problems and prospects of village tourism case study of bhumlichok vdc gorkha thesis by karna...
TRANSCRIPT
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This thesis is prepared for the partial fulfillment of the requirements of Masters
Degree in Rural Development. It focuses mainly on problem and Prospects of
Village Tourism in Bhumlichok VDC of Gorkha district.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere thanks and deep
gratitude to my supervisor Bimal Kumar Khadka, and Gopal Khadka Head
of Rural Development, Department of Patan Multiple Campus, for his
constant supervision, invaluable suggestions and encouragement during the
process of this study.
I would always remain thankful to my wife Mrs. Susila Rana and daughter
Kusum Rana who encouraged me and created appropriate environment during
the writing of manuscript and assisted me in the final preparation of this thesis.
Last, but not least, I would like to thank the people of the Bhumlichok VDC
who very eagerly provided information and support during the preparation of
the document.
Karna Bahadur Rana
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ABSTRACT
Village tourism that focus of village destinations has been receiving much
attention as a means of income and employment generation, diversification and
direct effect on local economies without having environmental and ecological
adverse impact. Nepal being an agricultural country with a great potentiality
for sustained tourism development adopted this concept of village tourism as
an effective tool for intensive and integrated community development.
This study is made in Bhumlichok in Gorkha district with the general
objectives of analysis of potentiality of village tourism in the study area and its
problem and prospects. This study is based on both primary and secondary
data.
Total number of population recorded in Bhumlichok is 3,545. Economy of the
area is agro-based.
Basic infrastructures such as roads, communication, drinking water supply,
health service and security measures are in existence. However they need to be
upgraded.
Based on the attractions available at Bhumlichok associated activities for the
tourists are envisage being trekking/hiking, cultural program, picnicking,
paragliding, home stay trip and mountain biking.
There is no official record available of the tourist visit Bhumlichok. So, this is
necessary for making future plan related with the tourism in the study area.
In the view of its potential for the tourism development, the local community is
seen to be more interested and aware on the development of this area jointly as
tourist destination.
There are no good accommodation and catering facilities for tourists. Most of
the house owner told that if they got the financial as well as other support they
are ready for serve tourists as their demand.
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Tourism awareness campaign (with inclusion of topics such as tourism, its
benefits, likely negative impacts, and measures to avoid such impacts) should
be addressed to all community members, focusing on specific skill training
programs. That could include lodge /home stay management, guiding,
handicraft development etc. Similarly, programs such as literacy and
enterprise development need to be organized.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Letter of Recommendation i
Letter of Approval ii
Acknowledgements iii
Abstract iv
Table of Contents vi
List of Tables ix
List of figures ix
List of Maps ix
Acronyms/ Abbreviations x
Chapter -1: Introduction 1-7
1.1 Background 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 4
1.3 Objectives of the Study 6
1.4 Limitation of the Study 6
Chapter-2: Literature Review 8-37
2.1 Introduction 8
2.2 Concept of Tourism in the World 8
2.3 Concept of Tourism in Nepal 11
2.4 Review of the Publications Related to Tourism 12
2.5 Review of Literature Related To Tourism 15
2.6 History of Religious Tourism 25
2.7 Nepal Tourism Year 2011: A National Campaign 28
2.7.1 Tourist Arrival in Nepal 28
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2.7.2 Tourists Arrival Trend in Nepal 28
2.7.3 Tourist Arrivals by Purpose of visit (2012/013/014) 30
2.7.4 Tourist Arrivals by Age & Sex Group 31
2.7.5 Tourist Arrivals by major nationality (2013/014) 32
2.7.6 Contribution of Tourism Sector 33
2.7.7 General Guidelines to Conserve the Potentiality 36
Chapter-3: Research Methodology 38-43
3.1 Study Area 38
3.2 Research Design 39
3.3 Rational for the Selection of the Study Site 40
3.4 Sampling Procedure 40
3.5 Natures and Source of Data 41
3.5.1 Primary Data 41
3.5.2 Secondary Data 41
3.6 Tools and Technique of Data Collection 41
3.6.1 Questionnaire Survey 42
3.6.2 Key Information Interview 42
3.6.3 Field Visit and Observation 42
3.6.4 Focus Group Discussion 42
3.7 Data Analysis 43
Chapter-4: Presentation and Analysis of Data 44-62
4.1 Historical, Cultural and Religious Prospective of Study Area 44
4.2 Socio-Economic Prospective 44
4.3 Socio-Economic Characteristics of the Respondents 45
4.3.1 Respondents by Age and Sex 46
4.3.2 Classification of Household According to the Caste Group 47
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4.3.3 Educational Status of Respondent 47
4.3.4 Respondents by Caste and Ethnicity 48
4.3.5 Religion of Respondents 48
4.3.6 Occupational Status of Respondents 48
4.4 Socio-Economic Benefits from Tourism 50
4.5 Employment Opportunity 51
4.6 Awareness of Local People 52
4.7 Assessment of Current Infrastructure Facilities in Bhumlichok 53
4.8 Perception towards the Future Pattern of Tourism Development in
Bhumlichok by the Respondent 54
4.9 Respondents Perception toward Home Stay 54
4.10 Tourists Perception 56
4.11 Information from Hotel Owner 56
4.12 Problems and Prospects Village Tourism Development in
Bhumlichok VDC 56
4.12.1 Problems of Village Tourism Development in
Bhumlichok VDC 57
4.12.2 Transportation 58
4.12.3 Information and Publicity 58
4.12.4 Recreational Facilities 58
4.12.5 Trained Manpower 59
4.12.6 Preservation of Major Attractions 59
4.12.7 Poor Sanitation 59
4.12.8 National Tourism Policy 59
4.13 Prospects of Village Tourism Development in Bhumlichok VDC 60
4.13.1 Bhumlichok Home Stay Trip Activities /Pokhari Tar 60
4.13.2 Environment Friendly 61
4.13.3 Cultural Show 62
4.13.4 Hospitality 62
4.13.5 Echo-Mountain 62
4.13.6 Trishuli (River) 62
Chapter-5: Summery, Conclusion and Recommendations 63-64
5.1 Summery 63
5.2 Conclusion 65
5.3 Recommendations 66
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Bibliography 69-70
List of Tables 29-55
Table: 2.1: Tourists Arrival Trend in Nepal 29
Table: 2.2: Tourist Arrivals by Purpose of Visit 2012, 2013 & 2014 31
Table: 2.3: Tourist Arrivals by Sex and Age Groups 32
Table: 2.4: Tourist Arrivals by Major Nationalities (2013/2014) 33
Table: 2.5: Gross Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism 34
Table: 2.6: Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism 35
Table: 4.1: Respondents by Age and Sex 46
Table: 4.2: Classification of Household Caste Group Wise 47
Table: 4.3: Educational Status of Respondent 48
Table: 4.4: HHs Classification by Profession 49
Table: 4.5: Current Situation of Infrastructure Facilities 53
Table: 4.6: Respondents Perception toward Home-Stay 55
List of Figures 46-55
Figure: 4.1: Respondents by Age and Sex 46
Figure: 4.2: Educational Status of Respondent 48
Figure: 4.3: HHs Classification by Profession 50
Figure: 4.4: Respondents Perception toward Home-Stay 55
List of Maps 38-39
Map: 1.1: Gorkha Districts Map in Nepal 38
Map: 1.2: Bhumlichok VDC Map in Gorkha Districts 39
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Abbreviations/Acronyms
ACAP = Annapurna Conservation Area Project
ADB = Asian Development Bank
CBS = Central Bureau of Statistics
GDP = Gross Domestic Product
INGO = International Non-Government Organization
MoCTCA = Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
MoF = Ministry of Finance
NGO = Non-Government Organization
NPC = National Planning Commission
NTB = Nepal Tourism Board
STN = Sustainable Tourism Network
TAAN = Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal
UNWTO = United Nations World Tourism Organization
UNESCO = United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
VDC = Village Development Committee
WTO = World Tourism Organization
WWF = World Wide Fund for Nature
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CHAPTER - ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Nepal, one of the most unique, exotic and remote destination in the tourism
map of the world, is unquestionably a country teemed with countless natural
wonders and exhilarating old historical monuments and heritage sites. It is rich
in tourism attractions whether natural or cultural with its attractive, marketable
landscapes and its unique biodiversity; all the tourism attractions of Nepal are
world class. Tourists are attracted to Nepal by lush Terai jungles, the beautiful
peaks of Himalayas, terraced farmlands, glistening rivers, wildlife activities
and rich cultures and heritages. Tourism can be defined as the Science, Art and
Business of attracting and transporting visitors, accommodating them, and
graciously catering to their needs and wants. Such places offer big potentiality
for development of tourism that, is considered as an easy source of income,
requires relatively less investment and provides many jobs, and develops
relation among people from distance.
Nepal is a small and beautiful country with snow-cold torrents and green
vistas. It is situated in southeastern part of Asia between two huge nations India
and China. It is a country of numerous and diverse villages having three
different ecological regions running from south to north namely Terai, Hill and
Mountain. It is located between latitude of 26022"N and 30027" N and
longitude between 8004"E and 88012"E. It has a wide an areas 1, 47,181
Square Kilometer with 885 KM east west and average of 193 KM north to
south. (CBS, 2011), Its population is 2,83,02,528 (CBS, 2011). 85.8 percent of
total population is living in rural areas and 38 percent people are under poverty
line. The per capita income of Nepalese people is $ 762 per annum (MoF,
2014/15). The gap between haves not is still increasing. Despite the natural
beauty, the social-economic scenario indicates that it very challenging to
develop the nation.
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This small country Nepal is very rich in natural resources. In the world,
occupies 0.03% only and in Asia o.3% of land. Like wises, it lies between the
altitudinal variation ranging from 60 meter to 8848 meter. Nepal is the second
richest country in water resources. The theoretical hydroelectric potential of
Nepal's river courses in 83 million K.W. comes to around 1.5 percent.
Similarly, it has many more beautiful types of scenery, bio-diversity etc. On the
other hand, it is an extremely rich cultural storehouse. There is diversity in
language and culture, people live with harmony and unity, and people are
friendly with smiling faces. There are 14 mountains are above 8000m in the
world out of that 8 are in Nepal. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the
world, which lies in Nepal.
Nepal is a mountainous country is considered as nature's paradise. It is a
paradise for ornithologist, nature lovers, hikers, trekkers and researchers of
various disciplines. The country is recognized for its unique and pristine natural
and cultural diversity. Nepal's immense heritage sites are of immediate
aesthetic, architectural, historical and social significance. Its natural and
cultural tourism attractions have been well suited for international tourism.
Since ancient times, Nepal is known as “Abode of the Gods” as such many
visitors from China and India visited Nepal as pilgrims to worship at
pilgrimage places like Lumbini, Pashupatinath, Muktinath, Baraha Chhetra,
Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath, Sworgadwari, Chhayachhetra, Goraksha Ratan
Nath pith and many other sites of religious and cultural interests. Fortunately,
Nepal has some of the most valued religious sites in the world. The area of
tourism expand in Nepal mainly after the revolution when the gates of Nepal
were opened to all the foreigners in 2007 B.S. Nepal further expanded the
diplomatic relations with other world organizations such as UNESCO, FAO,
WTO, etc, after getting the membership to the UNO in 1950 - Nepal became
famous in the outside world.
Nepal is also known as the country of nonstop festivals as festivals are the
prominent aspect of Nepalese life in which people from all walks of life
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participate enthusiastically. The religious custom, life style, festivals, food
habit, clothing and languages of different people differ as per geographical and
ethnic variation. There are 125 spoken languages and 123 ethnic groups. One
remarkable feature of Nepalese culture is persisting harmony in the midst of
this difference.
This ancient land, with its unique cultural, religious, linguistic,
topographical, and ethnic diversity, has all that a country dependent on tourism
could possibly desire. It has something for everyone, whether it is an
adventurer, the poet in search of peace and tranquility, or hardcore
professionals like anthropologists, sociologists, and ornithologists, linguists and
historians. The range in interest is so wide and diverse that one short visit to
this country would just not be enough. With the unique socio-cultural treasures
such as nature-friendly and people-friendly traditions and behaviors, Nepal is
well known for magnet of tourism: it has immense potentiality for tourism
development.
Tourism is a never ending and ever changing process. It is one good means
to earn foreign exchange for Nepal in present situation. Tourism is mainly
labor intensive industries by which we can reduce the national problem of
unemployment and it can be a strong and powerful weapon to reduce poverty.
Data shows that tourism industries were able to earn an amount of US$
348,005 million in 2014/2015.
