Synergizing tourism through women entrepreneurship in rural regions

Tourism development acts as the biggest challenge for the under-developed regions that are situated far away from the cities. Still, a developing country like India is blessed to have such villages whose efforts are easily reflected through their outputs. People in and around the state of West Bengal are likely to have been practicing many skills, effectively utilizing their raw materials and innovating ideas within limited resources and facilities, which, in return, has provided a chance for further development of the region and the state. Especially women entrepreneurs, who have played a responsible role in every aspect of life, are acting as icons in front of society. These women, through their sincere efforts, are helping the societies become socially, economically, and culturally rich, which, in turn, provides peace and perfection in every nook and corner. This is a qualitative-based study. The objective is to highlight some of the major initiatives taken by the rural women entrepreneurs of West Bengal who are trying their level best to come forward with their innovative goods, handicraft materials, and services, also trying to cope with the present scenario and technology. Across 50 women entrepreneurs were interviewed in and around the villages of Santiniketan, a place situated in the Birbhum district of West Bengal. Various strategies, procedures, and implementations adopted by them are being highlighted in the study. There are many political and social interventions that sometimes prohibit their day-to-day schedules and need to be overcome by the government. Further, the case study of their life challenges, working habits, and initiatives that have added to the growth of West Bengal tourism is part of the study.