion

5.4 Scope for Further Research

¾ Rural tourism and women can be an interesting research area. The role of

women and their contribution to rural tourism, their perception about rural

tourism can be further studied.

¾ This study deals with the differences in opinions with regard to social,

cultural and economic impacts. Other two components like environmental

and political impacts can be a topic for further research as environmental

impact is important for sustainable development point of view.

¾ Rural tourism and marketing can be an interesting area for further research.

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