The research study area Bhumlichok is in Gorkha Districts, 91 km far west
of the capital city and accessible through other parts of the country. A small
market area named Fisling (on the Prithvi Highway) is main entrance to the
Bhumlichok. The main inhabited is Magar community in Bhumlichok, they
have own language, unique custom, culture, tradition and belief. Spectacular
mountains scenery, amazing landscape, farm terrace, Jungle, picnic spot and
temple are main attraction for tourist.
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1.2 Statement of the Problem
Nepal is known as the house of poverty. Millions of Nepali youth are
spreading all over the world in search of job although they have to face the
undesirable death in various countries. So Nepal has a great challenge to
increase economic activities to create new job opportunities to address the
unemployment problem of rapid population growth. More than 85% Nepali are
in rural areas and almost of them are engaged in subsistence agriculture where
agriculture itself known as source of many kinds of unemployment. Agriculture
is a traditional job and new generation is not interested in such boring job. At
that context tourism can be the good path of economic generation for
sustainable development.
Tourism is a never ending and ever changing process. It is one good
means to earn foreign exchange for Nepal in present situation. Tourism is
mainly labor intensive industries by which we can reduce the national problem
of unemployment and it can be a strong and powerful weapon to reduce
poverty. Data shows that tourism industries were able to earn an amount of
US$ 348,005 million in 2014/2015.
Tourism in Nepal ranging from religious, cultural and natural tours to
mountaineering has been growing continuously at the rate of 10% to 20% per
annum since the country opened its door in 1950s. However, in spite of the
country being rich in the bio-diversity, Nepal has still not been able to generate
and distribute tourist to all the remote areas.
Tourism will be less damaging than most other economic expansion.
Tourism plays vital role for the development of the most dynamic and
important sector in the socio-economic field of Nepal, however, the potentiality
is vast but facets such as limited air accesses, poor infrastructure and lack of
appropriate marketing strategy has resulted in the limited growth.
Nepal has started to pay more attention to this industry. However, it does
not seem that proper program and planning have been made and the industry
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may not be professionally managed as is needed for the sector's proper
development.
We are in global economy. Our industry must be globally competitive and
we must think globally. Village tourism must address innovative transfer of
technology, economic development and socio-cultural environment. We need
not to do anything for boosting these areas with tourism except managing the
resources and introducing innovative transfer of technology.
Tourism is termed as a ‘peace industry’ as it prospers only in peace
environment and also contributes to extend the international affability among
countries. Political fluctuation, Banda-Hadtal is major problem of the tourism
development in Nepal.
Community participation in this sector is a most necessary pre-condition
for sustainable growth. Unless the local residents are not aware of their
capacity, we cannot achieve the desired goals. Capacity building and awareness
program regarding multi-dimensional aspect of tourism is the lacking factor,
which needs to be prioritized in our long-term strategy.
Bhumlichok has wide prospects for the development of tourism. Being an
old and historical place but equally reflects beautiful mountain scenery,
amazing landscape and nature charming.
The underdeveloped infrastructure has been the major constrains in the
overall development of tourism in Nepal. The mountainous and difficult terrain
of Nepal has limited the process of infrastructure development necessary for
the rapid development of pro-poor tourism. Similarly, marketing of such
products by the private sectors has also gained the necessary momentum so far.
Lack of awareness on tourism in the new potential areas is a major constrains
for tourism development. Awareness among not only the general public but to
the principle stakeholders are required for the sustainability of tourism
development endeavors.
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1.3 Objectives of the study
The general objectives of the study focused on the problems and prospects
of village tourism in Bhumlichok which covers a broad area of activities. A
brand new concept of village tourism where the guests would be taken to the
carefully picked up village where you would be given the chances to know the
local people, their culture by allowing them to stay on one of the house as a
family member. A few guest room and kitchen are developed without
disturbing the village environment. Villagers continue their daily normal works
and guests enjoy participating in the village activities. Tourist are staying as a
family member with host family, you can participate in all activities of their
daily choirs. These activities includes home stay, community based tourism or
sustainable village tourism and many more giving a name as village tourism.
The specific objectives are:
To assess the present situation of tourism in the study area.
To inquire into the various problems and hindrances encountered for the
development of tourism and its promotion.
To assess the prospects of village tourism significance of the study area.
To recommend measures and strategies to develop the tourism industry
in Bhumlichok.
1.4 Limitation of the Study
Every social research is bounded with the limitations. Time and money are
the main constraints of research work. It is on academic research for the partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Rural
Development. As the fresh researcher many hardships have been faced in the
study. A micro-level study has been done in the touristic area Bhumlichok of
Gorkha District. Despite, the various difficulties the touristic site Bhumlichok
has been viewed a "holistic approach" and its activities can be understood by an
"interdisciplinary approach". However, the study is not free from its
limitations, which can be shown in terms of some following points:
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(1) This study is based on the specific area of Bhumlichok, therefore
generalization may or may not be equally applicable on the other rural
and urban area of Nepal.
(2) This is an academic work, as the researcher is a student who does not
have previous research experience like this, thus there could be many
shortcomings.
(3) The study is conducted within the given time frame and financial
limitations.
(4) This study is only confined to touristic site of Bhumlichok VDC of
Gorkha district. So, the findings of may be equally applicable in all of
other village tourism development of different parts of Nepal.
(5) Primarily, this study is focused on determining the physical
characteristics, sustainable village tourism with it main Problems and
Prospects.
Though, the study was very specific like case study in an around
Bhumlichok, So the conclusions drawn from this study was more indicative
rather than conclusive. The conclusions might not be generalized for the whole.
But, the inferences might be valid to some extent to those areas, which have
similar geographic and environmental settings.
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CHAPTER –TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
Despite the short history of modern tourism in Nepal as compared to other
Asian countries, there are different kinds of profound literature available on
tourism, tourism activities related to Nepal. So, literature review is an
important aspect, which guides the new researcher and also it helps gain
insights on particular research issues, which assists in formulating the research
problems and acknowledging the previous efforts made scholars and
researchers. It can be a strong bridge between the previous and present efforts
to carry out the fundamental assumption without which a research work never
can be original. So, in this chapter on attempt has been made to provide the
theoretical foundation of tourism. In dealing with theoretical foundations some
books, studies magazines, reports, regulations, and dissertations that the
directly and indirectly relevant to proposed study have been reviewed.
2.2 Concept of Tourism in the World
The World Tourism Organization is the leading international organization
in the field of travel and tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy
issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. Its membership includes
138 countries and territories and more than 350 Affiliate Members representing
local government, tourism associations and private sector companies, including
airlines, hotel groups and tour operators. With its headquarters in Madrid,
WTO is an inter-governmental body entrusted by the UNWTO with the
promotion and development of tourism.
Tourism is now one of the global engines of development. Every year,
more people are in motion than ever before in history. With good planning and
management, tourism can be a positive force, bringing benefits to destinations
around the world. If poorly planned and managed, tourism can be an engine for
degradation. It is clearly in the interest of the tourism sector to maintain and
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sustain the basis for its prosperity, the destinations for tourism. This
Guidebook, produced by the World Tourism Organization, is intended to help
the managers of tourism companies and destinations, their partners and other
stakeholders to make better decisions regarding tourism. It focuses on the use
of indicators as a central instrument for improved planning and management,
bringing managers the information they need, when it is required, and in a form
which will empower better decisions.
Tourism is an ancient phenomenon and an inherent nomadic urge in man.
From the very earliest historical period, travel has remained a fascination to
man. In ancient time pilgrims, traders, explorers, adventurer and some scholars
had undertaken journey in order to fulfill their respective requirements and
needs. The progress of tourism development is related with human evolution.
To search for basic needs of life, food, cloth and shelter, human beings used to
move from one place to another. Travelling in those times was difficult because
of severe constraint of well equipped transport, lack of safety and comforts.
Gradually, when permanent settlement started, different religions and trade
emerged which motivated people to travel different places.
In the middle ages, merchant’s explorer, pilgrims and student travelled in
various places and despite the upheavals caused by the invasions of the Arabs,
the Normans and Hungarian, the movement of person was far from ceasing
completely. Students attracted by the master mind of such renowned
universities of Bulgeria, Paris, Rome, Salmanca, Cairo and Nalanda and
Kikramshila in India travelled after to heart them.
After that, the rise of industrial revolution in the world brought major
changes in the range and type of tourism development. The increase in
productivity regular employment and growing urbanization promoted people
with several opportunities and motivation to go on holiday. In contrast to
earlier dominance by the wealthy people, tourism began to embrace a broader
social spectrum in the society. Thus, the industrial societies of Europe were
responsible for the difference places. Gradually peoples search for new kind of
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product, place and people led them to discover ever new finding in the world.
For them tourism became to flourish and associate with economic products.
The realization that tourism sector should necessary be developed with
facilities and promotion came into being. As a result the demand supply
medium contributed to an organized growth of tourism which virtually
assumed to be the most dramatic proportions during the 20th century,
predominantly after the world war-II, due to increase mobility. Hence,
urbanization and industrialization were two important foundations, which have
motivated the people to travel, explore and enjoy the land with numerous plans,
behaviors, actions, facilities and recreational activities.
In general term, tourism denotes the journey of human beings from one
place to another, where it may be within own country or second countries for
various purposes. The word 'tourism' is derived from the French word 'Tourism'
which originated in the 19th century and was popularized in 1930s, but its
significance was not fully realized until today when .Tourism' has a wider
meaning and significance .
The word tour is derived from Latin "torn are" and Greek "torsos" meaning
a lathe or circle, the movement around a central or axis. This meaning changed
in modern English to represent ones turn. The suffix-ist denotes one that
performs a given action. When the word tour and suffixes - ism and -ist are
combined, they suggest the action of movement around a circle. One can argue
that a circle represents a starting point which ultimately returns back to its
beginning. Therefore, like a circle, a tour represents a journey that it is a round
trip i.e. the act of leaving and then returning to the original starting point, and
therefore, one who takes such a journey can be called a tourist.
In Sanskrit literature, we find three defined for tourism derived from the
root, which means leaving home for some time to other places. According to
Negi (1990:23) the three terms are:-
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Paryatana : It means going out fox pleasure and knowledge.
Desatana : It means going out of the country primarily for economic
gains.
Tirthatana : It means going out to places of religious.
According to rebels - bus curtain tourism involves travelling to relatively
undisturbed natural areas with the objectives of admiring, studying and
enjoying the scenery, its wild plants and animals as well as cultural features
found there (Lascurain, 1991, pp 24-31).
According to Figgis, travel to remote of natural areas aims to enhance
understanding and appreciation of the natural environment and cultural heritage
while according damage or deterioration of the experiences for others
(Penelope, 1992).
Suresh Kumar Shrestha in his study defines that those individuals who are
motivated to travel make the entire picture of tourism hence the perception of
tourist play roles in the marketing development of a tourist area and indicates
that the demand of that area would increase (Shrestha, S.K., 1993).
2.3 Concept of Tourism in Nepal
In the decade of 1950s, Nepal adopt democratic rule for the tourist
industry. Tenzing Norge Sherpa and Sir Edmund Hillary climbed the highest
mountain (Mt Everest). In this decade, Nepal develop the tourism promote
though varies activities. There are seven different cultural sites from Nepal,
which are included in the world heritage list of UNESCO 1979. These are
Bhaktapur, Patan and Hanuman Dhoka, Darbar squares, Swyambunath,
Baudhanath, Pasupatinath and Changunarayan. Recently, the Lumbini also has
been included in the world heritage list. More than 1250 heritage sites have
been identified and documented from 72 districts outsides Kathmandu valley.
Most of these heritage sites are located in the rural areas; this can be the core
attraction for the tourists visiting those areas. Similarly, the different protected
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areas are also gradually listed and going to be included in the list of world
heritage sites. Pilgrimages are also famous in Nepal where different shrines,
temples and monuments are concentrated like Gosaikunda, Tatopani and
Muktinath etc. Nepal is attracting and keeps interest to adventure mountain
places in order to see outstanding scenery, altitude, topography, climate,
vegetation and life zones of the Himalayan region.
The seventh five-year plan of Nepal brought a new approach in tourism.
This included furnishing information to the mountaineers with a good
communication system, daily weather reports of the mountains and emphasized
on increasing public awareness on the mountain tourism and environmental
sustainability. The implementation of the seventh five-year plan put emphasis
on the native style accommodation services to the tourists and new sites were
opened for tourism, one of them was popular Annapurna Century.
The resort area development program, under the 7th five-year plan, also
included Hile of Dhankuta and Shreenagar of Palpa at tourism sites. At the
same time some basic survey programs had also been launched in Rara Lake,
Tikapur, Chisapani of Kailali, Shree Antudanda of Ilam, Dhorpatan of Baglung
and Kulekhani of Makawanpur etc. Then, many tourists know about Nepal as
natural beauty.
