CONSCIOUS TRAVEL: THE RISE OF ETHICAL CONSUMPTION IN INDIA'S TOURISM SECTOR

Abstract

This dissertation examines the influence of ethical consumption behaviours among tourists on sustainability practices within Indias tourism sector, addressing the critical gap in understanding how travellers ethical preferences shape their choices and the subsequent ramifications for local economies and ecosystems. Through a mixed-methods approach encompassing qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys, the study identifies that tourists increasingly prioritize ethical considerations, such as fair trade and environmental conservation, influencing their destination selections and expenditure patterns. Key findings reveal that 72% of surveyed tourists were willing to pay a premium for sustainable tourism options, indicating a strong demand for ethical practices that could potentially enhance local livelihoods and promote ecological preservation. The significance of these findings stretches beyond tourism, suggesting that prioritizing ethical consumption can lead to improved health outcomes for local populations, as sustainable tourism practices contribute to better environmental health and social equity. Additionally, the insights derived from this research offer vital implications for stakeholders in the tourism and healthcare sectors, highlighting the potential for collaborative strategies that bridge ethical consumption with public health initiatives. By integrating ethical tourism practices with health-conscious policies, local governments and tourism operators can enhance not only the economic viability of the sector but also the holistic well-being of communities and ecosystems, ultimately fostering a more sustainable future within Indias tourism landscape.