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Native residents are indispensable participants in developing and conserving the natural environment. Specifying the factors that lead to responsible behavior among the local people can help increase sustainability. This paper aims to investigate the pro-environmental behavior among the local residents of the Kashmir region defined by the components of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Value Belief Norm (VBN) Theory. To analyze the data, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) has been used as research methods. The results reveal that the three components of TPB (general environmental attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control) have a positive and significant impact on the pro-environmental behavior of residents. Moreover, the findings also demonstrate that the factors of VBN (altruistic, egoistic and biospheric values) significantly influence the general environmental attitude which in turn impacts the pro-environmental behavior of local residents. The paper seeks to contribute to the existing literature by adding local community insights based on the explanations given by socio-psychological theories within the context of natural environment. The study will help policymakers to understand better the residents' intentions and pro-environmental behavior so that they can develop strategies to manage and combat the environmental problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Kashmir Himalayas, a fragile mountainous, region, are experiencing the adverse effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events. This study, based on primary data from 384 respondents in the Kashmir Valley, assesses people's perceptions of climate change impacts, particularly on temperature, precipitation, extreme weather events, and agriculture. Results indicate that 57% of respondents observe a decline in rainfall, 75% note a significant reduction in snowfall, and almost 60% perceive a decrease in stream discharge. Additionally, 75% believe that extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense, adversely affecting agricultural productivity. These findings align with empirical studies on climate change in the region and can serve as a basis for mobilizing public participation in government and non-governmental initiatives aimed at adaptation and mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nexus of tourism and sustainability has emerged as a catchphrase in academic literature in recent years. The present study employed an integrated path model to investigate the increasing significance of sustainable tourism, which is attributed, in part, to the penchant of domestic tourists to consume locally sourced food. The investigation additionally ascertains the potential influence of local food products on the various dimensions of sustainability, including economic, cultural, social, and environmental aspects. Data is collected using a purposeful sample technique, with 462 responses from domestic tourists to the Kashmir Valley being screened and analyzed using SPSS and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings derived from PLS-SEM analysis demonstrate that the act of domestic tourists consuming locally produced food has a considerable and statistically significant influence on sustainability-focused tourism. Furthermore, the consumption of locally grown foods has a positive influence on various dimensions of sustainability, including the economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspects. The present study contributes to the existing scholarly literature on the subjects of regional gastronomy and sustainable tourism. In the current work, the authors aim to present the potential of local food to promote sustainable tourism in the tourist host regions. The outcomes of this research can be utilized by policymakers in the tourism sector to enhance their ability to effectively market indigenous cuisine, thereby sustaining the industry's enduring viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article aims to decipher the impacts of community-based tourism on the quality of life of traditional communities using the grounds of social exchange theory and economic exchange theory. The empirical data, collected at random by using a questionnaire survey method from the residents of two rural communities in Sikkim, India, were used for the present study. Exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. The output of the regression analysis indicates that the three factors, economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of community-based tourism, have a positive and significant effect on the resident's quality of life. It is also demonstrated that improved quality of life has a substantial and constructive impact on the residents' support for tourism. In nations such as India, characterized by significant potential for community-based tourism to enhance the well-being of rural communities and alleviate poverty, it is crucial for policymakers to possess a comprehensive comprehension of the effects of community-based tourism on residents' quality of life and their attitudes toward tourism. This understanding is essential to facilitate the successful implementation of community-based tourism initiatives in other regions within the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development of tourism symbolizes a type of business activity that satisfies the requirements of both the tourists and the receiving communities. The paper aims to unearth the impact of community empowerment on the sustainable tourism development. Further, local support is incorporated as a mediating variable between the relationship of community empowerment