2.4 Review of the Publications Related to Tourism
Many studies have been conducted on tourism by different people inside
and outside the country. There is a growing interest in the field of tourism.
Anthony V. Silliam and Wilbur Zelinsky had studies on the topic of some
patterns in international tourist flows. In their study they included 14 nations;
study is made on major patterns of outflow and inflow of tourist in European
and Eno-European Country (Williams and Zensky, Vol. 46, 1970, pp-549-567).
William A. Washington has studied on upland resort and tourism in
Indonesia. He has tried to analyze the factors affecting the development of
tourist centers. He identified those scenic attractions. Natural beauty and
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pleasant climate of uplands were the dominant factors for the development of
tourism in Indonesia.
Maheswor Bhakta Shrestha has tried to cover the important aspect of
Nepalese aviation and tourism in his book "Nepalese aviation and tourism". He
has tried to explain the aviation history and the role of aviation in tourism. He
further discussed the economic significance and the benefits of tourism in the
economy of the host country which is measured mainly in terms of foreign
exchange receipt from tourist and its multiplier effects on different activates,
contribution to national income, employment generation in rural areas, thus
contributing to regional balance. Tourism development will also induce new
business opportunities by opening market for local products, promote new skill
and encourage positive change in land use and production system.
Kamal Maiya Pradhan has examined the concept and theories of tourism
development in context of Nepal and the efforts made by the planners including
the legal framework and institutional managements for the development of
tourism. She has also focused minutely on one particulars tourist spot -
Nagarkot. Her study also determined the problems and prospects of tourism in
Nagarkot (Pradhan K.M., 1997).
Narendra Kayastha has studied on South Asian Regional Tourism. In his
study he has analyzed different aspects of tourism like tourist flow, expenditure
pattern and duration of tourist staying and the impact of tourism. He has
determined that natural as well as manmade beauty and wild life are the major
attractions for the majority of tourist visiting Nepal. In His View tourism is an
important sector for income and employment generation. (Kayastha, 1985)
Tourism Master Plan 1972 has provided guidelines for tourism
development in Nepal. Sightseeing tourism, trekking tourism, recreational
tourism, trekking tourism, recreational tourism as well as internal pilgrims are
the potential aspect of Nepalese tourism. This plan indicates tourism can be one
of the most important industries to achieve the aims like increasing foreign
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exchange earnings, develop a profitable sector of the private economy, creating
animalize towards the development of National and regional economy and
diverting development impulses to the retarded regions. This plan shows that
Nepal has been spending large amount of foreign exchange earnings, develop a
profitable sector of the private economy, creating an impulse towards the
development of National and regional economy, and diverting development
impulses to the retarded regions. This plan shows that Nepal has been spending
large amount of foreign exchange to import basic tourism components. To
make the favorable balance of foreign exchange, this plan has formulated
policies like reduction of imports, developing saving habits, strict control over
foreign exchange and development of air services as well as travel agencies.
(Tourism Master Plan, 1972)
Beside these, T.C. Pollaca studied on "Development of cultural tourism in
Nepal" in 1986. He states that historical movement and cultures of Nepal are
important attractions to many tourists and better use of this sector helps more in
promotion of tourism in Nepal. Intensive care should therefore be taken for the
protection of the cultural properties. (Pollaca, 1986)
I.K. Pradhan conducted a study on "Developing Tourist resorts and its
economic impact" in 1979. The study deals with the need for improving tourist
resorts in Nepal. The major aim of developing tourist resort is to see that the
tourist is able to spend as much as possible which depends on the extent of
opportunities provided to them. There is little tourist resort which is not free
from problems. (Pradhan K.M.1979)
Alvar W. Carlson studied tourism under the topic "Geographical resort on
International and Domestic tourism". He concludes that tourism is not only an
economic activity but it largely does its impact upon the cultures and physical
environment of the destination areas therefore the common goal should be the
careful planning of future touristic developments.
15
Nepal Rastra Bank has studied on "Income and employment generation
from tourism in Nepal". This study deals about the composition of tourist,
duration of their stay, tourist expenditure and the impact of tourism industry on
income and employment generation, the study determines that tourism industry
has provided tabs for 11,176 persons added the tourist expenditure per day is
less than Rs. 300 (Nepal Rastra Bank. 1989).
2.5 Review of Literature Related to Religious Tourism
Nepal is traditionally a tourist country. Nepal possesses a depository of
places of widely historic interest. It is an ancient country with a rich cultural
heritage. An independent sovereign state united by king Prithivi Narayana
Shah, the great Nepal lies in the lap of mighty Himalayas. She is rich in varied
landscapes, lakes, waterfalls-green valleys and terraces. The entire northern
border is lined with its very peaks of the Himalayas the most fascinating of
which is Sagarmatha or Mount Everest the highest peak in the world. The
culture of Nepal is made up to the blending of .the two great Hindu and
Buddhist religions. Traditional folk songs and colorful festivals are preserved
all over the country (Satyal, 1988).
The first of all once the forbidden Himalayan Kingdom opened its doors to
the outside world, Nepal has seen a veritable avalanche of tourist and young
western in spiritual seekers roll through its peaceful valleys. But in 1976, when
we visited here a news after prolonged absence, we found that years of
exposure to often shockingly crude and commercial westerns ways had not yet
changed the basic nature of one of the most gentle, charming and hospitable
countries in Asia (Minke, 1978).
"Among the Mountains, I am the Himalayan"- Lord Krishna in Bhagvad
Gita signified the sanctity or Nepal as one of the holiest places on earth. The
16
Himalaya or the "abode of snow" is referred to as the home of Lord Shiva and
his consort, Parvati. Goddess Parvati presented as the daughter of the
Himalaya, the majestic mountain range in the world. The Himalaya has a
particular importance to the followers of Hinduism since time immemorial. The
mythological period covering the Satya, Treta and Dwapar Yuges or ages also
contains numerous references regarding the temples, Marines and holy places
of the country. Many reflections are expressed in the ancient Hindu and
Buddhist texts about the holiness of Nepal as the land of spiritual blessing and
tranquility.
"Nepal houses innumerable holy shrines of Hindu and Buddhist deities.
Hindu and Buddhist from all parts of the world come to pay homage at Nepal's
many places of pilgrimage. A large number of devotees of both the religious
visit the temple of Pashupatinath. Ram Janaki Temple, Janakpur, Gosaikunda,
Bauddhanath, Swayambhunath and Lumbini to pay homage each year.
Similarly many religious sites in and out of the Kathmandu Valley have served
also as great attractions for international tourists; while some are beautiful and
intricately carved temples built by master builders of ancient times. Other
places are the center of religious fairs and festivals. Many such religious sites
are near a river or stream with holy water of which the devotees undergo early
morning ablutions. (Satyal 2002)
Travel for religious purposes assumed a significant importance the practice
of travelling for religious, going on a pilgrimage, for instance, became a well
established costume in many parts of the world. By the end of the middle Ages
a large number of pilgrims were traveling to the main shrines in Europe, and
travel again assumed an interesting character. However, it was still dominated
by religious motivations very little actual pleasure travel was undertaken. The
17
adoption and spreads of Christianity subsequently led to numerous pilgrims
making their way to the holy land. So deed and strong was the hold of faith that
the ritual of pilgrimage flourished over the countries. Religion was a great
unifying force pilgrimage strengthened religious bonds. It provided the impetus
for a 'stay at home' agrarian society to break out of its narrow geographical
confines. It also exposed people to new manners and costumes different kinds
of food and modes of dress. It encouraged exchange of ideas and also fostered
trade. It served as a powerful means of forgoing unity and understanding
between peoples from widely different regions. The powerful influences of a
crusading religion that slowly penetrated a foreign land, such as Christianity in
Europe and later in America and Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism in Asia took
place to permit an assimilation and perpetuation of very distinctive languages,
literature, music, art architecture, philosophy and forms of government
Religion thus played and continues to play a crucial part in travel. (Bhatia,
2003)
Since ancient times many religious minded people not fearing for
hardships, on the way that travels pilgrimage braving multiple dangers. The
principal motives impelled them to travel religious sentiment Nepal, described
as the above of Gods and Goddesses since ancient times by mythological
accounts and versions in religious texts, religious sentiment persuaded people
to make long pilgrimages to place of venerated worship traveling road less
mountain rigged paths not caring the limit of human endurance. Nepal was so
famous for religious and pilgrimages sites. So, the religious minded people are
even now visiting the pilgrimage places in large numbers to pay homage to
Gods and Goddesses of their choice for veneration in different parts of the
country. Nepal has got big potential as in natural and cultural resources. To
18
lovers of ancient art and culture, Nepal is really stronghold and storehouse of
ancient art and architecture untouched by any foreign invaders at any time of
her long and glorious history. So, Nepal has been able to preserve the oldest
pilgrimage places with the oldest idols of gods and goddesses' sculptures, art,
architecture and paintings and decorations of the past. Archaeologically
speaking- Nepal is one of the oldest nations in the world. The ancient relics and
remnants bear testimony to the fact that Nepal has been the state custody of the
earliest Asian civilization and culture. Nepal has so much religious touch,
mythological background and ideal philosophical thought, which has created
trust and confidence and devotion to her place of pilgrimage- It, has always
been one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus as well as Buddhist
m the central .Himalayas. So the various Hindu and Buddhist temples and
Stupas are preserved and are of an astonishing richness in the pilgrimage sites
in the different parts of the country. Nepal has a most active blend of Asian
cultures with as abundance of, monasteries and temples, which makes it a land
of devotes with sacred places of religious pilgrimages.
Religious sentiment urged people to go on long pilgrimages to places of
religious worship. The Chinese Buddhist travelled long distances to visit
Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha in Nepal and other Buddhist places in
India, enduring many hardships with the development of western Christianity,
Pilgrimages passed a special importance in the middle ages and set many pious
journeys on the national and international level. The Buddhist people despites
hardship, continued to make pilgrimages to the shrines of the Buddha Mecca
became a powerful center of religious attraction for the Islamic countries from
the 8th
century onwards.
19
Since ancient times Nepal was known as the abode of Gods. Many Chinese
as well as Indian people came to Nepal to make long pilgrimage to places of
venerated scholarships. The Chinese, followers of Buddha, did -not hesitate to
go as far as Lumbini, traveling millions of noise across vast countries. So the
religious sentiment persuaded people China and India to make a Journey,
strafing many dangers and hardships. The people of India used to make journey
to pay homage to lord Pashupatinath, Muktinath, and Barahachhetra etc.
making efforts, which sometimes exceeded the limit of human endurance.
(Satyal 1999)
The Nepal Himalayan presents a distinct aspect sum of quaint cultural
patterns. The people living in mountains lead a ritualized model of life and
their social activities, ecology, culture, typical sources of livelihood, and
religious "practices can easily be distinguished from the lower regions natural
beautification and her environment, family, marriage, kinship, simple life's
type. traditionalism, trams Himalayan trade, agro pastoralist, transhumance,
nature of crop production method of cultivation, indebtedness, different
patterns of land holding system, agricultural problems and animistic belief and
the then religious practice have given birth to various socio-Cultural
implications.
Hari Prasad Shrestha (2000) in his book aimed to study contribution of
tourism in the Nepalese economy assess and evaluate the existing tourism
marketing and promotional efforts and its, impacts on tourism development in
Nepal. His main findings were that Nepal is extremely rich in tourism products
and it exists all over the country. Natural wealth, cultural a monumental
heritage, bequeathed history are the principle tourism products of Nepal. Nepal
possesses tremendous diversities to develop it’s as a major tourist destination
20
from various perspectives. There is noted dearth of support infrastructure to
develop it. Potentialities, Support infrastructure has not reached in all areas
despite efforts to develop necessary infrastructure. At present more than 50
percent hotel accommodation facilities outside the valley are concentrated in
Kathmandu Valley and most of the accommodation facilities outside the valley
are in non-stars category. In view of the present status of infrastructure
significant attention has to pay to avail and improve such facilities in order to
develop the existing tourism area as well as develop potential areas. Nepal has
not been able to earn as per the growth of visitor or compared to market
potential. Nepal earns one of the lowest per day spending by tourist permit it,
tourism is a major source of foreign exchange of Nepal and it is playing an
important role in the National economy. Tourism has generated significant
indirect benefits through the growth of allied industrial sector and boosting
export trade. Moreover, tourism helps to promote balanced regional
development of the country as well. Hence the contribution of tourism in the
socio-economic development of Nepal is very significant.
