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environment, and majorly the host communities. The UNEP [13] identifies three

main goals for tourism development to ensure sustainability: economic

sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability, and sus-tainability of resources and the
environment. Sustainable tourism not only aims for economic progress but also

addresses environmental, security, social and cultural objec-tives, progressively

becoming a conventional economic and commercial activity of the future [13], [14],
[15], [16], [17]. However, the term "sustainability" is sometimes mis-used,
Thesis Report V-SPARC VIT
undermining its authenticity and understanding. Therefore, the concept of

"responsible tourism" is gaining traction, emphasising the responsibility of

stakeholders in the tourism industry to clarify responsible tourism practices [18],
[19]. Sustainable tourism practices in India have deep roots, guided by the principles

of Bharat Darshan and Atithi Devo Bhava, which have gained global recognition

through the Incredible India campaign. The tourism sector in India significantly
contributes to job creation, generating approximately 78 jobs per million rupees

invested, surpassing the manufacturing sector's job creation rate. Alongside

construction, it stands as one of the largest segments of the service industry in
India.[20]India's tourism sector capital-ises on its unique natural endowments,

including biodiversity, forests, rivers, and its rich cultural and heritage assets.

However, challenges in this sector revolve around ef-fectively preserving these
resources in their original state while ensuring accessibility to both domestic and

international travellers, all while safeguarding the economic in-terests and heritage

of local communities [21]According to the "Sustainable Tourism for India, Criteria

and Indicators", sustainable tourism aims to minimise negative im-pacts and
maximise positive outcomes across various dimensions, including the envi-ronment,

local communities, and cultural, natural, built, oral, and intangible heritage, as well

as promoting inclusive economic growth.[21]

2.1.2 Social Impact of Sustainable Tourism Development (STD)

Social Exchange Theory (SET) has gained prominence in sociology and social
psychol-ogy literature, being regarded as one of the earliest thesis’ of social

behaviour.[22] Originating from the standpoint of economics, particularly individual

theory, the ex-change behaviour school of social exchange theory, pioneered by

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