Question

Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim, is located on the foothills of the Himalayas. The inhabitants of this town have adopted a sustainable approach, thereby making Yuksom one of the first towns in India to ban plastic bags. The local community has maintained its traditional ways of living and the homestays in this region provide the tourists with an authentic and rustic experience in local culture.

1. Identify the type of tourism practised in Yuksom. [1]
2. State any three disadvantages of this type of tourism. [3]

Answer 1

1. Type of Tourism Practised in Yuksom: Yuksom practices Ecotourism (or Sustainable Tourism/Rural Tourism).
2. Disadvantages of This Type of Tourism:
   1. Limited Economic Scale: Because this model prioritizes low-impact, small-scale operations over mass tourism, it generates lower overall revenue and fewer job opportunities for the broader community.
   2. Cultural Commodification: Increased exposure to outsiders can gradually dilute local traditions. Authentic cultural practices risk being turned into commercial “performances” or altered to suit tourist preferences.
   3. Infrastructure Strain and Inflation: Local resources, waste management systems, and water supplies can face severe seasonal stress. Additionally, the influx of tourists often drives up the local cost of food, land, and essential goods for residents.