How Wildlife Tourism, Eco-resorts Drive Local Economic Growth

At the start of 2022, wildlife destinations across India offered 1,139 branded hotel rooms. By 2025, this figure is expected to rise to 2,793, marking a staggering 145 per cent growth over four years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25 per cent. Experiencing significant growth, with an annual increase of approximately 15 per cent, and domestic tourists comprising nearly 70 per cent of visitors, this surge is not only boosting the national economy but also profoundly impacting local communities. 

Eco-resorts, strategically located near national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, are at the forefront of this transformation. They are not merely providing luxury stays; they are integrating local communities into their operations by creating employment, preserving cultural heritage, and adopting sustainable practices. These efforts demonstrate that responsible tourism can deliver tangible benefits to both people and the environment.

Wildlife tourism has provided a lifeline for communities surrounding protected areas, where traditional livelihoods are often limited. This trend is echoing in neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka. This philosophy has been central at Jetwing Vil Uyana in Sri Lanka since its inception. “Hospitality cannot exist in isolation,” Jetwing’s founder, the late Herbert Cooray, always believed in. Nearly 90 per cent of the team at Jetwing Vil Uyana comes from nearby villages,” Jetwing’s Youth Development Programme (JYDP) offers free, hands-on training in hospitality, targeting young people with limited access to education. "Many of them now have the skills to build lasting careers, not only with us but across the industry," Hashan Cooray, Director of Marketing & Development, adds.

Similarly, Aramness Gir in Gujarat has transformed local lives. Lodge Manager Parikshit Rathore shares, “60 per cent of our staff comes from neighbouring villages, and they undergo rigorous training in hospitality. We have seen young people grow from inexperienced hires to confident professionals leading key operations.” For these individuals, employment at the resort is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to uplift their families and communities.

At Wayanad Wild in Kerala, David Raju, Lodge Manager emphasises the resort’s focus on creating sustainable employment. “We prioritise hiring from tribal populations, providing them with skill development opportunities,” he says. The resort’s daily sourcing of provisions from local vendors further strengthens the community’s economic fabric.

Wildlife tourism also provides an avenue for cultural preservation. Resorts serve as cultural ambassadors, offering guests immersive experiences deeply rooted in local traditions. At Wayanad Wild, guests are welcomed with handmade clay lockets crafted by tribal artisans. “It’s a small gesture, but it carries the warmth and authenticity of the local culture,” says Raju. This extends to an on-site shop where artefacts are sold directly, ensuring artisans receive the full benefit of their craft.

Cultural integration is a hallmark at Jetwing Vil Uyana, where every detail reflects Sri Lanka’s heritage. “Our design pays homage to ancient hydraulic systems, and our furniture is handcrafted by local artisans,” Cooray explains. Guests are invited to experience the traditional way of life, from harvesting rice in the resort’s paddy fields to learning the intricate art of reed weaving. “This not only enriches their stay but ensures that local artisans and farmers thrive,” he adds.

In Rajasthan’s Jawai region, WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort and Spa creates a unique blend of wildlife and culture. Suresh Kumar, General Manager, describes their philosophy of “Jawai beyond the leopard.” Guests embark on guided Rabari village tours, exploring the matriarchal social system, traditional music, and the everyday lives of shepherds. “It’s about deepening their connection with the land and its people,” says Kumar, highlighting how such experiences bring direct economic benefits to the community.

In Ranthambore, AamaGhati Wildlife Resort, managed by Black Rock Hotels, brings the essence of the forest to life, not just through its proximity to nature but in every detail of its design. “Our property thrives with native flora like khus grass and lush mango trees, creating an environment that mirrors the beauty of Ranthambore,” says Vice President Commercial Gaurav Mudgal. The resort’s stunning mud architecture is a visual statement of sustainable living, complemented by a strict no-plastic policy and the use of environmentally friendly detergents. “Every corner of the property reflects our eco-conscious ethos, ensuring a harmonious balance with the environment,” Mudgal adds. AamaGhati’s initiatives extend beyond its infrastructure. By prioritising local employment and skill development, the resort fosters a sense of ownership and pride within the community.

Today’s travellers demand more than scenic views, they seek ethical and sustainable tourism. Resorts are responding by adopting eco-friendly practices that not only protect the environment but also benefit local communities. At AamaGhati, sustainability is a cornerstone. “We have achieved Net Zero Plus status by using renewable energy, recycling wastewater, and eliminating plastic usage,” says Mudgal. These practices not only reduce the resort’s environmental footprint but also create jobs in the community.

Jetwing Vil Uyana’s Cooray notes that their butlers double as conservation ambassadors. “They’re trained not just in hospitality but also in the local ecosystem, sharing insights with guests that foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife,” he says. This dual role ensures that guests leave with a richer understanding of conservation, and local staff gain invaluable knowledge to share within their communities.

The tangible impact of these efforts is significant. At Wayanad Wild, 20 per cent of the workforce is local, and their collaboration with artisans and vendors injects steady income into the community. Jetwing Vil Uyana boasts 82 per cent local staff among its 115 employees, while its partnerships with drivers and suppliers generate substantial revenue. At Aramness Gir, 40 per cent of revenue comes through artisan partnerships, and 60% of the staff are local hires. WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh reports that 40 per cent of its workforce comes from surrounding villages, and similar revenue-sharing arrangements with artisans and farmers further bolster the local economy.

These numbers reveal the broader narrative, wildlife tourism, when done right, is not just an escape for travellers but a transformative force for local economies. Several wildlife resorts across India have shown that tourism can thrive without compromising the environment or marginalising the communities that surround it.

The growth of wildlife tourism in India marks a pivotal shift in the way local economies interact with the broader tourism industry. With the expected surge in eco-resort developments, particularly in and around wildlife sanctuaries, this sector is set to become a key economic contributor, offering sustainable income sources for communities previously dependent on traditional livelihoods. Resorts prioritising local employment, skill-building, and cultural preservation prove that wildlife tourism can catalyse long-term community development. As the demand for eco-conscious travel grows, these initiatives are not only enhancing the guest experience but also setting new standards for how tourism can directly benefit local economies and empower communities, ensuring that the prosperity of one is linked to the well-being of the other.