• Dr. M. Balaraju
• Dr. M. Thyagaraju

Ecotourism has emerged as a significant driver of employment generation and environmental conservation in India. As a country rich in biodiversity, India offers immense potential for sustainable tourism that aligns with ecological preservation and rural development. Ecotourism provides livelihood opportunities, fosters local entrepreneurship, and enhances environmental awareness. It has played a crucial role in boosting local economies, supporting indigenous cultures, and conserving endangered ecosystems. By integrating community-based tourism initiatives, India has successfully created sustainable employment in regions where traditional industries are limited. However, despite its growth, ecotourism faces challenges such as infrastructure gaps, policy constraints, and environmental degradation due to over-tourism. Strategic interventions such as skill development programs, sustainable infrastructure investments, and regulatory improvements are necessary to maximize the potential of ecotourism as an employment generator. This article explores the role of ecotourism in creating employment avenues, highlights successful models, presents economic statistics, and discusses the challenges and way forward for strengthening ecotourism in India.

Sustainable tourism, Ecotourism, livelihood, interventions, Successful models

"Ecotourism as a Sustainable Employment Avenue in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.283-285, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGU06054.pdf

"Ecotourism as a Sustainable Employment Avenue in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. pp283-285, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGU06054.pdf