Pilgrimage tourism and economic development; A case study of Pathibhara Temple, Taplejung, nepal

Abstract

This study examines the contribution of pilgrimage tourism at Pathibhara to the economic development of Phungling Municipality specifically and Taplejung District more broadly. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research prioritized quantitative methods within a QUAN-qual framework, adopting a sequential explanatory design. Pathibhara Temple, also known as Pathibhara Devi Temple, has gained prominence as a significant sacred pilgrimage destination in Nepal. The study utilized a mixed sampling design. Initially, purposive sampling was employed to select four wards from the total 11: Wards 4 and 5 of Phungling Bazaar, and Wards 10 and 11, where the Pathibhara Temple is located, for a rapid questionnaire survey. Subsequently, random sampling was applied to draw samples from these wards, forming four compact clusters. With a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error, the study determined apurposive sample size of 120 respondents, all of whom were local residents. Among them, 65 respondents (54.2%) were male, while 55 respondents (45.8%) were female. Findings reveal that while tourism significantly contributes to income and employment generation, particularly in Phungling and surrounding areas, the benefits are unevenly distributed. Infrastructural challenges, such as delays in road and cable car projects, and issues related to syndication in transport and land and name-related disputes in projects, hinder the equitable distribution of tourism benefits. Additionally, the research identifies gaps in stakeholder coordination and highlights the need for improved transparency and stakeholder engagement to enhance the overall tourism experience. The results from quantitative analysis provide valuable insights into the local community's views on tourism and its effects. The analysis revealed that localcommunity is getting some employment opportunities and income generation activities from tourism in Pathibhara, though not in a highly significant proportion. The data also highlighted that participation in public tourism activities is notably higher during festivals, suggesting seasonal engagement. Furthermore, the potential for market expansion in Pathibhara tourism was viewed positively, particularly in the context of domestic and ecotourism. However, the findings also indicated an unequal distribution of tourism-related benefits, with larger businesses such as hotels and transport services reaping more advantages than smaller community-based sectors. These results point to the need for a more equitable approach to tourism development and benefit sharing. The study concludes that strategic improvements in infrastructure, stakeholder collaboration, and professional training are essential for optimizing tourism benefits. Recommendations include developing environmentally adaptive strategies, promoting market extension, and implementing transparent management practices to ensure sustainable growth. These measures are crucial for maximizing tourism's potential and achieving economic development across the Pathibhara region. Keywords: tourism, pilgrimage, economic contribution, Pathibhara, Nepal