Hospitality & Tourism

Rural and Heritage Tourism in Southeast and South Asia
Practical Insights and Perspectives

Editors: Nilanjan Ray, PhD
Amitava Basu, PhD
Santanu Mallick, PhD
Amalendu Samanta, PhD

Rural and Heritage Tourism in Southeast and South Asia

In Production
Pub Date: Forthcoming October 2025
Hardback Price: $220 US | £170 UK
Hard ISBN: 9781779640666
Pages: Est. 312pp w/index
Binding Type: Hardback / ebook
Notes: 51 b/w illustrations


Reviews
“A comprehensive work that explores the evolving landscape of rural and heritage tourism across the Southeast Asian region, offering valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities within the industry. . . . The meticulous research and the collaborative effort are truly commendable. The in-depth case studies, forward-thinking perspectives, and practical recommendations provide valuable guidance for academics, policymakers, and industry professionals alike. By addressing crucial aspects such as sustainability, digital transformation, and cultural authenticity, the book not only enhances our understanding but also paves the way for future advancements in the tourism sector.”
—From the Foreword by Swagata Sen, PhD, Professor, Department of Commerce University of Calcutta, India


Recent trends in rural and heritage tourism in Southeast and South Asia reflect a dynamic shift toward sustainability, digital integration, and an increased focus on local experiences and wellness. Southeast Asian countries are prioritizing sustainable tourism to mitigate the negative impacts of poorly managed tourism. Initiatives under the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan aim to promote greener infrastructure, local engagement, and policies encouraging sustainable practices.

This new volume explores the vibrant heritage of Southeast and South Asia and considers the prospects of rural tourism across this culturally rich and naturally beautiful region. Chapters of the book explore various themes, including vocational tourism education, marketing strategies tailored for rural and heritage contexts, the socio-economic impacts of global phenomena such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the critical role of sustainable practices. Explorations extend to the interplay of marketing communication and demographic characteristics in heritage tourism, the influence of social media on traveler behavior, and the profound implications of terrorism on tourism dynamics. The volume also considers topics such as women empowerment through rural tourism, challenges in entrepreneurship, and innovative approaches to sustainable development.

Each chapter contributes to a deeper understanding of how tourism can drive economic growth, facilitate cultural exchange, and promote environmental stewardship. This book underscores the importance of tailored strategies to unlock the full potential of rural and heritage tourism sectors.

Rural and Heritage Tourism in Southeast and South Asia: Practical Insights and Perspectives provides practical insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders and emphasizes collaborative governance, community empowerment, and responsible tourism practices as essential for preserving heritage and fostering sustainable development. Through scholarly contributions, the volume not only enriches our understanding of rural and heritage tourism but also inspires actionable strategies to leverage tourism potential for inclusive growth and cultural preservation. It serves as a valuable resource for academics, practitioners, and policymakers alike, which will help impactful advancement in tourism management and sustainable development across the region.

CONTENTS:
Foreword by Dr. Swagata Sen

Preface

1. Strengthening the Quality Culture of Tourism Vocational Education: An Approach to Achieving More Sustainable Tourism
Anang Sutono

2. Marketing Tools in Rural Tourism and Heritage Tourism
Anita Mohanty, Subrat Kumar Mohanty, and Ambarish G. Mohapatra

3. Interrelationship of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) Factor and Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Heritage Destination Tourists of North East India
Nilanjana Chakrabarty and Juthika Konwar

4.Unveiling the Enchanting Forces Shaping the Desire to Share Pakistan Rich Heritage Journey
Nadia Adnan and Shahroze Zaman Jalali

5. The Global COVID-19 Pandemic and the Melting Down of Handicrafts: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment of a Study from South Asian Rural Tourism Perspective
Manishree Mondal, Bibhas Shit, and Puja Karmakar

6. Sustainable Development and Tourism
Julieta Elizabeth Salazar Echeagaray and Teresa Irina Salazar Echeagaray

7. Mapping of Economic and Environmental Impacts on Host Community in Rural Cultural Tourism: Evidence from South Asia
Nilanjan Ray, Niyasha Patra, Suraj Sharma, Dhanonjoy Kumar, Debasish Batabyal, and Sulagna Das

8. Sustainable Rural Tourism: Balancing Paradigms and Unlocking Potential at Heritage Sites
Mainak Chakraborty, Sudipta Adhikary, and Uttiya Basu

9. Terrorism as Barriers of Tourism in Bangladesh
Md. Shakhawat Hossain

10. Destination Image and Branding: A Systematic Literature Review
Nibedita Gogoi and Sumanta Dutta

11. Exploring the Sustainable Tourism Destinations in India: Selected Case Studies of India
Indranil Bose, Soma Bose Biswas, Subho Chattopadhyay, and Madhurima Das Gupta, Mohima Dey

