IMPACT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM ON COMMUNITY LIVELIHOODS: A CASE STUDY OF PUNE CITY

 This study examines the impact of cultural heritage tourism on community livelihoods in Pune city. It examines how cultural heritage sites and traditional practices contribute to the economic and social well-being of local communities. The study adopts a qualitative and survey-based approach to gain in-depth insights from those directly involved in the cultural heritage tourism sector. The researcher has visited 15 cultural heritage sites and conducted interviews of the respondents accordingly. Participants, including local artisans, small business owners, tour guides, and heritage workers, responded structured questionnaires. In addition, further data were supported by participant responses and document analysis, which added significance to the depth of understanding of how cultural heritage tourism has impacted community livelihoods in Pune city. The findings revealed that cultural heritage tourism strengthened livelihoods through cultural empowerment and employment generation in handicrafts, hospitality, and guiding services. On the other hand, if it is not managed properly, this type of tourism certainly reflect negative consequences such as neglecting, degrading, and interfering with community values and social relations, leading to the destruction of cultural heritage.