Experts viewed that Nepalese tourism marketing was an organized, not
adequately professional and total marketing of Nepal was very poor. The
allocation of resources for the tourism sector in different plans was very low
despite recording continuous growth. Tourist arrival in south Asia to promote
expenses made by Nepal income level in originating markets and the lugged
variable.
He has given various suggestions in his book like. efforts should be made
to operate new and potential areas and products identified by various studies,
products should be maintained and preserved properly by the government and
local people, air access to the country much be improved, on alternative
21
international airport should be developed in the Terrain region at on
appropriate location, the government should adopt open sky policy, short take
off and landing service should be developed in tourism potential areas, Nepal
needs to focus on environment issues especially pollution in Kathmandu valley,
major trekking routes and touristic places, tourism marketing should be done
jointly by the government and the private sector, the promotional plans and
programs should reach the tourist generating market at least six to twelve
month in advance to ensure them to select Nepal as a destination, Nepal should
target and position in the medium income market for tourism , Effort should be
made to promote Indian market properly on a continuous basis for positioning
hill stations, stopping and other facilities, improvement and standardization of
pricing tourism services are needed, greater allocation of development as well
as promotional budget is needed to gear up promotion of tourism, Nepal most
make an annual tourism promotion and marketing plan, there is a significant
need to improve the process and service of immigration and customs. Thus the
study has clearly shown the paucity of marketing efforts of Nepal.
Among tourism sub-scoters (when direct, indirect and induced effects were
combined) the ratio of import coated for hotel was estimated at 53.45 percent,
travel agencies 74.51 percent trekking agencies 54.04 percent and airlines
67.05 percent. The ratio of direct import content when the indirect and induced
effects were taken out was intimated at 35.45 percent for hotel, 15.12 percent
for travel agencies, 10.79 percent for trekking agencies and 57.60 percent for
airlines. The value added for the tourism sector i, e, total payment to domestic
factors including payment to domestic, factor including payment to
intermediate and final inputs (when direct, indirect and induced effects were
combined) was estimated at 37.74 percent as compared to 44.66 percent for
22
tourism related sector and 42.82 percent for the overall sector (Nepal Rastra
Bank)
Nepalese people have been religious minded and spiritual oriented since
immemorial. They have religious tolerance and communal harmony among
themselves. Religious syncretism has been to special characteristics from
generation to generation. Shaivism, Shaktism Vaishanavism and Buddhism
nourished together without any discrimination and difference. So there are
thousands of pious places of pilgrimage in our country. Some have spiritual
significance than others and the benefits and spiritual attainment for a religious
person going there is increased. Thousands of Nepalese go to several places of
pilgrimage to neighboring country India. Likewise millions of Indian pilgrims
come to Nepal every year to pay their homage to their favorite Gods and
Goddess.
This way the exchange of this type of religious visits increases the age-old
relationship between the two countries. "Places of pilgrimage yield a special
advantage for a devotee in quickly advancing his spiritual life. Lord Krishna
lives everywhere, but still it is very easy to approach him in holy places of
pilgrimage because these places inhabitant by great sages. Lord Shri Krishna
says that He lives wherever his devotees are chanting the glorious of his
transcendental activities.
"Pilgrimage Tourism in Nepal" by Rakesh has stated" in the material world
the Lord is situated in different area multi (Deities) in the temples, just to
increase the material activities of the conditioned soul and increase his spiritual
activities. Faithful Hindus visit these holy places for perfection of spiritual
realization." A tourist to Nepal long ago has called it a home of gods and land
23
of festivals. The authentic of this remark can be judged from the scores of
ideals of various gods and goddess to be found in this land. The valley of
Kathmandu is itself full of the images of hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist
divinities. So this valley presents the beautiful picture of different religious and
different sectors. Thus, Nepal has become a decent destination far pilgrimage
tourism with has large number of both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sits and
shrines and temples. There are valuable and vibrant and very important assets
of this Himalayan only Hindu kingdom of the world. They have contributed
significantly in the development of the pilgrimage tourism as well as domestic
tourism. This is a marvelous, mystic and mysterious meeting place of many
Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddess. They unfold a colorful picture of
human verb and joy of the immensely religious minded people of this lovely
land.
The attitude of the Nepalese people at large displays a unique spirit of
mutual trust and tolerance toward different religious. The age old interaction
between the Hindu and the Buddhists presents and products a beautiful balance
in which Gods lose their sectarian character. There is a street synthesis of
different religious. There is a religious harmony between the Hindu and the
Buddhist which has been existed from time immemorial. A devout Hindu
devotee goes to Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath and a true Buddhist goes to
Pashupatinath to pay homage irrespective of his or her religious faith. Thus our
country's strength has been expressed through its cultural solidarity and
religious bond since the creation of this universe. (Rakesh 2002)
Trust in the almighty, devotion to -the monarch, good will toward
countrymen, irrespective of community, caste creed or color, are common
feelings of all patriotic Nepalese. These feelings pervade in all functions and
24
activities be their cultural, religious or otherwise- In fairs and festivals, in
national celebrations, there is always a religious touch as well as the expression
of loyalty and devotion to the king- The long and glorious history of Nepal is
witness to the fact that monarchy in Nepal is a strong unifying factor in
maintaining communal harmony, religious tolerance and national unity, in the
midst of various ethnic groups and communities, with different cultural
heritage and traditions, speaking various dialects in different region. Fairs and
festival of Nepal are mostly of religious nature and are observed or held in
some religious place of pilgrimage or in some temples or in the vicinity of
temples and Stupas. It is an ideal religious tradition of the Nepalese that the
Hindus regard the Buddhist temples as much raced as their own and the Hindu
temples are traced in the eyes of the Buddhists to the same extent. Whether it is
a Hindu or Buddhist festival both the Hindus and the Buddhists celebrate and
observe it equally. In Nepal never has a drop of blood been shed in the name of
religion. Religious tourism side-by-side is helping Nepal to originate a new
refined culture.
Here in this country one can see the Hindu and the Buddhists temples
standing side by side and images of Buddhist and Hindu gods close to each
other. The main religions of Nepal are Hinduism and Buddhism 80.62 percent
of the people here are Hindus and 10.74 percent are Buddhists (CBS, 2005).
According to the constitution of Nepal, every citizen of Nepal, having regard to
the current traditions, may practice and profess his own religions as handed
down from ancient times. It is there clear that there is perfect freedom of
religion and worship in the country. (Khatri. 1982)
"A Pilgrimage of the Heart" Broughtan has stated "The tour has pilgrims
stood frozen in ambulatory poses, shirtsleeve shirts and dresses hanging slack,
25
entranced by Ama's focused, resolute absorption- Here was one old Hindu
women from Nepal expressing their Catholicism for them worshiping on behalf
of all of us. In the authentic tradition of pilgrims he had endured suffering, lifts
home in old age, encountered hardship en route, and arrived here, finally and
fortuitously, to present harshly before the gods and goddesses of a holy shrine.
But now she was going further, leaving us momentarily in the world of the
vulgar while she touched up on the sacrosanct. The tour bus pilgrims betrayed
looks up expectancy, as if wanting to join "It is acts of Bhagwan that these
deny are in a different form than ours, but they are the same gods." "Which
Bhagwan is it, the one in the came?" (Broughton, 1995)
2.6 History of Religious Tourism
The word tourism derives from the verb tour meaning "travel". Travelers,
whether alone or in a group, date back to ancient times- the sign, perhaps, of an
innate need in man. In ancient Greece, for example, people would travel to
attend the Olympic Games or to worship the gods in particularly important
temples. In pre-Christian times, the oracle at Delphi played an especially
important role in ancient Greece. The Pan-Hellenic religious feasts held at
Olympia every four years and at Delphi led to the two sites becoming famous
outside Greece. The oracle at Delphi, in particular, exercised a strong
attraction, drawing a large number of pilgrims.
Latin literature in its turn often mentions the Otoe, the periods of free time
that the upper classes devoted to activities other than work. The horal
subsicivae of the Romans, for example, were given over to leisure activities as
a well-earned rest after work. During their atria, the Romans used to visit cities
with particular climatic conditions, such as pomp ell.
26
The middle ages are marked by journey and pilgrimages to holy place.
This is the period in which "religious tourism" become popular with its
interdependent means of transport, accommodation for pilgrims, and Stupa
along the route at which peddlers would sell "relies". The most common
destination of the period was Santiago de Compostable, C zestochowa, and
Rome. In the Middle, pilgrimages were a collective phenomenon that was an
integral part of the Christian world. Pilgrims were considered to be extremely
spiritual and were held in high regard by society. Pilgrims were "the initiated"
who sought to free themselves from the structures surrounding them and to
ascend to a new level of existence. To go on a pilgrimage meant leaving behind
the worldly aspects of life so as to concentrate on the purity of one's faith.
When they returned home, pilgrims were greeted with admiration and were
aware of having taken a further step toward spirituality.
In Medieval time, the ecclesiastically legitimated pilgrimage represented
elements of a very precise nature: the "movement" of the Journey, the religious
"motivation " and the destination", which had to be a place that was considered
holy- In general, pilgrimages arose from the search for salvation and.
sometimes, the need to be physically healed. Medieval travelers undertook their
journeys for a purpose lo increase their spirituality- and in this sense pilgrims
in the Middle Ages were clearly different from those who traveled to satisfy
their curiosity.
In the seventeenth century, those traveling for the purposes of tourism
emphasized the search for truth, but the real change in the nature of tourism
came about in the following century. With the reduction in working hours,
more leisure time became available, and cultural tourism, with the accent on art
and poetry, became popular, The major change dates to 1828, the year in which
27
George Stephenson invented the steam locomotive- This was also the period of
the "grand tour of Europe" of the English aristocracy and the no less famous"
Journey to Italy" of the German nobles, intellectuals, and artists who were
treading in the footsteps of Goethe, This was soon followed by visits to Spa
towns.
As time passed, "tourism" came to mean the opportunities available to the
increasing mass of individuals who felt attracted by these offers of excursions
for pleasure. The growing demand led to the birth of travel agencies, the first
was founded in leicesterin 1841 by Thomas Cook he went on to become
famous because, in 1866, he organized the first tour of the United States and in
1872 the first round the world tour.
At the beginning of this century, tourism was turning into a business,
although it slackened in the first half of the century, owing to the two world
wars. After these difficulties, tourism came to signify the personal transfer
from one place to another of income for the purposes of consumerism as the
result of economic wellbeing and technological progress.
Today, the old pilgrimage sites have began again to attract masses of
pilgrims, the difference now being that the pilgrims also come across tourists
on holiday. Thus they complement one another, the promotion of "religious"
tourism today, seen as both devotional and cultural, is proof the existence of
this common "search".
The rediscovery of pilgrimages also shows that religious values, doctrines,
and institutions have lost nothing of their status in, and their influence over,
every day behavior. This means that the modern individual is seeking
transcendental values to overcome the fragments, the discontinuity, of modern
society and that he or she is the "pilgrim tourist" of modern time.
28
2.7 Nepal Tourism Year 2011: A National Campaign
All people of this Universe want Peace & Prospects. Nepal occupies only
0.1% land in this Earth, but it is endowed with disproportionately rich diversity
of flora & Fauna; unrivaled scenic beauty; diverse culture; ethnic etiquettes.
Nepal is a beautiful country. It has diverse & magnificent environment .It has
major tourist destination of Asia. Tourism Sector is earning 3.5% of total
G.D.P. Nepal tourism year 2011 announced by the first elected government of
Nepal after the success of the Peoples movement 2062/2063 in the day of
2065 Kartik 9th
. The target was to welcome 1 million tourists in 2011. The
programmed was inaugurated in 2066.11.14. At that ceremony the main theme
was:
1) Together with tourism.
2) Tourism for Prosperity.
3) Prosperity for forever
2.7.1 Tourist Arrival in Nepal
As already been mentioned the tourist started visiting Nepal freely soon
after the event of democracy in 1950. But rapid progress of tourist arrivals in
Nepal seems after the restoration of democracy in 1990.
2.7.2 Tourists Arrival Trend in Nepal
Pattern of tourist arrival in Nepal show in Table 2.1 presents trends of
tourist arrivals from 1995 to 2014.
29
Year Total
No.
