Prospects of Eco-Tourism In Nepal

Abstract

This thesis entitled PROSPECTS OF ECOTOURISM IN NEPAL: A CASE STUDY OF BASANTAPUR-GUPHAPOKHARI CORRIDOR IN TEHRATHUM has been prepared and presented as the academic requirement of the master degree program in Rural Development. Tourism has become an important sector in the economy of Nepal. It is the main source of foreign currency earning also, development of tourism sector has contributed to increase employment, income generation and to improve the balance of payment of the country. Nepal has become the attractive destination for ecotourism from all over the word. Basantapur area is being popular tourist destination in Nepal. It has great potentiality for the development of tourism. This study gives both positive and negative effects of tourism in society, economy and environment. Basantapur area has great potentialities to develop ecotourism. It is rich in natural beauty and Limbu cultural. Sightseeing, Village tour, Bird watching, trekking, jungle of Rhododendron forest, etc. are the main potential tourism at the study area which attracts the domestic as well as foreign tourists. The number of tourist visiting from eastern part of Nepal is the highest.The majority of tourists arrive directly in Basantapur area bypublic bus, reserve bus by group of student, educational tour, private car and motorcycle. The accommodation facilities are found to be insufficient to serve the visiting tourists demand on the peak seasonessentially for the month of FalguntoBaishak and AswintoMangshir Most of the tourist visiting this area for watch Rhododendron forest and ideal climate, environment. The duration of tourist stay in this area ranges from 1 day to 3 days. Hotels are not benefited by all tourist, who are national and international. It is found that most of the visitors in this area are Nepali rather than foreigner. Foreign tourist were visit only main season of like Sept to November and June to August, this information provide by hotel ownes of Basantapur. Ecotourism has brought positive impacts on economy, society and environment of Basantapurto Guphapokhari area. Ecotourism helps to develop the infrastructure like road, electricity, water supply, health, education and communication brings changes in living of people, behavior pattern of people, dresses, life style, language and food habit are positive impact of tourism. Also, the local people of the study area have got opportunities to learn the language of the different countries. Ecotourism has created employment opportunities for local people. Disruption of the family and social relationship, hospitality, decline in morality and value, acculturation, alcoholism are negative impacts of tourism. It has also created serious environmental problems such as degradation of Rhododendron forest, water pollution, garbage, problem etc. However, negative impacts are not beyond control. They are manageable. They can be minimized by proper management of tourism activities and resources.