ABSTRACT
This chapter reveals how connectivity has transformed an undisturbed natural ecosystem into a tourism-dependent economy. Extensive analysis of livelihood diversification strategies critically discusses the impacts of nature-based tourism which is unimpeded on the authentic lifestyle of local people. The research takes qualitative research methods such as in-depth interviews and participant observation in the natural setting to understand the livelihood change concerning transport infrastructure development and tourism. Ninety-eight in-person interviews were conducted in the disputed Gilgit-Baltistan area between January and April 2016. Participants include government representatives, nongovernmental organizations, community leaders, household heads, and regional tour operators. The data were analysed using the qualitative research software MAXQDA through the codification process. Axial coding has been used to find cross-relationships to build theory and draw conclusions on the impacts of livelihood diversification strategies in a tourism context. Results show the impact of transport infrastructure development on tourism systems, and pays attention to the development of nature-based tourism. This study contributes to the understanding of the relationships between transport and tourism in isolated communities.
