Impact of Tourism on the State’s Economy of Arunachal Pradesh: A Systematic Review of Literature

Context: Tourism is considered a vital source of economic development, particularly in culturally rich regions. Arunachal Pradesh, which is endowed with rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, possesses a great potential for tourism-led growth. This paper examines the economic aspect of tourism in Arunachal Pradesh by analysing its contribution to regional development. Using secondary data from government reports, tourism statistics, and existing literature, the study evaluates the growth trends, economic impacts, and various constraints affecting the tourism sector in the state. The findings indicate that while tourism has generated livelihood opportunities for local communities and supported allied local sectors, such as handicrafts, transport, and hospitality, these opportunities remain limited due to inadequate infrastructure and poor connectivity. Objectives: The major concern of this paper is to highlight the importance of tourism to create an opportunity for the local community with a better environment by analysing the contribution, constraints and challenges of tourism in Arunachal Pradesh. Methods: This paper is based on a narrative review of existing literature related to the economic impact of tourism development in Arunachal Pradesh. Secondary data were collected from peer-reviewed journals, books and government reports. Results and conclusions: The paper suggests that poor connectivity and infrastructure become a major concern in the field of tourism. The study emphasises the importance of adopting a sustainable and community-based tourism approach to strike a balance between economic development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. The paper aims to highlight the importance of government policy and concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure, increasing local participation, and enhancing the role of tourism as a catalyst for economic development in Arunachal Pradesh.