A Rapid Diagnostic Study for Bodh Gaya: A Potential Model of Sustainable Tourism for the Buddhist Circuit India

What

Scott Wayne and Minu Chawla were commissioned by the Asian Development Bank to undertake a study of the Buddhist Circuit in India focused on the city of Bodh Gaya.

India is rich in assets and activities that attract visitors from around the world, especially benefiting from tourism based on the Buddhist Circuit. The Circuit includes sites that were important to Buddha’s life and the establishment of Buddhism, such as Bodh Gaya, in Bihar, which is considered the birthplace of Buddhism. It is there under the sacred Bodhi Tree within the Mahabodhi Temple complex that Buddha gained enlightenment.

This diagnostic report focuses on Bodh Gaya as a potential model of sustainable tourism development that could be replicated for other destinations along the Circuit. The report examines the multiple challenges, including COVID-19, and constraints to becoming a model destination and then suggests opportunities and recommendations to address the challenges and leverage the opportunities.

Activities & Services

To become a model of sustainability, a local entity is needed for coordination and management, so the report recommended as a top overall priority of establishing a destination management organization (DMO) that brings together public and private sector stakeholders for coordinated action on local tourism development, management and investment on the following priority recommendations, and longer term, additional recommendations:

 Infrastructure:

  • Establish a full waste management and clean water system in Bodh Gaya.
  • Improve transport access, including local roads, wayside amenities, the bus station, rail station, airport.
  • Complete the Bodh Gaya Cultural Center and include facilities for visitor information, guide training and cultural events.

Marketing and Product

  • Develop the “Buddhist Circuit Certification” Program

 Governance, Policy, and Investment

  • Improve Safety and Security for Visitors and the Local Tourism Industry
  • Finance: Improve tourism investment climate for private investors in Bodh Gaya
  • Develop investment strategy for expanding quality accommodations
  • Land: Establish a land bank for investors.