Spatio-Temporal Patterns, And Seasonality of Tourism In Uttarakhand: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

The world’s fastest-growing industry is tourism. It is a crucial tool for the country’s economic growth, especially in developing nations, as it offers a range of socio-cultural and economic advantages, including job opportunities, the ability to attract foreign investment, infrastructure expansion, and the preservation of historical monuments. Uttarakhand, a Himalayan state, draws tourists worldwide and is the most well-known travel destination. The state has seen a rise in visitors in recent years, with many traveling during specific seasons. In this respect, the current study tries to assess the pattern and trend of tourist arrivals in the state of Uttarakhand from 2000 to 2021. The analysis is based on secondary data sources obtained from the Uttarakhand Tourist Development Board, Dehradun, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), and a state economic survey. The data have been analyzed using regression analysis, annual growth rate (AGR), and compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The simple average method was used to quantify the seasonality of tourist arrivals. The result shows a continuous increase in both domestic and foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) in the state. Haridwar, Dehradun, and Tehri Garhwal are the leading districts in terms of tourist arrivals. The study also reveals that June and July are the peak months for domestic tourist arrivals, while March and October are the peak months for FTAs in the state.