Ecotourism’s perceived impacts on sustainable rural community development along Himalayan trails: A social exchange theory approach

Ecotourism is often promoted as a sustainable development strategy, yet few empirical studies explore how its perceived impacts shape local support, particularly in remote Himalayan regions. Guided by Social Exchange Theory (SET), this study examines the influence of perceived sociocultural, economic, and environmental impacts on community attitudes toward ecotourism along the Annapurna Sanctuary Trail (AST), Nepal. Drawing on quantitative data from 120 locals and qualitative insights from focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and field observations, the findings suggest that locals perceive more benefits than costs. Key benefits include environmental conservation, improved infrastructure, increased income, women’s economic participation, cultural preservation, and enhanced community cohesion and social ties. Perceived costs involve environmental damage, inflation, loss of agricultural land, cultural erosion, and rising inequality. Despite these costs, locals continue to support ecotourism and view it as a key strategy for sustainable rural community development. These underscore the need for policies that balance conservation goals with development needs.