Community perception and participation for sustainable homestay tourism: A study of Bandipur and Ghalegaun homestay

Abstract

Tourism is an important industry for Nepal, given its rich natural and cultural resources. Homestay tourism, in particular, is being promoted by the Nepalese government as a poverty reduction strategy that creates employment opportunities. The study aimed to examine the perceptions of the community towards sustainable development in homestays in Bandipur and Ghalegaun, Nepal. The research utilized a descriptive research design to explain people's perceptions of sustainable homestay tourism in the two locations. The study universe was considered to be all individuals living in Bandipur and Ghalegaun, and 340 individuals were selected using the stratified sampling method. The primary data was collected through a questionnaire designed using Doxey's Irridex Model (1975), and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

The study revealed that among the respondents engaged in the tourism sector, 35.14% were government officers, 22.97% were hotel and restaurant businessmen, and 21.62% were local government representatives. The majority of respondents (41.89% and 37.84%) believed that their participation in homestay tourism contributed to environmental protection and cultural promotion, respectively. However, 40.54% of respondents felt that their participation did not contribute to the development of infrastructure. Additionally, 31.08% and 27.03% of respondents stated that their participation did not affect policy- making and coordination with the community, respectively. The study found that for sustainable tourism development, the participation, motivation, accessibility, and responsibility of the local community, benefit-sharing, government role, participation in promotional activities, and focus on local people or benefit-sharing with them were all vital. Improvements in facilities and the education of local people were also found to play an essential role. Overall, the study highlights the significance of community participation and perception towards sustainable development in homestay tourism in Bandipur and Ghalegaun. The findings provide insights that could assist policymakers and tourism stakeholders in developing and promoting sustainable homestay tourism.

Key words: local participation, motivation, environmental protection, responsibility