Measuring the Guest-Host Interaction : An Empirical Analysis for Sustainable Tourism Development in Sikkim

The conventional concept of destination development undermined the sustainable issues and its orientation. Later on, the confusion was not the adoption of sustainable development philosophy but its correct implication and application. Alpine State Sikkim is primarily known as an exotic, idyllic, multi-ethnic Indian hill station since 1975 with its distinct biogeographic and socio-cultural characteristics. Being one of the successful and mature alpine Indian States, tourism development in Sikkim needs research oriented efforts. Most of the empirical researches for sustainable destination development are revolving around „demand and supply‟ aspects of tourism which seeks equilibrium or a sustainable inter-linkage as a part of solution. The present article is also dealing with an important socio-cultural relationship between guests and hosts exhibiting from the predominating tourism phenomenon and redirecting destination development with a sustainable orientation. A survey was conducted for the primary data in three different places viz. Gangtok, Namchi and Mangan to assess tourism development of the State. Two sets of different questionnaires are prepared for guests and hosts. All the data are processed with the help of relevant non-parametric tests