Problems and prospects of tourism in Ilam (A case study of Guphathumki Region, Santidanda VDC)

Abstract

This thesis entitled "Problems and Prospects of Tourism in Ilam District (A Case Study of Guphathumki Region)" has been prepared for the fulfillment of Master Degree in Rural Development from the MRM Campus Ilam. It is totally based on the field survey in which researcher has dug out that tourism is one of the greatest industries in Ilam. It is because of its natural environment mixing with cultural richness. The general objectives of the study is to analyze the problems and prospects of tourism Ilam District. Moreover the specific objectives are as follows, • To find out the main tourism problems in Guphathumki area. • To analyze the prospects of tourism in study area. • To suggest Guphathumki as a major tourism destination of Ilam. This research has been conducted on the basis of field survey applying exploratory cum descriptive in which 25 locals, 10 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 qualitative and quantitative. The tools used in the study were FGD, KII and HHs survey. 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 Guphathumki region. Similarly, the prospects of the tourism in this area can be only acquired by creating infrastructures and generating awareness to the locals. This study presented that major cast of the area is Braman/Chhetries and followed by Rai. It showed that there is diversification in the culture and tourist can enjoy it very much. The major fuel in the hotel is firewood. It visualizes its icon of village area. However, there is a bit change in modern energy as well. Above all, this study brought out that Guphatumki is one of the most potential area for rural tourism. It is the area where all visitors can enjoy different delightful activities in the single sport.