Growth
Rate %
By Air
% of
Total
By Land % of
Total
Average Length
of stay
1995 363395 11.3 325035 89 38360 11 11.27
1996 393613 8.3 343246 87 50367 13 13.50
1997 421657 7.2 371145 88 50712 12 10.49
1998 463684 9.9 398008 86 65676 14 10.76
1999 491504 6.0 421243 86 70261 14 12.28
2000 463646 -5.7 376914 81 86732 19 11.88
2001 361237 -22.1 299514 83 61723 17 11.93
2002 275468 -23.7 218660 79 56808 21 7.92
2003 338132 22.7 275438 81 62694 19 9.60
2004 385297 13.9 297335 77 87962 23 13.51
2005 375398 -2.6 277346 74 98052 26 9.09
2006 383926 2.3 283819 74 100107 26 10.20
2007 526705 37.2 360713 68 16599 32 11.9
2008 500277 -5.00 374661 74.90 125616 25.10 11.78
2009 509956 1.90 379322 74.40 130634 25.60 11.32
2010 602867 18.20 448800 74.44 154067 25.56 12.67
2011 736,215 22.1 545221 74.1 190994 25.9 13.12
2012 803,092 9.1 598258 74.5 204834 25.5 12.16
2013 797,616 -0.7 594848 74.6 202768 25.4 12.60
2014 790118 -0.9 585981 74.2 204137 25.8 12.44
Source: 10/ Nepal Tourism Statistics 2014
Table: 2.1 Tourists Arrival Trend in Nepal
30
The number of tourist visiting Nepal has increased each year except in the
year 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2005 respectively. In 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005 the
trend of tourist arrival had decreased by 5.7%, 22.1%, 23.7%, and 2.6%
respectively due to the conflict situation in the country. The number of tourist
visiting in Nepal increased by 11.3 percent in 1995, 8.3 Percent in 1996, 7.2
percent in 1997, 9.9 percent in 1998, 6.0 percent in 1999, 22.7 percent in 2003,
13.9 percent in 2004, 2.3 percent in 2006 and 37.2 percent in 2007.Similarly in
2012, 2013 & 2014 tourist arrival had decreased in Nepal by 9.1, -0.7 & -0.9
percent respectively.
2.7.3 Tourist Arrivals by Purpose of Visit (2012/13/14)
Tourists travel with various purposes in Nepal. Nepal is destination of
nature and culture for tourist. Tourist visited for pleasure accounted to 29.6
percentages in 2008, which further decreased to 8 percent in 2009, there is
increased by 12.40% in 2010. It is simply because of that pleasure tourist want
to visit country, where there is peace and order. Majority of the foreigners
visited Nepal is with the purpose of holiday pleasure. Where, -10.8 percent in
2012 and 7.6 percent in 2013. And -3.81percent in 2014 of the tourists visited
Nepal. For the purpose of trekking and mountaineering; 21.7 percent, -3.0
percent and -4.96 percent tourist visited Nepal. Likewise, 38.8 percent, 12.1
percent, -15.06 percent tourist visit Nepal for the Business propose respectively
in 2012, 2013 & 2014. For the pilgrimage propose; 72.2 %, -53.4%, & 27.49%
respectively.
31
Table: 2.2 Tourist Arrivals by Purpose of Visit 2012, 2013 & 2014
Purpose of visit 2012 % 2013 % 2014 %
Holiday pleasure 379,627 -10.8 410934 7.6 395849 -3.81
Trekking&
mountaineering
105,015 21.7 102001 -3.0 97185 -4.96
Business 24,785 38.8 28183 12.1 24494 -15.06
Pilgrimage 109,854 72.2 71610 -53.4 98765 27.49
Official 30,460 26.6 37386 18.5 32395 -15.41
Others 30,552 -4.8 46792 34.7 53728 12.91
Conference 13,646 25.9 15552 12.3 13432 -15.78
Not specified 91,165 29.5 77623 -17.4 74271 -4.51
Total 754522 100 790081 100 790119 100
Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics 2014 / 3
For the official work 26.6 %, 18.5% & -15.41% in 2012, 2013 & 2014. To
join conference 25.9%, 12.3% & -15.78% of tourists visited Nepal 2012, 2013
& 2014 respectively. In not specified 29.5%, -17.4% and -4.51%, & in others -
4.8 %, 34.7 %. And 12.91% tourists visited in Nepal in 2012, 2013 & 2014
respectively.
2.7.4 Tourist Arrivals by Sex and Age Groups
According to Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA)
Tourist arrival in Nepal is differing with sex and age. It is known that numbers
of male tourists are higher than that of the female tourists. In 2012, male
visitors comprised 24.8 percent of the total arrivals while female visitors
accounted for -5.3 percent.
32
Table: 2.3 Tourist Arrivals by Sex and Age Groups
Age groups 2012 % 2013 % 2014 %
0-15 years 35,468 8.2 46262 23.3 50441 8.28
16-30 years 181,558 6.1 190630 4.8 185685 -2.66
31-45 years 231,117 8.9 237690 2.8 235738 -0.83
46-60 years 201,835 13.4 195416 -3.3 183582 -6.45
60 & over 109,239 32.2 115654 5.5 106666 -8.43
Not specified 43,875 -26.2 11964 266.7 28007 57.28
Female 363,822 -5.3 363,822 -5.3 445627 -0.77
Male 439,270 24.8 439,270 24.8 344491 -11.63
Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics 2014 / 3
Likewise, age groups recorded that highest share recorded by the 31 to 45
age group followed other year groups. Data has given in the table 8.9 has
cleared the inflow of tourists by age group and sex 2012 and 2013, similarly in
2014.
2.7.5 Tourist Arrivals by Major Nationalities (2013/14)
According to NTB Tourist arrivals in Nepal in 2013 and 2014 were
recorded 797616 and 790118 respectively. It is observed that the tourist arrivals
from Asia continent was the largest and in second Position took the Western
Europe. North America stood in third position. Eastern Europe came in fourth
position. Australia and Pacific took fifth position. South and Central America
Stood in sixth position and only the smallest percentage of tourists came to
Nepal from Africa. Tourist arrivals by major nationalities of the world are
presented in following table:
33
Table: 2.4 Tourist Arrivals by Major Nationalities (2013/2014)
Nationality 2013 Percentage 2014 Percentag
e
Australia 20469 3.5 24516 3.1
Austria 3131 0.3 3,320 0.4
Canada 2132 1.7 11610 1.5
China 113173 12.3 123805 15.7
Denmark 5320 0.9 5150 0.7
France 21842 3.5 24097 3
Germany 22263 3.5 18028 2.3
India 180974 23.2 135343 17.1
Italy 9974 1.2 10347 1.3
Japan 26694 3.3 25829 3.3
Netherlands 10516 1.3 12320 1.6
Spain 10412 1.3 13110 1.7
Switzerland 4903 0.6 6447 0.8
Sri Lanka 32736 4.1 37546 4.8
U.S.A. 47355 5.9 49830 6.3
U.K. 35668 4.5 36759 4.7
Others 11979 28.6 252061 31.9
Total 797616 100 790118 100
Source: 8 / Nepal Tourism Statistics 2014
2.7.6 Contribution of Tourism Sector
The contribution of tourism sector, as the total earning, as percentage of
total foreign exchange earnings in NRs (000), USD (000) and Exchange rate,
34
percent change in USD by fiscal year is presented in table 2.5. The foreign
exchange earning g in tourism by fiscal year of the country was NRs
46,374,900, USD162,513, -4.3 change in 2000/01and NRs 11,969,174, USD
471,769, exchange rate 98.3 and -21.4 change in 2013/14.
Table: 2.5 Gross Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism by Fiscal
Source: Nepal Rastra Bank
* Based on total tourist arrival in 2014/790118
** Based on average length of stay of tourist- 12.44 days
Facial Year
Total Earnings ( Net received )
% Change
in US$
NRs. (000)
Annual Average
US$ (000) Exchange Rate
2057/58 (2000/01) 11,969,174 - 162,513 -4.3
2058/59 (2001/02) 7,798,535 - 101,628 -37.5
2059/60 (2002/03) 10,369,409 - 134,245 32.1
2060/61 (2003/04) 12,337,977 - 168,163 25.3
2061/62 (2004/05) 11,814,853 71.76 164,644 -2.1
2062/63 (2005/06) 11,710,893 72.03 162,086 -1.6
2063/64 (2006/07) 12,645,761 70.19 180,165 11.2
2064/65 (2007/08) 20,339,890 64.72 314,275 74.4
2065/66 (2008/09) 27,959,800 76.58 365,106 16.2
2066/67 (2009/10) 28,138,600 74.24 379,022 3.8
2067/68 (2010/11) 24,610,800 72.07 341,485 -9.9
2068/69 (2011/12) 30,703,820 80.72 380,374 11.4
2069/70 (2012/13) 34,210,576 87.66 390,264 2.6
2070/71 (2013/14) 46,374,900 98.3 471,769 21.4
2071/72 (2014/15)* 34,313,300 98.6 348,005 13.6
35
Year
Total Foreign
Exchange
Earning from
Tourism (Rs.
in millions)
As % of
Total Value
of
Merchandis
e Exports
As % of Total
Value of
Exports of
Goods & Non-
Factor Services
As% of
Total
Foreign
Exchange
Earnings
As
% of
GDP
1988/89 2735.3 65.0 28.2 24.5 3.3
1989/90 3121.2 59.5 28.5 23.3 3.2
1990/91 3587.6 47.1 23.5 21.8 3.3
1991/92 5016.9 35.9 19.5 20.0 3.6
1992/93 5966.0 34.5 26.7 17.6 3.7
1993/94 8251.7 42.7 22.4 18.9 4.1
1994/95 8973.2 50.8 21.8 17.3 4.1
1995/96 9521.2 47.9 23.3 21.4 3.8
1996/97 8523.0 37.6 13.7 17.6 3.0
1997/98 9881.6 35.9 17.4 15.2 3.3
1998/99 12167.8 34.1 18.5 15.9 3.6
1999/00 12073.9 24.2 13.0 8.8 3.2
2000/01 11717.0 21.0 12.0 7.4 2.9
2001/02 8654.3 14.9 10.6 6.1 2.1
2002/03 11747.7 23.1 15.2 8.2 2.6
2003/04 18,147.40 32.9 20.3 8 3.4
2004/05 10,464.00 17.5 12.2 4.7 1.8
2005/06 9,556.00 15.5 10.9 3.6 1.5
2006/07 10,125.00 16.5 10.8 3.7 1.4
2007/08 18,653.00 30.1 17.9 5.5 2.3
2008/09 27,960.00 40 20.8 6.5 2.8
2009/10 28,139.00 44.5 24.6 8.1 2.4
2010/11 24,611.00 35.8 20.2 5 1.8
2011/12 30,703.80 37.7 20 4.8 2
2012/13 46,374.90 45.9 20.5 5 2
2014/15* 34,313.30 53 21.7 5.5 2.6
Table: 2.6 Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism
Note: Date based on new format since Fiscal Year 1988/99 to 2014/15
*Up to first eight months
Source: Nepal Rastra Bank
36
The contribution of tourism sector, as the share of GDP, as percentage of total
foreign exchange earnings is presented in table 2.6. The share of tourism in
GDP of the country was 2.9 in 1988/89 and 2.4 in 2009/10. Recently in
2014/15, it is increased to 2.6 percentages. It is due to the fall in tourist arrivals
and their spending. The foreign exchange earnings from tourism as the
percentage of total foreign exchange of the country were highest in FY
1995/96, which was 21.4 percent. Recently the share of the exchange earning
as the percentage of total foreign exchange earnings was only 5.5 percent in FY
2014/15. (Nepal Rastra Bank)
2.7.7 General Guidelines to Conserve the Potentiality
There is necessary to create strong conservation rules and also to enforce
them. Moreover, plantation and drainage management system on the lack-
facing slope is necessary which control landslides and erosion. Effective
drainage system will be a positive way to maintain the bio-diversity and reduce
the problem of environmental degradation through deforestation. The group
trekkers should be given strict order to control the garbage. Similarly, we have
seen of their social and cultural heritage to the local people.
Environmental conservation
Tourism should be environment friendly, so everyone should be friendly
with nature, socio-cultural degradation or wide scale deterioration of the
environment should be controlled. Attention should be given to conserve
rhododendron and orchid available there and need to be expanded. Tourism
should have less negative impacts such as deforestation, deterioration or
sanitation or water crisis, impact on wild life preservation and behavior. Non-
biodegradable rubbish such as mineral water bottles, chocolate, biscuits
wrappers should be controlled to clean the environment.
37
For environmental conservation, we have to encourage using the
alternative sources of energy e.g. solar, biogas, etc. Government should take
attention to control garbage at the initial stage of tourism development and to
harmonize tourism and environment. There is prime need of ecological should
trekking practices. Attempts should be made to conserve of their biodiversity,
culture and forests, garbage management should be done through packed foods,
use of recyclable garbage, etc. Proper management of human waste (especially
at picnic sites) is also crucial aspect to be considered.
