Problems and Prospects of Tourism in IlamDistrict: A Case Study of Maipokhari

Abstract

This Thesis Problems and Prospects of Tourism in Ilam District: A Case Study of Maipokhari has been prepared for the fulfillment of Master Degree in Rural Development from the Central Department of RD, TU, Kirtipur. It is based on the field survey has dug out that tourism is one of the industries in Ilam. It is because of its natural environment mixing with cultural richness. Generally the study focused to identify the problems and prospects of rural tourism in Ilamdistrict.Whereas, the specific objectives are to find out the main tourism problem in Maipokhari, and, to analyze the prospects of tourism in study area. There exist differences between modern traveling and traveling in the early period. Nevertheless, it is the habit of traveling which has initiated the growth of the survival and existence of early men. No doubt, it is originated in the advent of human civilization and change of human habits. If we promote and develop the tourism properly we can serve and preserve our historical, culturally and socially conventions. By this, it would be better to earning foreign currencies. If supports the national income. So, tourism plays vital role in the economic sources has been conducted on the basis of field survey applying exploratory cum descriptive in which 40 locals, 12 tourists and 5 hotels and lodges were taken as sample. It is selected by using simple random sampling method. Major research methods used in this study were, Key Information Interview and Interview and HHs survey. There is no study regarding potentialities of tourism in Maipokhari area even though it is a cute destination. This study is a helpful to identify the present situation of tourism in Maipokhari area, which can help the tourism planners and policy makers to frame appropriate policies and program to improve the tourism industry further. Behind its potentialities in tourism industry, this destination is in shadow. Geographical structure, short length of stay, lack of evergreen transportation, low facilities, less participation of private sectors and lack of local people awareness are major combating factors for the development of this area. To dig out its problem and prospects for the economic development of this area, this study provides the valuable streams. As a result, this problem is identified by the researcher. This study had found that animal husbandry and agriculture are the major occupations of this area. The predominant population used in the study said that low tourism infrastructures are the major problem for tourism development in Maipokhari area. Similarly, the prospects of the tourism in this area can be only acquired by creating infrastructures and generating awareness to the locals .for meaningful tracking of rural tourism in this study area So, even if this area is regarded as the most important destinations, no concrete measures have taken from the local as well as national level.