Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Sustainability in Tourism: A Study of Uttarakhand State of India

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of the chapter is to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on the social sustainability of tourism in Uttarakhand, which is located in the Himalayan region in the developing country of India. The chapter also throws light on the state’s governmental level interventions amidst the pandemic to restore social sustainability in the tourist destinations and debates on how social sustainability can be restored in the region. Design/Methodology/Approach: The chapter is conceptual in nature and based upon secondary sources. Findings: The finding highlights how the current pandemic has exacerbated the social sustainability in tourist destinations in several ways and how government steps to restore social sustainability are appreciable in the short term, but much more needs to be done in the long run. Research Limitations/Implications As the chapter is based on secondary literature, the study based on primary work is suggested to give a much clearer picture of the prevailing ground reality. Practical Implications The chapter highlights the possibilities of bringing new sustainability ideas and initiating well-being programmes for the local community during and after a pandemic that the government can adopt. Social Implications The chapter identifies critical social implications in terms of inequities and challenges in restoring social sustainability in tourist places amidst the pandemic. Originality/Value This study provides novel insight into the change in social sustainability in tourism amidst the coronavirus pandemic, which has been overlooked in tourism studies. © 2021 Emerald Publishing Limited.