Prospects and Problems of Tourism in Gulmi With Special Reference to Tourism in the Resunga Region

Abstract

All the countries of the world including Nepal have accepted tourism industry as a major source of earning foreign currency along with generation ofnew employment opportunities. It is the fastest growing industry among marketand sustainable future of the country. Nature has gifted Nepal with many pristineplaces which need to be kept as they are and add to their beauty and attritions, sothat Nepal might be a dream destination for the world forever. There are so many places of attraction in Nepal which draw globalattention. The Himalayas, hills, rivers, lakes, falls, streams, caves and flora andfauna. Resunga is one of the unexplored region in Gulmi district, Lumbini Zone,Western Development Region. It is a land of memorable, historical, cultural andreligious heritage overlooking the mighty Himalayan range Dhaulagiri andAnnapurna, the natural scenery, the rich flora and fauna, peaceful environment,ethnic simplicity, rich and diverse culture, clean and fresh mountain air are thesources that enchant the world in the Resunga Region. This region has high potential for tourism, particularly it is potential forvillage tourism, pilgrimage tourisms, research, educational tourism, eco-tourism,adventure tourism etc. Despite its high potentially, currently domestic tourists are the only touristwith the Indian and foreign tourist as an exception. Even local people have notstarted tourism in real sense but they are looking for initiations and programmesthat promote tourism. The local production like coffee, oranges and herbalmedicine need to be advertised stressing on their unique quality and healthfriendly features. The study is based on the interaction with the people of the vicinity. It findsout the necessity of integrated efforts for the exploration, advertisement (publicity, conservation and development of the region). It makes authentic tourist mapping ofthe potentialities and development of the sites. The data shows that 526704 tourists visited Nepal in 0207 excluding theIndian tourist. Resunga region is close to Indian border and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. If infrastructures are developed for Buddhist to attract inthe Resunga region it is sure that more than 50% of Lumbini visitors can visitResunga during summer. Hence, it becomes the center for both Buddhist pilgrimsand Hindu pilgrims. Field observation and review of the text on Resunga indicate that it ispotential for tourism. It is still in so many problems which need to be eradicatedthrough joint effort. The region is full of resources which needs to be mobilized to make theregion a center of attraction with its outstanding natural beauty and diversity thatpromote tourism