Development of Tourism Industry and Prospects of Employment Generation in Bihar

Abstract

Bihar is a land of rich diverse culture, a variety of traditions, historical and cultural heritage and many religious and natural tourist spots. Tourism development not only attracts tourists provides them with recreation and generates revenue for the government it also creates employment opportunities around the tourist spots. It has the potential to generate employment for all kinds of people – the lower-income group, the middle-income group, or the higher-income group. Development of a tourist spot and footfall of tourists offers employment opportunities through roadways- buses, autorickshaws, railway platforms, and airways. It creates job opportunities for people involved in hotels and restaurants. A rise in visitors leads to an increased income for people around that area or city.  It leads to an increase in the demand for food, vegetables, fruits, garments, groceries, etc. Visitors spend on shopping for ethnic goods, handicrafts, artificial jewellery and other local products. Altogether a developed tourism industry offers employment opportunities to the people and increases their income. In the last two decades, there has been significant development in roadways and electricity facilities in the State. Tourism in Bihar is developing as an Industry but the pace is very slow, the State has to travel a long road in this area. The State has immense potential for tourism development which has not been explored optimally. This paper analyses the prospects of increasing employment opportunities in Bihar through a developing tourism industry in the State.