Tourism, when integrated with social impact, has the potential to go beyond leisure and become a powerful instrument for inclusive development. Under the Dharampur Valley Inclusive Development Project, a joint initiative of GRAM Association and EcoServe Development Foundation, we explored tourism as both a livelihood enabler for vulnerable communities and a tool for environmental conservation.

Dharampur Valley, with its rich biodiversity and indigenous communities, has long held untapped potential. Recognising the need for a sustainable and community-led development model, the project aims to create an inclusive tourism ecosystem that not only promotes livelihood opportunities but also strengthens ecological conservation efforts.

With initial seed funding from NABARD, the first phase in Dharampur village has successfully achieved:

• Training of over 30 tribal women in eco-tourism, hospitality based entrepreneurship.
• Construction of cottages, blending indigenous artwork with tourism practices.
• Survey & Documentation of the biodiversity & Demography of Dharmpur Valley

Infrastructure plays a crucial role in unlocking the potential of rural tourism. With credits to Shri Sanjay Seth (MP) & Raksha Rajya Mantri, the newly constructed all-weather road has become the nerve of Dharampur Valley, ensuring accessibility and fostering economic opportunities for local communities.

Beyond infrastructure, this initiative is empowering local communities to become key stakeholders in the tourism value chain. By engaging in eco-tourism, traditional handicrafts, and nature-based experiences, the people of Dharampur Valley are directly benefiting from tourism revenues while simultaneously preserving their culture and environment. The long-term vision is to scale this participatory, community-driven model to other underserved regions, demonstrating how tourism can be a driver for holistic rural development.

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