Problems and Prospects of Rural Tourism in Ilam District: A Case Study of Maipokhari Tourism Area, Ilam

Abstract

This present thesis entitled problems and prospects of tourism in Ilam district: A case study of Maipokhari tourism area of Ilam has been conducted to find out the problems and prospects of tourism and impact of tourism for the local people. To conduct this study, among the universe150 visitors 12, from 150 local households 40 and among the 10 hotels 5 hotels were selected by using purposive sampling. To analyze the data, information/data were acquired from the field visit and observation, key informants interview, questionnaire survey and focus group discussion with the tourists. The available collected data have been sincerely tabulated, processed and analyzed in accordance with a suitable format and techniques. The thesis is mainly based in explorative and descriptive design in nature. Analysis of the study found that there is a gap of services on the way to in Maipokhari is one of the major problems for tourism for tourist based hotels on the mid path. Majority inhabitants of the local area are settled ethnic groups Mongolian ie 65.4 percent . It is found that, there is not sufficient tourism infrastructure such as transportation, drinking water, electricity, health centers,schools, parks, view point. It is also found that there is no mass publicity to this area from local,district and national level due to negligence of the local governments and climate. There are few hotels based on tourist's aspects because of lack of year round road network. It is also found that Maipokhari is also renowned having nine corner pond located in high altitude and place for herbal products, rich in biodiversity and having local indigenous knowledge. Maipokhari is also a religions place for Buddhists and Hindus. As a result, it can be taken as religious tourism also.Trekking is one of the major aspects of ecotourism. Maipokhari also provides this flavor by the trekking route through Ilam chowk bazar to maipokhari tourism spot. The study found that among the total tourists more than fifty percent travels there belong to teen ager and few used to travel for recreation and to fulfill the religious purposes.The study concludes that the benefits of the tourism to the local people have been greatly acquired but poor transportation networks; there are seasonal benefits to the local. The level of awareness in local people is very low they are not massively informed about the tourism activities of this area. Maipokhari is one of the beautiful natural tourism destinations for all type of tourists. To develop this area the concerned stake holders should think in time to prepare essential infrastructure by preparing appropriate master plan and policies for the future development.