2024, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B

author(s)
Vijay Prakash Prajapati, RK Dhodi and Anupya Gupta

abstract
This study investigates the application of the Triple Helix model, which emphasizes collaboration among government, industry, and universities, to develop the homestay sector in Uttarakhand, India. The research aims to understand how this collaboration promotes innovation and addresses challenges faced by homestay operators, including seasonal fluctuations and limited resources. Using a qualitative, constructivist approach, the study draws on in-depth interviews with key stakeholders: representatives from the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, academic leaders from Hemvati Nandan Garhwal University, and local homestay owners. Thematic analysis reveals that sustained collaboration among these stakeholders is crucial for enhancing homestay services and fostering innovation within the sector. However, significant barriers remain, such as traditionalist mindsets, limited innovation awareness, and low engagement in collaborative initiatives. Proposed solutions include adventure-based and eco-friendly homestay models, along with university-led workshops to improve operators' skills in tourism management and cultural integration. This study provides new insights into the application of the Triple Helix model within tourism, particularly homestays, a sector largely neglected in existing research. By examining the dynamics of collaboration in Uttarakhand, this work contributes to understanding sustainable tourism development in rural mountain regions.