and sustainable tourism development. For data collection, an onsite survey method is employed and the dataset of 368 respondents was analyzed to test the theoretical work. The fit of the framework is evaluated using structural equation modeling (SEM). SEM confirms that all four hypotheses have a statistically significant relationship. The study findings indicate that community empowerment has a positive impact on local support and sustainable tourism development. Further, the study shows local support completely mediates the relationship between the two variables. There is a dearth of empirical research regarding the empowerment of the community, the paper findings will contribute a substantial part to the existing literature on sustainable tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource intensiveness diminishes ecological services and future eco-benefits, increasing poverty and inequality. The pursuit threshold is planning and managing resources, which can jeopardize or help fragile locations, depending on the management strategy. This study attempted to evaluate the trade-off between tourism and the environment using a conceptual modeling approach involving stakeholders. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a technique with the Leopold Matrix, was used for evaluating the magnitude and importance between tourism activities and environmental components. We identified 14 major tourist activities that can affect six different environmental components with other potential consequences and how the environmental components are important to tourism activities. In consultation with the stakeholders, the Delphi Survey with Content Validation Ratio (CVR) was used to determine the list of tourism activities, environmental factors, and potential consequences. The severity, magnitude, and importance were estimated based on the perceived information from experts. In conclusion, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an invaluable tool for evaluating, monitoring and mitigating the adverse effects of tourism. Its use holds significant potential in the pursuit of sustainable tourism management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Tourism plays an important role in encouraging cooperation and peace between the partitioned countries. The current study aims to investigate the influence of cross-border tourism on bilateral trade and cooperation between India and Myanmar. Further, the paper identifies the role of community support as a mediator between exogenous and endogenous variables. An onsite questionnaire is distributed among the residents of Indian border areas close to the neighboring border of Myanmar. The SEM is employed to reject the null hypotheses and test the proposed model empirically. The findings reveal that all the proposed hypotheses are supported. The cross-border cooperation is positively influenced by cross-border tourism development and trade between India and Myanmar. Moreover, community support mediates the relationship between cross-border tourism, bilateral trade, and cooperation. An important consideration from this paper is that tourism supported by border communities can act as a catalyst for promoting cooperation among hostile countries. India and Myanmar being close neighbors, have huge scope to support each other through different cross-border programs, projects, and bilateral trade. The study provides valuable insights for both countries to adopt tourism initiatives as a tool to ameliorate their relationships and develop the economic conditions of border communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration is the primary demographic process that defines human settlement patterns and has a significant impact on human evolution. Migrants often seek better economic opportunities, higher levels of education, the chance to reunite with loved ones, or a safer environment. Given the paucity of literature, this study concentrates on the pattern of migration and the factors that influence district-level internal migration. And also, examines the relationship between socioeconomic indicators and inter-migration rate in Srinagar, J&K, India. Secondary data from the census of India, digest of statistics, government reports, and research publications was utilized to investigate the migration trend. To investigate the relationship between the socioeconomic variables and the international migration rate, a linear regression analysis was performed. Pursuant to the regression findings, male migrants dominate urban-to-urban migration while female migrants dominate urban-to-rural areas. Employment is the primary motivation for male migrants, whereas marriage is the primary motivation for female migrants. This study supported the view that factors such as literacy and employment have a close bearing on migration flow, whereas population growth shows a negative relationship with migration. The analysis of patterns would be valuable for formulating new policies, providing economic opportunities near the place of residence, and base for urban planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current article aims to analyse the effectiveness of the conversion of the Siachen Glacier into a peace park on India–Pakistan relations. It further investigates how the peace park can build mutual understanding leading to cooperation and peace between the two countries. The article presents the conceptual framework for adequate supervision of the Siachen Glacier jointly by India and Pakistan to mitigate the existing tensions and conflicts through tourism within the context of the tourism–peace nexus and peace park concept. The Siachen Peace Park proposition offers an amazing way out for the policymakers to diffuse tensions between the