Potentiality and Challenges of Rural Tourism: A Case Study of Swargadwarikhal VDC-1, Pyuthan District, Nepal

Abstract

The study, “Potentiality and Challenges of Rural Tourism” was carried out in Swargadwarikhal VDC-1, Dhanbang Pyuthan. Three folds specific objectives of the study area are: to explore the natural and cultural attractions of this study area, assess the involvement of local people in the tourism industry; analyze the challenges, in order to develop study area as rural tourism destination. This study employed both exploratory as well as descriptive research design, so 35 households were sampled using stratified sampling from the universe of 50 households. The study was mainly based on primary information. The quantitative and qualitative primary data were collected through household survey, interview, FGD and important relevant data from secondary source. From the study, it was found that deep concern of the respondents about the potentiality of tourism was one of the major factors behind the success. The norms and values of most people, 30 respondents likes tourists from each household. 30 respondents found to be aware about the huge potentiality to attract the tourists through natural scene, 20 respondents were found unemployed and had the feeling to involve as a tourist guide in order to explore the tourism sector, 26 respondents have feeling that socio-cultural and religious values has potential to offer the tourists ,21 respondents stated about the potentiality of Home stay facilities and 20 respondents had prior awareness that, picnic spot and religious temple had great potentiality in order to attract the tourists. Development of View tower, development of leadership, awareness programme about the benefits of tourism, development of participatory attitude and desire for participating in tourism development activities, involvement in welcoming tourists were main potentiality of tourism in developing the tourism industry. Drinking water facilities, awareness to the public about tourism by establishing bonds and coordination among community members, extension of roadways, construction of view tower, developing trekking and short hiking routes, linkage with the NTB and government agencies, developing a package system to increase the tourists visiting days are recommended for the future development of tourism industry in Swargadwarikhal VDC-1.