An evaluation of the digital inclusion initiatives for street vendors in spsr nellore and Tirupati Districts of Andhra Pradesh

The study explores the integration of street vendors into eco-tourism initiatives in the SPSR Nellore and Tirupati districts, emphasizing the role of digital connectivity. The primary objective is to investigate how digital tools can empower vendors within sustainable tourism frameworks. Addressing a critical research gap, the study evaluates awareness of and accessibility to digital tools, their impact on financial performance and eco-tourism participation, and the effectiveness of support mechanisms. Despite government efforts, vendors face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of training, and financial constraints, exacerbated by gender and caste disparities. Statistical tools used include descriptive statistics for socio-economic profiling, Chi-Square tests to examine demographic associations with challenges, and ANOVA to analyze differences in outcomes across digital inclusion levels. Regression analysis measured the impact of support mechanisms on financial performance and participation, while factor analysis identified latent barriers, including infrastructure, literacy, and financial constraints. Findings reveal that digital inclusion improves financial performance but has limited direct impact on eco-tourism participation without additional interventions. Gender disparities persist, with women facing more pronounced challenges. Business types like food and beverages and clothing significantly influence participation, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies. The study concludes that systemic interventions such as targeted training, improved infrastructure, and financial support are essential for integrating vendors into eco-tourism. Future research should focus on youth engagement, long-term digital inclusion impacts, and comparative analyses of urban and rural eco-tourism sites to refine best practices. Inclusive policies can foster sustainable growth and economic empowerment.