Pema Choden Bhutia, Author At Countercurrents

Fostering Local Prosperity: Maximizing Economic Impact through Tourism Spending

Tourism plays a vital role in fostering economic development and prosperity for destinations worldwide. However, it is essential to consider how tourist spending impacts local communities and whether it circulates within the goal, benefiting the locals. This note explores the significance of local spending in tourism and highlights practical ways to maximize local economic benefits. Maximizing local economic benefits in[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 31/07/2023 — Comments are Disabled — Life/Philosophy

Towards Safer and Sustainable Cooking: Addressing Health Risks, Eco-Friendly Initiatives, and Government Interventions

Cooking oil plays a vital role in Indian cuisine, enhancing the flavour and texture of dishes. From palm to olive oil, a wide variety of edible oils are commonly used in Indian households. Survey Results on Cooking Oil Preferences: A survey conducted in April 2022 (Statista) revealed exciting insights into the cooking oil preferences of Indian households. Out of the various[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 27/07/2023 — Comments are Disabled — Life/Philosophy

Chalo App: A Boon to Public Transport Users

As a frequent traveller in and around Chennai, I have experienced the ups and downs of utilizing bus services, ranging from paid buses to pink-coloured buses free of charge exclusively for women. Moreover, while using Chennai’s public transport, I recently discovered the Chalo app, a revolutionary addition to the transportation ecosystem, which has made my commute significantly more manageable and[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 24/07/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India

Steaming Ahead: Sikkim’s First Rail Project to Boost Connectivity by 2024

By 2024, Sikkim is set to witness a significant enhancement in its connectivity as it prepares to introduce its first train service and join the national network. This landmark railway project will connect Sivok in West Bengal and Rangpo in Sikkim. Referred to as the Sivok-Rangpo rail project, this endeavour represents a monumental undertaking of great significance. Initially scheduled for[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 06/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India

Unleashing the Power of Sports: How Sporting Events Drive Tourism Growth

Sporting events often serve as catalysts for tourism, and sports activities and tourism have a symbiotic relationship. These events provide nations with an excellent opportunity to attract tourists. Sports events can help destinations stand out and draw visitors regardless of scale. Beyond ticket sales, these visitors contribute to the local economy by spending on various aspects such as lodging, meals, entertainment, and[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 05/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — World

Unmasking Tourism’s Roadblocks

Most urban dwellers often yearn for a break from their busy lives and seek solace and rejuvenation in hill stations. However, many individuals, including my colleagues working in private firms, have expressed concerns about the expensive package tours offered in Indian hill stations. They believe travelling to Asian countries provides cheaper options with better package tour deals. This growing preference[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 03/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India

Plastic Pollution in Destinations: A Growing Threat to Environmental Sustainability

The natural surroundings of tourist destinations play a significant role in attracting visitors. However, the contamination of these environments by plastic garbage poses a threat to tourism. When tourist spots are littered with plastic waste, the likelihood of visitors choosing these destinations decreases, resulting in a significant decline in tourist numbers and subsequent economic losses. The tourism sector resumed operations[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 01/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection

The Importance of Convenient Payment Options in Enhancing Travel Experiences

The availability of digital payment options in tourist destinations, accommodations, restaurants, and other businesses is crucial for enhancing travellers’ overall experience and convenience. In today’s post-pandemic era, online transactions have gained significant prominence as the preferred method of payment, encompassing small retail shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and even ticket purchases. However, addressing the challenges that may arise during such transactions[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 27/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India

The Influence of Higher Wages and Better Job Opportunities on Migration from Small Towns to Big Cities or Other Regions

Migration from small towns to big cities is a common phenomenon driven by various challenges individuals face in their places of origin. Limited educational and economic opportunities, violence, instability, corrupt institutions, natural disasters, financial difficulties, and agricultural issues are among the factors that prompt people to seek a better life in urban areas. This migration trend can be observed in[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 26/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India

Revitalizing Tourist Transportation: Shared Taxi Services as a Solution for Mobility in Western Sikkim

The recreational areas of West Sikkim in India face transportation difficulties for tourists due to the lack of public transport and shared taxi options. To address this issue and attract more visitors to the region, it is crucial to provide taxi-sharing services in West Sikkim’s tourist destinations. Immediate action and planning are required to improve tourist-friendly modes of transportation, considering[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 16/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India

Pelling’s Water Crisis: Addressing Surging pressure during Peak Tourist Season

Pelling, the second most popular tourist destination after its main capital Gangtok is experiencing severe water scarcity, especially during the peak tourist season. The high demand for water during this time requires frequent and substantial supplies. This shortage adversely affects hoteliers, restaurant owners, and the tourism industry. Additionally, with the growing tourism sector, the increasing number of accommodation units raises[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 13/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India

Empowering Locals: The Vital Role of Local Businesses in Ecotourism Development

This paper considers the involvement of locals in various ecotourism businesses, which are an essential component of successful ecotourism initiatives in different areas. Ecotourism has the potential to contribute to poverty reduction, employment generation, improved living standards, and long-term economic sustainability. The crux of the argument in this note is that the participation of locals in ecotourism practices offers greater[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 11/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — Life/Philosophy

Businesses and environmental consciousness in contemporary times

Environmental degradation is a significant issue caused by human activities like overconsumption[i], industrialization and deforestation[ii], leading to unsustainable economic growth. The negative consequences of environmental deterioration are widespread and include pollution, biodiversity loss, animal extinction, deforestation and desertification, global warming, and numerous additional issues [iii], and it is crucial to manage the ecosystem properly to prevent further damage. Environmental degradation[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 25/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection

Water Scarcity: Issue in Tourist destinations?

Tourism as an economic activity has boomed substantially and is adding to local and seasonal pressures on the water supply systems of tourist destinations worldwide.[i] The fact that the theme of the 2013 UN World Tourism Day highlighted tourism’s contribution to water access serves as an example of how the issue of water use by the tourism industry has garnered[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 24/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection

EIA: Environment Impact Assessment

E Urbanization and industrialization has taken over the world in the name of development , which lead to a rapid decline in our environmental treasure. In order to curtail this environmental depletion, the Government has introduced an assessment that controls the utilization, acquisition, and usage of natural resources by employing the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). This assessment is mandatory for[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 06/08/2020 — 1 comment — Environmental Protection

Image of Million – The Migrant Labour

For more than few decades, India has seen workers migrating from state to state looking for job opportunities and livelihood. Covid -19 pandemic has scathed migrant labour to a great extent with less than Rs.100 in hand in span of 50 days. We have heard of trudging in snow, but not trudging on railway tracks and highways in conglomeration of[Read More…]

by Pema Choden Bhutia — 30/06/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India

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Articles by: Pema Choden Bhutia