Tourism Development in Bhaktapur: (A Case Study of Three Squares of Bhaktapur District)

Abstract

Tourism is defined as a business activity connected with providingaccommodation, services and entertainment for people who are visiting a placefor pleasure.With the advertisement of the new millennium, tourist activity and itsimpact have become of great importance to a change world, where more andmoor people have the opportunity of becoming tourists. With the beaming of modern tourism in Nepal four decades back tourist activitiesin Bhaktapur also gained momentum as a “Cultural tourism” destination.Abundance of historic, artistic and unique architectures, monuments, culturallyrich festivals, dances, music, art and life style in Bhaktapur city have attractedmillions of tourists since then. The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur includeDurbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Dattarey Square. This study in concerned of three squares (Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square andDattarey Square) and intended to find out trend of tourism and its socioeconomicimpact in the study areas. Especially these following specific objectives weretaken to analyze the study topic. Specific objectives are follows;  To show the trend of tourist inflow in Bhaktapur. To examine the condition of cultural heritage in the study area. To identify the problems and prospects of tourist in the study area. Bhaktapur is known to be cultural heritage city in Nepal. Among the total touristsvisiting to Nepal are cultural tourists so this city ismain attraction for those alltourists who are interested in cultural heritage. UNESCO listed 10 heritages sitesof Nepal. Among them one is Bhaktapur Durbar Square. To maintain the dignityof the city in the world, a lot of works should be done such as environmentsanitation, reconstructed, well managed and preservation of cultural andhistorical places etc. Despite sign of a development in the heritages sites, thereis no room for gratification. Similar pattern of seasonal venation of tourist inflow is found in case ofBhaktapur as well October, November and March show the high inflow of touristin the study area. The inflow is equal in September, December, February andApril. The summer months June and July record the least inflow. Tourist inflow isrelatively high autumn spring and least in winter and summer seasons. Tourism is main sources of revenue for Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur municipality havenot adequate fund for undertaking this activity. Bhaktapur Municipality hasdecided to implement the tourist entrance fee in 1993 fee generating fund inorder to maintain historical structure in this town. Due to lack of proper management of tourism industry of Bhkatapur, tourists arefacing lots of problems (Hotel and restaurants, recreation center, tourist guideand transportation and physical facilities). Therefore well-managed tourismindustry should be launched as soon as possible.