• Fayaz Ahmad Bhat
• Lateef Ahmad
• Umer Mushtaq Sofi
• Jameel Ur Rahman
• Mohd Abas Bhat

Today, Tourism is one of the key sectors generating revenue and employment. India being rich in heritage, culture and scenic beauties makes it one of the most preferred tourist destinations. Many tourist spots with natural beauty may be found in Kashmir. However, a number of problems/issues have arisen as a result of an influx of tourists and poor management in locations like Dal Lake and Gulmarg. Tourism will be broken down into Eco-tourism & the changes taken place in different states. Kashmir has a number of natural places that have remained untouched, providing ample opportunities for ecotourism. It will also empower local residents who have suffered greatly as a result of political unrest. With its natural richness, Jammu and Kashmir is one of the country's most unspoiled ecotourism destinations. Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, and Kokarnag are some of Jammu and Kashmir’s top ecotourism destinations. For individuals who enjoy travelling and relaxing in nature, ecotourism is much more than a term. The purpose of this article is to investigate local people's perceptions of the impacts and importance of ecotourism in the Gulmarg, Kashmir valley in order to better understand tourism's economic impact in J&K.

Tourism impacts, Eco-tourism, Tourist, Perception, Kashmir, Gulmarg

"LOCAL PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION ON THE IMPACTS AND IMPORTANCE OF ECOTOURISM IN GULMARG, KASHMIR VALLEY", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.9, Issue 3, page no.b267-b279, March-2022, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2203137.pdf

"LOCAL PEOPLE’S PERCEPTION ON THE IMPACTS AND IMPORTANCE OF ECOTOURISM IN GULMARG, KASHMIR VALLEY", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.9, Issue 3, page no. ppb267-b279, March-2022, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2203137.pdf