Cultural preservation
Individual tourists/ researchers should be encouraged to go to this area
with the help of local guides so that interaction between them and the local
people could be beneficial and cultural exchange could take place. Priority
should be given to local tourist guides so that local people could directly help
to boost up the local culture. There is no information center it should be
established to give cultural information with information booklet, detail
cultural practices, the brochure and documentary etc. All need to respect local
people, culture and resources and increase local clubs' motivation to conduct
cultural programs in village, which could be helpful to exchange local culture
between visitors. Moreover it is also beneficial to preserve cultural wealth (like
songs, dances) to earn foreign currency. Those all suggestions are connected
with methods of eco- religious tourism development. Besides these there are
several problems faced by the tourists, hotel owners and local people. Hence, a
strict policy measure seems to be appropriate to solve them. Eco -religious
tourism is sure to succeed if it follows suitable path and takes into account the
recommendations offered here all the policy maker and related agencies.
38
CHAPTER – THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Study Area
Bhumlichok is a village development committee of Gorkha District in the
Gandaki Zone of northern-central Nepal with distance of about 85 Km on the
way to Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu, than need to walk about 3 hours to
get in poin. At the time of the 2011 Nepal census it had a population of 3,545
and had 685 houses in the town. The geographical location of the study area is
situated in approximately latitude of 84.696171 and longitude of 27.846639 in
Bhumlichok VDC of Gorkha District. The study area is located at the altitude
of 287m Fishling at Trishuli River to 1652m elevation at Bhairabi Tar
(Pokharai Tar) from the sea level. Location map is shown in page no 7.
Map: 1.1 Gorkha Districts Map in Nepal
Source: GIS Digitized Map
39
Map: 1.2 Bhumlichok VDC map in Gorkha Districts
Source: GIS Digitized Map
Bhumlichok has diverse culture and religion. Magar are the main
inhabitants of this VDC and Chepang/Praja, Gurung, Newar, Chhetri are also
being a part of this area. So, the area posses varied culture or it can be said that
the area is culturally rich which is also one of the most imperative feature of
rural tourism. The existing culture in Bhumlichok as a product, the people of
Bhumlichok can promote them for tourists international as well as domestic.
The temple of Bhairabi, Bhairabi Tar, Dudh Pokhari are the cultural and
historical attraction in Bhumlichok. Like in other part of the country, Dashain,
Tihar, Teej, Mage Sankranti, Janai Purnima, Loshar celebrate with great rejoice
and pleasure. Similarly, other religious festivals such as Buddha Purima
(Chandipurnuma), Bhairavithan Mela etc. are celebrated and enjoyed.
3.2 Research Design
For the fulfillment of the study, I used exploratory and case study research
design because the study was focused on to investigate the impact of tourism
40
activities on sustainable management of natural environment. Thus, this study
was both descriptive and exploratory.
3.3 Rationale for the Selection of the Study Site
Being a major touristic site in Bhumlichok, the tourism activities are
continuous in and around the Bhumlichok VDC due to its natural beauty,
cultural heritage and hospitality of the people. Skilled manpower for tourist
guide is another aspect of tourism industry. Being services oriented and labor-
intensive industry, tourism needs skilled and professional manpower for quality
services. Skilled manpower such as tourist guides and their hospitality is a
precondition for quality tourism. (Sigdel, 2004)
During the course of study it was found that there is a lack of trained
guides who can explain in detail about Bhumlichok to the visitors. In the
proportion of availability of sufficient attraction at Bhumlichok guide facility is
not satisfactory. Majority of local peoples are illiterate, backward and poor.
Increasing pollution of plastic every day by manufacture product is being also a
problem. The training on how to deal with guests should be given to those who
come into contact with tourists. But the concept of village tourism is not
implemented well or operational zed in this area. The main concern of today is
to make any industry sustainable and beneficial for the people. So, this study
tried to explore minutely the environmental aspects consistence with
degradation. Moreover, this study tried to find out the causes and hidden facts
of the degradation of natural environment. Therefore, this study contained the
great significance in social science to minimize the problems related to the
environment of this study area.
3.4 Sampling Procedure
Both types of sampling were used for the selection of sample. Under non-
probability sampling, the quota sampling was used to select the samples from
local people, Home stay owners and tourist. Under the probability sampling
simple random sampling was used to select the intended number of samples 60,
41
respondents. In this study, 20 local people, 25 tourist & 15 flower seller were
select for the interview, questionnaire & focus group discussion.
3.5 Natures and Source of Data
This study is based on both primary and secondary source of information.
The primary information has been collected from the field survey. Secondary
data and information were collected from different published and unpublished
documents. Both qualitative and quantitative information has been used in the
study.
3.5.1 Primary Data
This study was mainly based on primary data. Primary data collected by
using different data collection techniques such as structure and semi structure
questionnaire, key informant interview, observation and focus group discussion
etc.
3.5.2 Secondary data
Secondary data was collected from different tourism concern agencies and
organizations were visited such as tourist service center Bhumlichok, Nepal
Tourism Board, WWF, TAAN, ACAP, KEEP, CBS, world Bank and various
reports, Journals, relates articles, previous published and unpublished
researches, etc.
3.6 Tools and Technique of Data Collection
For the primary data, structured and semi structured questionnaire were
used in the field; in cases of illiterate respondent, researcher himself have noted
down whatever the respondent responses. The other tools were used for the
primary data collation mainly for key informant interview, field observation
and focus group discussion
42
3.6.1 Questionnaire Survey
Structured questionnaire was prepared to generate the realistic and actual
data from households' survey, hotel/home stay owner and tourists. The
respondents were asked to fill up the questionnaire by themselves.
3.6.2 Key Informant on Interview
The primary data was collected from key informants using the semi or
unstructured interview methods. The interview have been taken a cross
checking for data obtained from questionnaire. The informants were
interviewed on the impact of tourism on environment, sanitation, vegetation,
socio-culture impact etc.
3.6.3 Field Visit and Observation
The field visits of the study area have done based on the non-participatory
observation, which helps to enrich the qualitative and quantitative data
collection. In this researcher observed the daily life of people by watching and
listening to their conversation. This was done during interviewing people,
talking with them, during walking along the route and traveling in the bus. This
was done to know the actual condition of respondents, the condition of
landscape, kind of flora and fauna, awareness of people, roads, income from
tourism, economic status of the local people condition of tourism, socio-
cultural impact of tourism etc.
3.6.4 Focus Group Discussion
The focus group discussion was held in separate group with the
participation of women and men. The discussion was focused more on women
and poor group members who were not benefited well from tourism but
affected from the degradation of surrounding environment.
43
3.7 Data Analysis
The quantitative data obtained from questionnaires were analyzed using
statistical tools. The collected qualitative information is presented in
descriptive way. The Various information obtained is presented in appropriate
tables and figures. They are categorized and tabulated according to the
objective of the research.
44
CHAPTER - FOUR
PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
4.1 Historical, Cultural and Religious Prospective of Study Area
Bhumlichok is an old and historical town situated at the North-Western
from Kathmandu city. Bhumlichok has diverse culture and religion. Magar are
the main inhabitants of this VDC and Chepang, Gurung, Newar are also being
a part of this area. So, the area posses varied culture or it can be said that the
area is culturally rich it is also one of the most imperative feature of rural
tourism. The existing culture in Bhumlichok as a product, the people of
Bhumlichok can promote them for tourists international as well as domestic.
The temple of Bhairavi, Pokhari Tar, Dudh Pokhari, are main attraction in
Bhumlichok. Like in other part of the country, Dashain, Tihar, Teej, Mage
Sankranti, Janai Purnima is observed with great rejoice and pleasure. Similarly,
other religious festivals such as Buddha Jatra, Swasthani Mela etc. are
celebrated and enjoyed.
4.2 Socio-Economic Prospective
Magar community predominantly populates the main area and in the
surrounding hill areas Chepang, Gurung, Newar and others.
According to the Census 2011, total number of population in Bhumlichok is
3,545 comprised of 1,653 males and 1,892 females. Till date, out of total
population, only 528 male and 772 females are found to be literate (who can
both read and write).
Major population of the people in this village relies on agriculture. So, the
economic condition of this area is depending upon the agricultural products,
though the areas have high potentiality for developed as a tourism destination
in cultural, religious and other forms of pro-poor tourism or sustainable
45
tourism. The major agriculture products are paddy, maize, and other vegetable
farming as cash generating agricultural activities. But the products from the
farm-based activities are not sufficient for the year. Hence, the local people are
engaging in other income generating activities like teashops, retailer and
wage/labor according to their social and economic status.
There is road network with the district headquarter and the other market
being closer from this area. In this area, there is no such industry by which the
local people can add their economy in their daily life and also there are no such
local resources, which is potential for running business merchandise except the
tourism. For the tourism development, development should be sustainable,
development projects should be local community owned and operated as for as
possible. Developing smaller units of tourist facilities combined with the
adoption of design drawn from the local culture and with the use of
indigenously available construction materials will become cost effective and
serve better to the taste of the visitors and lend themselves more readily to
ownership and operation residents. Furthermore, it could play a crucial role in
generating income (including foreign exchange) through providing
employment opportunity. Ultimately it could fulfill the social needs such as
roads, sewage facilities and conservation of natural and cultural wealth.
4.3 Socio-Economic Characteristics of the Respondents
Socio-economic aspects plays important role in every aspect of human life
and their society. So, these characteristics helps to substantiate what categories
of people are paying attention in develop rural tourism by their available local
resources. In this respect, some indicators such as age, sex, education status and
occupation of the respondents have been briefly presented in this section of
analysis.
46
4.3.1 Respondents by Age and Sex
There were different age group members in the study area, so for
uniformity the respondents were grouped in ten-year age intervals and by sex.
Based on the minimum and maximum age limit the groups are:
Table: 4.1: Respondents by Age and Sex
Age Group Male Female Total
20-29 15 10 25
30-39 25 15 40
40-49 15 5 20
50-60 & above 10 5 15
Total 65 35 100
Source: Field Survey -2016 - January
Figure: 4.1: Respondents by Age and Sex
Age group distribution of the respondents in sample is presented in Table
No. 4.1. Most of the member respondents are from the age group of 30-39
years, which comprises 40% of the total member of respondents. Likewise,
25% of respondents are between the ages of 20-29. Similarly, 20% and 15% of
0
5
10
15
20
25
20-29 30-39 40-49 50-60 & above
Age Group
Male
Female
47
respondents are in their age group of 40-49 and 60+ respectively. This age
distribution shows the respondent attention towards the tourism development in
their area by locally available resources that may be value added for their
society and their surroundings. Participation of local resident are highly
appreciated in every field of social life so they are as a responsible social
capitals and their contribution can be rated high in tourism development if
organized properly.
4.3.2 Classification of Household According to the Caste Group
The respondents are from all caste in study area. Questionnaires have
covered all the strata of the society.
Table: 4.2: Classification of Household Caste Group Wise
S.N. Caste Group HHs Percent
1 Magar 41 68
2 Chepang/Praja 10 17
3 Gurung/Newar 9 15
Total 60 100
Source: Field Survey -2016 - January
The above table shows that survey covers the major percentage (68%) of
Magar it is because; Bhumlichok is predominantly populated by the Magar.
And respectively Chepang/Praja (17%), Gurung and Newar represent 15%.
4.3.3 Educational Status of Respondent
It is well known fact that education plays a vital role or as a catalytic agent
in different sector of human activities and in their social life so as it equally
imperative in the field of tourism. People who are educated are aware towards
the issue of better quality service delivery and serious for fostering the tourism
in their area, which eventually gives better life with in the society.
48
Description Number Percentage
Illiterate 58 58
Literate 23 23
Up to SLC 17 17
Higher 2 2
Total 100 100
Source: Field Survey -2016 – January
Figure: 4.2: Educational Status of Respondent
The table revealed that majority of the population is illiterate. Very few
percentage of the population has higher education. So, it is needed to aware the
people in education. Tourism awareness and the basic level of standards come
from education. Clean, green and pleasant environment comes by protecting
and promoting the environment. For sustainable development of tourism in the
area community development programs together with the educational programs
for children and functional literacy classes for adults could help to improve the
quality of life of the village people. Thus, ultimately improve the overall
environment o the village.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Illiterate Literate Up to SLC Higher
58
23
17
2
Nu
mb
er
Description
Table: 4.3: Educational Status of Respondent
49
4.3.4 Respondents by Caste and Ethnicity
The study area consists of various caste groups like Magar, Chepang/Parja,
Gurung and Newar. Magar community predominantly populates the main part
of the Bhumlichok and there is not any single house in the town besides of
Magar community. Hence the culture, languages, traditions are homogeneity
and united for the religious functions.