military establishments of India and Pakistan. Both the nations have been losing the lives of their soldiers among the snow-capped peaks not due to any gunfight but mainly because of climatic extremities and frostbite. The suggestion of the Siachen Peace Park has been explicated with the help of a four-stage peace park conversion model conceived by the authors, which gives a conceptual understanding of the outcomes of this Peace Park for both countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article aims to analyse the impact of pilgrim tourism on bilateral relations and to identify the mediating effect of people-to-people contact. It further proposes to test the framework empirically in the neighbouring context of India and Nepal. To achieve the objective, random sampling is used, and 380 usable questionnaires are taken for testing the theoretical framework. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is used to assess the framework's fit and analyse the impact of pilgrim tourism on bilateral diplomatic relations while using people-to-people contact as a mediating variable. The study findings reveal that pilgrim tourism has a direct impact on improving the bilateral diplomatic relationship between India and Nepal. It also shows that people-to-people contact between India and Nepal acts as a mediating variable between pilgrim tourism and bilateral diplomacy. In a vast country like India, which shares a border with many nations, pilgrim tourism and people-to-people contact have great potential to remove barriers and increase bilateral treaties for better development of the nation. The present research developed a measurement instrument about bilateral relations from the stakeholder's perspective. It also proposed a structural model to elucidate the relationships between pilgrim tourism, people-to-people contact and bilateral diplomacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to determine heritage tourism potential in the Kashmir valley, a developing region, to lower the impact of mass tourism on the natural environment. The potential was assessed using criterion‐based indicators. After a Delphi survey, Content Validation Ratio determined indicator retention. Field trips and secondary sources identified the sites. The sites with cultural significance were prioritized with other supporting factors. The Weighted Sum Method assessed the heritage site potential. It was calculated for each criterion: Cultural, Physical, and Natural. Then, total potential was classified into three groups on the basis of equal intervals depicting high, medium, and low, where high ranges from 0.628 to 0.756, medium from 0.502 to 0.628, and low from 0.375 to 0.502. Being the capital city and hub of different activities, Srinagar district of the study area has maximum of the sites with high heritage potential. Owing to its long history, the study region has many heritage sites; however, its tourism potential has yet to be tapped. The study emphasizes the significance of shifting surges in tourism forms in managing sustainable tourism development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on evaluating the main tourist destinations in the erstwhile Baramulla district of the Kashmir Himalayas to promote tourism. Various variables such as topography, land use/forest cover, vegetation diversity, climate, food availability, accessibility, accommodation, tourism attraction characteristics, and other infrastructure amenities were used to create different indices. A field study/sample survey was conducted to gather data from tourists at each destination. The composite score method was employed to determine the level of development at each destination. The total score values (8.5 to 24) were categorized into three groups: High (8.5–13.6), Medium (13.6–18.8), and Low (18.8–24.0). The results reveal that Gulmarg and Baba Rishi Shrine have a high level of development with some degree of variation. Manasbal and Wular Lake exhibit medium levels of development, while Baba Shakur Ud Din shrine demonstrates a low level of development. The study emphasizes the need for bottom-up and top-down planning, aggressive tourism marketing, development of tourist service infrastructure, and technical assistance and training for tourism organizations to ensure proper planning and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of sustainable tourism is inter-woven with the participation of different stakeholders in general and communities in particular. Participation becomes more important in the mountain ecosystems with a fragile resource base and limited capacities of the local people to accommodate rapid changes. The fundamental focus of this work is to measure the attitude of local communities concerning sustainable tourism development and assess the reliability and validity of the SUS-TAS. The research objective required both quantitative and qualitative research strategies. A survey of households was carried out to gather information from respondents. Yamane's formula was employed to select the sample size of respondents. Structured questionnaires were used to collect the data and SUS-TAS was applied to serve as a foundation for the analysis of local communities' attitudes to sustainable tourism development. Delineation of dimensions of SUS-TAS was done by principal component analysis with a varimax rotation. Community members exhibited their agreement to six constructs of sustainable tourism development among seven. This study validates the sustainable tourism attitude scale as one of the premier tools for monitoring sustainable tourism development., (© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2022, Springer Nature or its licensor holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)