Abstract:
This study identifies the key driving factors, which promote sustainable tourism
management (STM) practices in the Indian protected areas (PAs). The present study
has considered the National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS), one of the protected areas
located in northern parts of India. The Sanctuary represents a shelter for rich
biodiversity and various wildlife species. This study aims to promote sustainable
tourism practices in NCS, exploring driving factors through literature review and
finalizing 15 factors after the survey. The study categorized finalized set of driving
factors using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL)
method. Results indicate that eight of the 15 driving factors can be categorized as
cause group driving factors and advanced information where communication
technology is found as the most influencing driving factor. Practitioners and
policymakers can use this study's findings in developing the right strategy for their
parks and protected areas. It is worth focusing on cause group driving factors and
seeing their influence on effect group factors.