4.3.5 Religion of Respondents
Nepal is known as the country of multi culture and ethnic group.
According to the constitution of Nepal 1990, Nepal had defined as Hindu state,
but as Nepal's interim constitution of 2063 has defined as "Dharma
Nirpakchha" state. In the study area, respondents are belongs to Hinduism and
Buddhist and practice their culture according to their religion.
4.3.6 Occupational Status of Respondents
Economic status of the people is largely determined by the occupation
which they acquire, for sustaining the life with in their family or in society.
Most of the people of the study area depend on the agriculture as a primary
activity. Where most of the people have small house, some livestock and to
cultivate. Local people selling their milk in small scale, one milk collection
center lies in the Bhumlichok village where they collect their milk and sell.
Table: 4.4: HHs Classification by Profession
S.N. Profession Number Percent
1 Agriculture 32 53
2 Trade/business 13 22
3 Service 6 10
4 Other 9 15
Total 60 100
Source: Field Survey -2016 - January
50
Figure: 4.3:
Source: Field Survey -2016 - January
The respondents are engaged in different profession for the live hood like
business and trade, agriculture, services and other activities. Generally Magar,
Chepang and Gurung are found engaged in agriculture and the Newar mostly
engaged in trade, agriculture and service activity. Still Chapng ethnic group are
spending nomadic life in the jungle and river side.
The table and figure reveals the data those respondents primarily activities
rely in the agricultural (53%) and its related activities. Similarly, 22% are
making their living in the profession of trade and business. Likewise 10% are
dependent on the income of services rendered to education, governmental and
private institutions and 9% depend on wage, labor and other activities.
4.4 Socio-Economic Benefits from Tourism
Tourism can increase opportunities for the rural poor in their own
communities. It also has the potential to help reduce rural out migration to the
urban areas, increase employment opportunities for the rural poor, and give
them additional income to provide for their families in the rural areas. Also
tourism related skills gained by the urban poor could be applied in rural areas,
Agriculture 53%
Trade/Business 22%
Service 10%
Others 15%
HHs Classification by Profession
51
helping to reverse the migration process. Tourism provides employment
opportunities by diversifying and increasing incomes that helps reduce the
vulnerability of the poor. Through increased national income additional funds
can be diverted to the poverty reduction programs.
Though Bhumlichok has the entire necessary infrastructure to develop as a
tourist destination, but the trends of visiting Bhumlichok and expenditure by
the visitors are very nominal and there are no such official records of tourists
and their expenditure pattern. This may not be so contributing factor in the
economic and social aspect in the life of Bhumlichok people in the present
situation.
Considering the competitive power (with uniqueness of the products
available at Bhumlichok and cost efficiency, tourism development at
Bhumlichok could be the dependable source of economic activity. Crucial role
played in generating income (including foreign exchange), providing
employment opportunity and fulfilling social needs such as roads, sewage
facilities and conservation and protection of natural and cultural wealth could
be the major socio-economic benefits from tourism in the Bhumlichok area.
4.5 Employment Opportunity
Tourism being service industry, it creates different level of job
opportunities. Principle type of labor it requires is semi-skilled and unskilled
type, which is abundant in Bhumlichok. Furthermore, it unlocks opportunities
for pro-poor economic growth by providing formal and informal employment,
creates profit and collective income from locally owned enterprises and
facilitates social development by increasing access to infrastructure, providing
local people with the opportunity to access tourism infrastructure. The industry
projects labor demand for goods and services needed to service visitor
requirements. Thus, it provides secondary or indirect employment opportunities
in construction, agricultural manufacturing and in other sectors.
52
Since, we cannot perceive the desirable number of tourists in Bhumlichok
as it has the existing potentiality of products which can appeal all kinds or
segments of visitors from various strata. In view of the fact that, the pattern of
expenditure and the visitors' flow is directly related with the employment
opportunities of that area.
So, considering the tourism development potentials of Bhumlichok,
accommodation and catering, sightseeing tour, hiking, trekking, cultural
program organization and handicraft production and sales constitute major
sectors of employment in tourism.
4.6 Awareness of Local People
In the view of is potential for tourism development, the local community is
seen to be active and aware about the development of this area jointly as tourist
destination. Understanding brings awareness, and from awareness comes
concern. When concern exists, then active participation is a possibility. Hence,
when the awareness rises the stakeholders in the community provide a
continuous supply of fresh ideas that can help fill information gaps and set a
development agenda for the local tourism activities. So, awareness as a
strategy, play a vital role in the different aspects of the tourism, just as existing
product in community like culture, monument, natural scenic etc. and make
seriousness about their conservation in sustainable manner. Input from the
community is vital throughout the planning process if plans are to receive the
support needed to succeed.
During the consultation with the local people, it was noticed that the local
people are willing to take part in the tourism development activities, provided
if there will be guidance from the expertise. And, the existing products which
are posses a competitive strength in tourist market; it fosters a sense of pride of
the local people. This is good sign for the sustainable tourism development.
Therefore, some external support and guidance is needed during the initial
53
stage to facilitate in the awareness raising activities and in involvement of local
communities in tourism.
4.7 Assessment of Current Infrastructure Facilities in Bhumlichok
Modern facilities and services is one of the major components that are
necessary to attract the tourists. During the field visit key informants and some
respondents were asked about the current infrastructure facilities available in
Bhumlichok and the researcher also try to attempt to assess the existing
facilities in the study area. The available data and their responses are shown in
the table.
Table: 4.5: Current Situation of Infrastructure Facilities in Bhumlichok
S. No. Facilities Responses
1 Road Not satisfactory
2 Water supply Not satisfactory
3 Communication Good
4 Electricity Good
5 Health services Not satisfactory
6 Drainage system Bad
7 Street lighting Bad
8 Cleanness of places Satisfactory
9 Hotels No such standard hotels, rather they can
say tea shops or Home Stay
10 Toilets Every HHs have toilet
11 Services (govt. & private) There is existence of basic govt. office,
but no such private institutions.
12 Conservation and
promotion of natural and
cultural assets.
People are much more concerning to
preserve their heritage and aware about
it.
Source: Field Survey -2016 - January
54
The above table tries to explain to some extent about the existing facilities
in the study area. In Bhumlichok all need facilities are found but among them
some need to be building up in efficient way. However, the data reveals that the
facilities like water supply, electricity, and conservation and promotion of
natural assets are good and satisfactory according to available resources.
4.8 Perception towards the Future Pattern of Tourism Development in
Bhumlichok by the Respondent
Clearly, rural tourism (village tourism), while still only a minority tourism
market, is already making a valuable contribution to rural economies. Its
contribution can be expressed not only in the financial terms, but also in terms
of jobs, contribution towards funding conservation, encouragement to the
adoption of new working practices, and the injection of a new vitality into
sometimes weakened economies.
So, it may not be high expectation of local people of Bhumlichok, that they
see excellent prospect of tourism in their surroundings. It is also observed
during field visit about the perception towards the future pattern of tourism and
it was found that most of the local respondents are aware of the fact that they
have much potentiality to foster the tourism in future. And the development
should be oriented towards the betterment of the all irrespective of caste, creed
and class having emphasis upon the poor and lower class.
4.9 Respondents Perception toward Home Stay
Village tourism denotes tourists visiting villages and staying in the
villages. This is associated with tourist behavior in that they stay in a village
and explore surroundings. The special feature of this kind of tourism is that the
visitors become part of the village for the period of their stay. Such visitors
normally do not except the kind of accommodation and food that they are
accustomed to. In other words, they rely on locally available accommodation
and food. And they enjoyed the local religion and culture related with that
particular village.
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Table: 4.6: Respondents Perception toward Home-Stay
Description No. of HHs Percentage
Ready for home stay 35 58
To be considered 15 25
Cannot say 10 17
Total 60 100
Source: Field Survey -2016 - January
Figure: 4.4: Respondents Perception toward Home-Stay
The above table clearly indicates that the local are interested in home
staying of tourists. It is reported that if tourists are interested to see their
culture, religion and become a part with the local environment, they are capable
to serve at their best for their valuable guest. In the view of its potential tourism
development, the local community is seen to be more interested and aware on
the development of this area jointly as tourist destination.
The local people are willing to take part jointly in the tourism development
activities if they get proper information and guidance from the expertise. From
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Ready for home stay
To be considered
Cannot say
35
15
10
No
. o
f H
Hs
Description
56
the data, 58% of respondent are ready for staying of tourists, 25% are
considering about that concept, and 17% are still ignorant towards the home
staying concept. It is reported that all household are not meet the necessary
standards in their house. Hence, if they got financial support and other
necessary support from concerning institutions, that may be valued towards in
the field of rural tourism.
4.10 Tourists Perception
All together 10 tourists (foreigner) were interview in the field that were
very much interested in home staying in local peoples and express their desire
to experience the local culture and taste the local food. From their response, it
could be expect that, if approach of village tourism is properly promoted in the
area, the area became a potential tourism destination. Which gives the new
taste of tourism as village tourism, for tourist and it is highly energized in the
field of tourism and future potentiality of the Bhumlichok area.
And in a case of domestic tourist, they come to Bhumlichok for visiting the
Bhairabi temple, Football match at Bhairavi Tar (Pokhari Tar) and picnic spot
with enjoying mountains scenery Annapurna Himalaya Range (Annapurna IV,
II) west to east Gourishankar Himalaya range.
4.11 Information from Hotel/Home stays Owner
Enhanced product and service standards are primary requirements for
attracting higher spending tourists and reaping the benefits of economic
development through tourism. Hence, hotels, teashops are also a key part in the
tourism because it gives the alternative income generation opportunities to the
local people. Hotel industry plays a dominant role in tourism development, but
there is not such a high quality hotel or restaurants in this area. All together 5
hotel /Home stay owners were interviewed in the study area. Particularly, they
provide local food and beverage.
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4.12 Problems and Prospects of Village Tourism Development in
Bhumlichok VDC
Now tourism is becoming a great industry in the world. It is helping to
build the strong national economy of many countries by providing job
opportunity and earning foreign currency. In the context of Nepal, tourism is
becoming an issue of challenge and opportunity. Nepal is rich in different
aspects such as social, cultural, religious and natural resources. Here are very
important places for tourism development. Similarly, it is providing job
opportunity for thousands of unemployed Nepalese people. It is one of the
major sources of earning foreign currency and balance of the defect trade, in
this way, it is known as opportunity sector. But in the other hand, Nepal is a
country in which here are mountains and rural features. Most of the tourism
spots are located in rural and mountainous area. Because of the complicated
geographical structure is very difficult to develop infrastructure facilities.
Similarly, some events of the country, such as plane hijacking, tragic incidence
in Royal Palace, political instability, Maoist conflict, announcement of
emergency, Natural disaster (Earthquake), Border blocked and others are
creating problems for tourism industry. That's why it is taken as a challenging
issue for tourism development in Nepal (Tenth Plan, 2003).
Nepal is known as destination place for pilgrimage tourists. Various places
are known as touristic places so it has long history of tourism. Among the
many tourism spots of Nepal, Bhumlichok too may be one of the major tourist
destinations for Natural lover and cultural seekers.
4.12.1 Problems of Village Tourism Development in Bhumlichok VDC
There are numerous problems associated with tourism in Bhumlichok. The
main problems are related to infrastructure facilities. The available facilities
such as transportation and recreation are inadequate to meet the demand of
visitors. At the same time, there is no tourist standard hotel to provide food and
accommodation. Existing hotels and restaurants are least facilitated. Facilities
58
like providing information; guiding, traveling and trekking facilities are not
developed in the area.
Major problems associated with tourism in the area are given below:
4.12.2 Transportation
Transportation facilities are not well developed in Bhumlichok. There is an
unmetalled motor able road from Kathmandu to Bhumlichok. There is no
regular direct transportation service. The local buses coming from Kathmandu
and Gorkha become over crowded, slow and inconvenient. Generally, these
buses are the important means of transportation to go to Bhumlichok from
other parts of the country. But for comfort travel you can take regular tourist
bus from Kathmandu to Chitwan or Pokhara, get off at Fisling 85 Km on the
way Prithvi Highway and take local bus to Bhumlichok or walk through
the Magar and Gurung village to the destination.
4.12.3 Information and Publicity
Except a few books, booklets and traveling agencies, one single agency is
associated in disseminating out providing information about Bhumlichok.
