Ecotourism Awareness in Rajasthan: An Empirical Study on Public Perception and Support

Ecotourism, which supports environmental conservation and promotes social and economic growth, is now recognized worldwide as a viable alternative to traditional tourism. Ecotourism has not yet been fully explored in Rajasthan, India’s land of royals, deserts, and various ecosystems. The study examines how residents from different parts of Rajasthan perceive, feel about, and support ecotourism. A questionnaire based on a template and employing a split sampling method was used to collect and analyze the responses of 150 respondents, utilizing analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests. The research reveals that improved education and experience in tourism enhance ecotourism awareness and foster greater support for it. According to the study, gender does not have a significant impact on the perception of ecotourism. Based on these findings, more action is required at the regional level to support and use ecotourism in Rajasthan’s tourism planning. This paper contributes to the knowledge base in sustainable tourism by recommending approaches for various groups involved in ecotourism management.