Post Disaster Tourism in Langtang, Rasuwa

Abstract

The frequency, intensity and severity of disaster are increasing day by day. The number of dead, injured, displaced and damage is also increasing, so it needs collective effort to cope up with. Disaster is becoming a great threat for human, social, economic and environmental sustainability and for development. Natural disasters are frequent treats to tourism area, and have the potential of adversely affecting tourism industry; as one of the world’s largest economic sectors. Subsequent to a disastrous event, destinations are faced with not only the daunting tasks of rebuilding infrastructure and communities, but also restoration image of destination. Where communities have considerable economic dependence on tourism related activities, their vulnerability to crisis occurrence is significantly increased, given that they need to maintain a positive image of attractiveness for continued success. On 25 th of April 2015, earthquake triggered landslide and avalanches in Langtang valley. The impact of disaster was severe and great damage to all infrastructures in Langtang valley. The analysis has been based on primary and secondary data. The primary data collected through KI interview, focused group discussion and observation method; and secondary data collected through published books, articles, journals, documents and reports. The findings show that post disaster reconstruction played a crucial role in smoothly post disaster tourism in Langtang. The local people got opportunities to be active agents in the reconstruction programs. The vital role of early recovery and reconstruction in Langtang was NGO/INGO, business owner, government and local people. The post disaster reconstruction gave confidence to shop owners, tea shops, hotels and trekking restore their businesses and the government can get revenue from the tourism. After the post disaster reconstruction the flow of tourist has been increased because of the protection and security. There are various tourist to come in Langtang for adventure tourism, trekking in mountainous region and visit in one of the richest area of flora and fauna.