Socio-Cultural and Economic aspects with reference to businessmen and vendors associated with tourism in Lucknow city

Abstract

A new economic order is needed if the world has to become one family. The new Economic aspects must recognize a more equal integration of the nations’ economies, appreciating their respective comparative advantages .The world values India’s genuine respect for all religions with zero tolerance for terrorism. Tourism has always attracted people from diverse background. It is like a unifying force that brings together people from all walks of life. Tourism industry can be said to be truly imbibing the concept of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ where the industry is seen to transcend all geographic, socio-cultural and economic boundaries and embrace diversity, and work towards creating an environment of peace, harmony, coexistence and prosperity. The tourism industry in India is a thriving and multifaceted sector that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and remarkable historical landmarks. With its vibrant traditions, iconic monuments, spiritual destinations, and breath-taking natural beauty, India has become a popular and sought-after tourist destination for travellers from around the world. The industry encompasses various segments, including heritage and cultural tourism, spiritual and religious tourism, wildlife and nature tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism and more. India’s tourism industry is an integral part of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, foreign exchange earnings, and socio-economic development. Tourism touches life of all people associated with it be it the tourist themselves or people who are associated with providing tourism services like tour operators, tour guides etc. or even people and businessmen living around places of tourism. It has become a major sector that has immensely contributed to revenue generation. It has also been an important means of employment generation. Tourism is also seen to affect cultural construct of the place as people involved influence and get influenced be the culture of one another.
This paper aims to study the socio-cultural and economic aspect related to tourism in Lucknow city. Target respondents in this research are businessmen and vendors who are doing business around prominent tourist spots in the city of Lucknow. This paper with the aim to study the socio-cultural and economic aspect related to tourism in Lucknow city has sample size of 70 people who are businessmen and vendors are doing business around prominent tourist spots in the city of Lucknow. Sample technique used is judgmental sampling. The study found that Lucknow is a popular tourist destination but most of the visitors are from India and the city has not been able to generate attraction among foreign tourist as compared to other cities of the state like, Varanasi and Agra.
Tourism is seen to have positive impact on economic front as it has been able to generate employment and has given a push to local businesses. Tourism is found to have resulted in better infrastructure in terms of roads and transportation. It is also found that tourism has led to increased cost of living but the respondents showed concern for safety and security. The respondent displayed high attachment and belongingness toward culture of Lucknow and felt that tourism has led to increase in activities related to culture of the city however steps are needed to preserve the culture of city.