12. Rural Tourism as a Driving Force for Women Empowerment: Evidence from South Asian Perspective
Pradipta Banerjee, Nirmal Chandra Roy, Md. Shakhawat Hossain, and Dhananjoy Ghosh

13. Possibilities and Challenges of Women Entrepreneurship in Rural Tourism: A Case Study of Gargaburu Hills, Purulia District
Saheli Guha Neogi Ghatak and Nabamita De

14. Renaissance in Rural Tourism: A Systematic Review
Amalendu Samanta, Amitava Basu, Santanu Mallick, and Nilanjan Ray

Index


About the Authors / Editors:
Editors: Nilanjan Ray, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Management Studies, JIS University, West Bengal, India

Nilanjan Ray, PhD, is presently an Associate Professor in the Department of Management Studies at JIS University, West Bengal, India. Prior joining to JIS University, Dr. Ray was at the Institute of Leadership Entrepreneurship and Development as Associate Professor and Head of Department with the additional responsibility as Director IQAC. Prior to that he was also affiliated with Adamas University as Associate Professor of Marketing Management and Centre Coordinator for Research in Business Analytics at Adamas University in Department of Management, School of Business and Economics, West Bengal, India. He has more than 12 years of teaching and six years of research experience. He has supervised and awarded several doctoral scholars and guided over 50 postgraduate students projects also. Dr. Ray has contributed over 90 research papers in national and international journals and proceedings and 13 edited research handbooks from Springer, IGI-Global USA, and Apple Academic Publisher CRC Press. He has obtained one patent from Germany and two copyrights from India. He is a reviewer for Tourism Management, Journal of Service Marketing, Journal of Business and Economics, and Research Journal of Business and Management Accounting and as an editorial board member of several journals. Dr. Ray has organized several faculty development programs, national and international conferences, and management doctoral colloquiums. Dr. Ray is a life member of the International Business Studies Academia, fellow member of the Institute of Research Engineers and Doctors Universal Association of Arts and Management Professionals, New York, USA, and Calcutta Management Association. Dr. Ray has earned a certified Accredited Management Teacher Award from the All India Management Association, New Delhi, India. He has earned the degrees of PhD (Mktg); MCom (Mktg); MBA (Mktg); and STC FMRM (IIT-KGP).

Amitava Basu, PhD
Principal, Banwarilal Bhalotia College, Asansol, West Bengal, India

Amitava Basu, PhD, is the Principal of Banwarilal Bhalotia College, Asansol, West Bengal, India, with more than 7000 students per academic session. He joined as an Assistant Professor in this college in 2002. He has many research papers in journals of national and international repute. He has also completed research projects of the Indian University Grants Commission and has acted as research supervisor to PhD students, who have successfully completed their research under his guidance. In a short span of time, he has taken the college to new heights with his exemplary leadership and administrative prowess. He is also involved in community service and different social projects. Prof. Basu earned his MCom degree from the University of Burdwan and was awarded PhD in 2004 by the same university.

Santanu Mallick, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Banwarilal Bhalotia College, Asansol, Paschim Burdwan, West Bengal, India

Santanu Mallick, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce, Banwarilal Bhalotia College, Asansol, Paschim Burdwan, West Bengal, India. He also held the position of Additional Treasury Officer in the Bongaon Treasury under the Department of Finance, Government of West Bengal. His research interest lies in financial markets, behavioral finance, developmental economics, women empowerment, etc. He has presented many research papers at different national and international conferences, seminars, and webinars. He is the coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Development Cell – Swabalamban of Banwarilal Bhalotia College, Asansol. He has contributed as content developer and presenter for massive open online courses (MOOCs) under SWAYAM, Ministry of Education, Government of India. He has successfully completed an immersion program on entrepreneurship organized by Bradley University, Peoria, IL, USA. He also acts as a convenor for Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)-sponsored seminars and research workshops. He stood second in his MCom examination in 2015 at the University of Calcutta. He completed PhD in Behavioural Finance from the University of Calcutta.

Amalendu Samanta, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce and Bursar, Banwarilal Bhalotia College, Asansol, West Bengal, India

Amalendu Samanta, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce and Bursar at Banwarilal Bhalotia College in Asansol, West Bengal, India. With over two decades of teaching experience, Dr. Samanta brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. His commitment to academic research is evident through his active participation in national and international seminars and webinars, where he has contributed research papers. His scholarly contributions can be found in esteemed national and international journals as well as edited volumes of research articles. He authored the book Financial Accounting Premiere, tailored for undergraduate and postgraduate students of accounting. He also served as the editor for compilations of research articles in different edited volumes. His expertise lies in the fields of accounting and financial management. He completed his undergraduate studies at St. Xavier College, Kolkata, followed by a master degree from the University of Burdwan, India, and earned his doctoral degree in Business Administration from the same university.




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