Transforming a Weaving Village into a Tourism Hub for Sustainable Development: A Qualitative Study from India

This paper aims to study the tourism opportunities through the renovation of the craft village Pranpur in Chanderi district Ashok Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, India. The research was conducted to investigate the potential for transforming a craft village into a tourist destination. The purpose of this study is to examine how the transformation of Pranpur into a craft-tourism hub has influenced the livelihoods of artisans, their cultural practices, and the economic opportunities available to them. The primary data collection was through direct observations and the incorporation of well-structured interviews. The research findings revealed a connection between the economy and the enhancement of the village’s landscape through renovation and beautification based on the traditional craft of Chanderi handloom weaving. The results of the paper contribute to the influence of design, color, tradition, and textile motifs inspired by the Bundelkhand region, how a craft village can be transformed into a tourist hub and influences the perception of artisans, their families and tourists. The findings of the research open further avenues for research work in understanding the perception of Pranpur’s habitats and their awareness with reference to conservation of local heritage. There is a further scope of reviving underutilized craft hubs into new tourism destinations pan India.