Heritage managementpracices in Pashupatinath temple: Tourism development pespective

Abstract

The proper endeavor of heritage management and its association with the boom of the tourism industry is undeniable and prerequisite of the prevailing time. UNESCO heritage sites of Nepal are considered as the lifeblood of Nepalese tourism. This study tried to analyze heritage management practices in Pashupatinath temple area from tourism development perspective as it is well-known in terms of culture, religion, history, archaeology, and natural beauty. Methodologically, this study applied quantitative approach and survey research strategy. The required data were collected by applying survey technique and self-administered questionnaires among 318 respondents (103 duty bearers, 106 beneficiaries and 109 respondents of tourists/visitors) selected randomly. The collected data were analyzed by using descriptive (percentage, central tendency) and inferential (composite index, regression, normality and correlation) statistical tools. Theoretical ideas such as system approach, social capital theory and postmodern tourism have been applied while interpreting the data. This study found that heritage management practices and tourism development in the Pashupatinath temple area have a favorable impact on each other. The heritage management of Pashupatinath temple just adds to the temple's aesthetic and magnificence, attracting millions of tourists from around the world. This study found out Hindus account for nearly one-fifth of total respondents mostly with the purpose of regular worship/prayer. Pashupati area is the place of opportunities for creating self-employment and employment opportunities to many which significantly supported by tourism development. While the cost and benefits analysis of hotel enterprises, flower and souvenir and hotel and guest house are observed, the income average of all three showed that these beneficiaries have taken Pashupatinath area as the spot of achieving economic benefits. Institutions and campaign namely PADT, BPRIP, HPCIDBC, local government BRCC have been performing the management practices from several years. The respondents are the lowest familiar to BPRIP and HPCIDBC even in local community including beneficiaries and tourists categories. This study shows respondents are highly satisfied with PADT for effectively contributing to heritage management whereas respondents are showed unhappiness with BRCC's contribution to heritage management. Even though, overall cultural heritage management practices and tourism management practices are somehow effective. However, the waste management practices, tourism marketing practices, institutional financial transparency, cost of tourism products and services are major concerns to focus and need to work on for the better management. Finally, the empirical findings of the study can be applied in knowledge level, practice level and policy level by the readers, institutions, local development stakeholders as well as tourism development planner and policy makers.