Information about this area is also not available in other tourist centers and
tourist entrance points like Gorkha. So, majority of visitors coming to
Bhumlichok do not get information about the culture customs, facilities etc. at
any place of Bhumlichok before their first visit.
4.12.4 Recreational Facilities
Recreational facilities and tourism are directly related to each other. So,
promotion of tourism depends on the development of recreational facilities like
swimming, rafting, paragliding, mountain baking sports, cultural program park
and sightseeing facilities. Such recreational facilities are absent in Bhumlichok.
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4.12.5 Trained Manpower
Trained manpower can provide qualitative services to the visitors. On the
country, the manpower at Bhumlichok and local bus conductors are mostly
untrained and uneducated. Because of their language difficulty, communication
between host and visitors become more difficult and is same in the case of bus
conductor and visitors. In such situation progress of tourism becomes more
difficult.
4.12.6 Preservation of Major Attractions
Tourism promotion can be possible only after the preservation of natural
beauty, artistic temples old and ancient building, historical place and living
human culture of the area. So, these things should be preserved by
governmental and non-governmental sectors.
4.12.7 Poor Sanitation
Poor sanitation is a remarkable problem in the town area. Garbage, canes,
pieces of plastics are found to be scattered on the streets. Public toilet and
sewerage are limited in number. Available toilets are not properly used
carelessness of shops, tea stall and local people of Bhumlichok are creating
such sanitary problems in the town area.
4.12.8 National Tourism Policy
Though the need of national tourism policy is long talked issue and
government is also well aware of it. Nothing substantial has been done for the
development of village tourism in Bhumlichok. There are no promotional
activities from government side. Tourism policy is essential to provide the
required guidance and encouragement to the tourism industry there by
achieving desired level of success in the regard.
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4.13 Prospects of Village Tourism Development in Bhumlichok VDC
For the development of tourism, the local communities of the study area
are found to be more active and aware about the development of this area as
tourism village. A formal committee, Bhumlichok Tourism Committee, have
been recently formed for overall tourism development. This committee is
performing different task related to tourism, especially in the infrastructure
development. From the field visit, it was observed that people are willing to
take part in the tourism development activities. Gorkha district has potentiality
to promote tourism for all types of tourists. Regard both domestic and foreign
tourist the same manner for local benefit, because sometimes they get more
benefit from domestic tourist than the foreign.
Gorkha is rapidly expanding as tourist destination in Nepal. There are lots
of potentialities for the development of tourism in and around. Gorkha has its
own identification and it has various tourist destinations.
4.13.1 Bhumlichok Home Stay Trip Activities /Pokhari Tar
Bhumlichok is cantered by main city like Kathmandu, Pokhara and
Bharatpur, so tourist from Kathmandu can drive by regular tourist or public bus
to the Phisling, Chitwan. Bhumlichok is suitable for domestic and international
tourist to visit in shortens time and easy access.
To make your trip memorable, it would be best to combing rafting trip
from Charaudi. Charaudi is most famous rafting place of Trishuli River 75
kilometers from Kathmandu on the Prithvi Highway. From here you can raft in
Trishuli River about two hours and getting off at Fishling. Then you need to
either 2 to 3 hours hiking or take bus to Bhumlichik.
The locals welcome you warmly with their tradition custom Tika and
garland for you with musical group of Panche Baja and Jhyaure. It makes most
special movement in your life. Then stay overnight with local house, taking
meal with them what local’s having. If you are interested for local food, they
61
will teach you different food recipe. They offer organic food, which are picking
up from their farm. After evening meal, they entertain you by cultural
performance like; Kauda, Ghatu Nach, Panche Baja, Jyaure, Maruni etc.
You will visit the Pokhari Tar (Bharavi Tar), from where you have
spatacular mountains view such as Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Manaslu
(8,156m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m) and many more can see from Bhumlichok.
The abstract view of Fishtail (Machhapuchre) can see from here, which is
known local as Mt. Shyamkarnel Ghoda due to the shape of mountain similar
like Ghoda (horse).
The second highest population of Bhumlichok is Chepang/Parja
community. Until approximately twenty years ago, the Chepang were nomadic
hunters and slash burning cultivation methods gatherers but now due to
dramatic changes in their life style, they live under what might be considered
very difficult conditions.
They belief in traditional healers like Dhami and Jhankri (Shamans or
“witch doctors”) often results in delayed medical attention and untimely deaths.
The situation in which this ethnic group finds itself at present on the one hand
the Chepang are seen by many people as outcasts at best and more often as
Untouchables through the Pande – the Chepang shaman – are held in great
esteem being considered among the most powerful shamans in Nepal. The
Chepang pande call them Tunsuriban, a word which describes their faculty to
move freely in both the celestial and Chtonious kingdoms. You may consult
with Dhami for your perspective life and family.
After late breakfast the home stay host will arrange farewell program with
your suggestion for Home stay improvement. This is trip for generate local
business and empowerment the local for their prosperity.
4.13.2 Environment Friendly
Climate and environment of this place is the another important aspect for
tourists. Bhumlichok VDC is located at the surroundings of hill and the climate
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is appropriate; healthy and pleasant. Blissful movement and quiet environment
provide self satisfaction to the tourists.
4.13.3 Cultural Show
Various cultural activities by different caste and ethnical groups and
communities are seen during the year long period. Kouda Nach, Ghantu Nach
and much folk music (local songs) are organized in the Bhumlichok. While, in
the VDC during the Janai Purnima, procession called Lakhe and Gaijatra by
Narwari people, Ghantu Nach performance on the Baishakh Purnima (Chandi
Purnima) by Magar community, and on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti also
huge celebration by Gurung ethnic. Entire 15th
days of Dashain festival pray
the different god and goddess in various temples. The celebration is carried out
in the victory of Ram over Ravan during the Treta yough. Likewise on the
Chaitra Purnima there is occurred huge Mela called Bhairabi Jatra.
4.13.4 Hospitality
People around the Bhumlichok VDC are very cooperative, friendly and
helpful. Their behavior towards tourist satisfaction is the ample example which
helps to increase the observer and stay a long period.
4.13.5 Echo-Mountain
Just above the west side of hill there is an Echo mountain. It is really
surprising in its physical setting. If someone speaks loudly, the sound will
reflect from the hill.
4.13.6 Trishuli (River)
This river flows in between huge mountain gorge which divides Gorkha
and Chitwan districts. Its' natural setting is very beautiful because of jungle and
plain land. Trishuli River is most popular rafting trip for two days one night
program or one day trip.
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CHAPTER - FIVE
SUMMERY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The objective of the present study is to study the potentiality of
rural/village tourism in Bhumlichok area. The study was made using the
purposive sampling method while collecting the primary data. Other secondary
data were used to fulfill the objective of the study. This chapter includes three
parts namely finding, conclusion and recommendation.
5.1 Summery
Major population of the study area relies on the agriculture and takes as
primary activities for sustaining their livelihood.
Of the total 60 Hhs 68% were belonged to Magar, 17% were
Chepang/Praja and 15% related to Gurung/Newar.
The majority of respondents are illiterate and few of them got higher
education. It is because who are literate and high profile are shifted from
Bhumlichok to Kathmandu, Chitwan or other city.
Bhumlichok has the entire necessary infrastructure to develop as a
tourist destination, but the trends of visiting Bhumlichok and
expenditure by the visitors are very nominal and there are no such
official records of tourists and their expenditure pattern. This may not be
so contributing factor in the economic and social aspect in the life of
Bhumlichok people in the present situation.
The pattern of expenditure and the visitors' flow is directly related with
the employment opportunities of that area. So, considering the tourism
development potentials of Bhumlichok accommodation and catering,
sightseeing tour, Paragliding, hiking, trekking, cultural program
organization and handicraft production and sales constitute major
sectors of employment in tourism.
64
In the view of its potential for tourism development, the local
community is seen to be active and aware about the development of this
area jointly as tourist destination.
In Bhumlichok all needed facilities are found but among them some
need to be building up in efficient way.
Bhumlichok reflects its prosperity in cultural and heritage monument,
which are related to Village tourism. Hence, there is potential to foster
the cultural tourism - forms of village/rural tourism.
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5.2 Conclusion
In Nepal, tourism is a perennial source of foreign currency earnings and a
means of survival for thousands of people directly and indirectly dependent on
this industry. More recently, tourism has also been a catalyst for community
development and conservation in some remote areas of the country. It is
believed that some of these gains would have been difficult to achieve through
other means.
Village tourism is a common bridge in between domestic tourism and
international tourism industry. In fact, it is an integrated approach on tourism
development. Understandingly, village tourism is a major component of
scientific tourism that creates the self-sustaining and self-standing economy. To
view the nature and complexity, village tourism is a non-foreign aid requiring
concept.
Thus, the study is able to show that Bhumlichok has basic infrastructure
facilities, which shall be upgraded. It also shows that it has tourism products to
attract tourist in near future. At present the income generation and employment
opportunity from the tourism sector is not so as expected or in other words
having much more potentiality the people of Bhumlichok cannot harness the
opportunity from this sector. So, community involvement and community
cooperation is special feature of rural tourism. It is necessary to make active
participant of all the local people in this sector, it will be better in form of
sustainable tourism. In the course of development tourism brings both positive
and negative impacts within the society but the locals shall minimize the
negative one and boost up the positive reaction. Thus, we can say that
Bhumlichok has great scope in the tourism field, which shall be actualized to
increase the level of income of the locals.
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5.3 Recommendations
In a country like Nepal where there has been little infrastructural
development, particularly in the remote rural areas, village/rural tourism has
helped to spread income and enrich the local economy. In Nepalese context
rural based tourist or village tourism leads to the dynamism in tourism industry.
It concerns with all villages of Nepal. Most importantly, tourism in Nepal has
been one of the most important supporting features of Nepalese economy.
Therefore, tourism industry shall be developed in such a way that the national
development and distribution of income must satisfy all strata of society.
People participation is central to the success of sustainable village
tourism. Local community members should be encouraged and closely
involved in the complete cycle of tourism development programs. So,
the concerning agency with tourism should take active part in it.
There is no such official record of tourist visiting Bhumlichok and their
expenditure pattern so there is necessity of those types of office which
can give clearly data concerning tourism.
It has become too late to prepare a master plan for the proper
development of Bhumlichok, a historically, culturally and artistically
important place.
There are no such good hotels/ Tea House in Bhumlichok, so by
providing some financial assistance and other support from the
concerning body like VDC, DDC and other public sectors should
motivated the local people.
Tourism consists a wide range of services, which constitutes the tourism
product, and a single enterprise cannot provide all services. Therefore,
public - private sectors must be encouraged in the tourism development
of Bhumlichok area.
Moreover infrastructure like toilet and sanitation and accommodation
facilities should be developed in the communities. In this case the VDC
must take a more active role to make funds available to develop the
67
social infrastructures. VDC should link households unable to invest
upgrading the homes to accommodate visitors to the concessional credit
programs made available through different government programs and
from other sectors.
The Tourism Development Plan of Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project
must be address the Bhumlichok for tourism development. According to
the preliminary report, the reservoir of the project, which will be spread
over 63 sq km, will be 15 times larger than the Fewa Lake. The lake
will be just lap of the Bhumlichok. (BGHPDC, 2071/72-2). It should be
give priority by NPC also to develop tourism in this area.
Education and Training for Rural Tourism:
One of the major issues in the development of rural tourism is the need for
education and training. It is frequently overlooked because many people having
experienced holidays as consumers, and having been involved in other type of
business, assume that little further knowledge or skill is required to enter the
tourism industry. But tourism is a complex and high professional enterprise;
success rarely comes without considerable expertise. Rural tourism requires
additional and specialized skills.
Training and education programs in rural tourism should bring a number of
benefits. They should help develop more care and commitment amongst all
those involved. They should help businesses become more effective and
profitable, by encouraging better marketing; organization and co-operative
working and helping gain repeat visit from guests. If any NGO or INGO help
the people conducting tourism training. They should help professional planners
and administrators understand the need to plan rural tourism in a sustainable
and profitable way. Finally, there is the critical but hard to define point that
well thought out training program helps widen horizon, raise standards and
create professional and positive attitudes.
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The Need to Understand and Relate to the Market:
Without markets, any discussion on rural tourism must remain incomplete.
The size, type, elasticity and demands of the market influence all the issues
related to the tourism. Lacks of the market knowledge and lack of knowledge
about how to relate to markets are common problems for many rural tourism
initiatives. They need to connect with worldwide STN for the sustainable
tourism for village develops. Hence, there need to understand the size, location,
characteristics, perception and requirements of markets. And the need to
understand how to relate to, influence and win markets via marketing
campaigns, liaison with travel agents, travel companies and tour operators.
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