Exploring the Mediating Role of Women’s Participation in the Relationship Between Rural Tourism and the Commercialisation and Preservation of Rural Culture and Natural Beauty

This study investigates the mediating role of women’s participation in the relationship between rural tourism development and the dual outcomes of cultural–natural commercialisation and preservation in the Darjeeling– Kalimpong Himalayan region of West Bengal. Guided by the Stakeholder–Triple Bottom Line (TBL) and Ecological Modernisation–Community-Based Tourism (EM–CBT) frameworks, the research integrates economic, socio-cultural, and environmental dimensions within a unified analytical model. Study shows that women in their productive age groups are increasingly involved in homestays, local cuisine enterprises, organic agro-tourism, and other tourismrelated ventures, contributing to household income and community resilience. Mediation analysis confirms that women’s participation (VAF = 50.4%) transforms tourism-driven opportunities into mechanisms for cultural continuity, ecological stewardship, and livelihood diversification. Women act as cultural custodians and environmental stewards by commercialising heritage assets while safeguarding authenticity and natural beauty. Empirical evidence highlights women’s strategic role as agents of inclusive development who align market incentives with conservation ethics, supporting SDGs 5, 8, 11, and 12. The study advances theory by conceptualising women’s participation as both an economic and ecological force that strengthens community resilience through tourism. Rationally, it underscores the need for gender-sensitive governance, capacity-building, digital inclusion, and investment in eco-friendly innovations. Future research should adopt longitudinal and cross-regional approaches to further examine women’s leadership, digital empowerment, and renewable energy integration in sustainable rural tourism.