Tourism-Led Economic Growth in Gaya city and Bodhgaya: An Analysis of Income Generation and Service Sector Development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm.2026.v11.n03.028Keywords:
Tourism-led growth, Urbanization, Infrastructure, Gaya, Bodhgaya, Foreign exchange earningsAbstract
This study examines tourism-led economic growth in Gaya and Bodhgaya, focusing on the role of urbanization, infrastructure development, and service sector expansion. The analysis highlights how improved transportation networks, including national and district roads, have enhanced accessibility to major religious destinations, thereby increasing tourist inflow. The growth of micro and small service enterprises such as hotels, travel services, and restaurants reflects the expanding tourism economy, particularly in Bodhgaya. The study also evaluates foreign exchange earnings from 1991 to 2023, revealing long-term growth trends with fluctuations due to global and regional factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. A sharp decline in 2020 was followed by significant recovery in subsequent years, demonstrating the resilience of the tourism sector. Overall, the findings indicate that infrastructure development and service sector growth play a crucial role in sustaining tourism-driven economic development in the region.
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