Possibilities of Tourism in Nepal

Fewa Taal, Pokhara

Tourism is to visit any other country or place for recreation, experiences and acknowledgment. People want to visit and experience new things. Nepal is small and beautiful country for tourism. Nepal has been a attractive country for tourist due to its natural beauties, historical buildings and places and cultural, biological and climatically diversity. Tourism plays a significant role in the country. Nepal is rather popular with professional travelers and bag packers. The country attracts tourists by its ancient history and fantastic beauty of nature. Attraction, access, accommodation, pleasing weather, scenic attraction, historical and cultural factors and amenities are the major elements for a perfect tourism.

There are huge possibilities of tourism in Nepal. Rural or village tourism, eco-tourism, religious tourism, cultural tourism, holiday/pleasure tourism, adventure tourism, health tourism, business/professional tourism, family visiting tourism etc. are the verities of the tourism in Nepal.The majority of the population in Nepal lives in the villages and a tourist has a possibility to stay in one of those. Village tourism has been emerged as a very new concept in the Nepalese tourism industry. Nepal is normally popular in the world for the adventure travel, white water rafting and great jungle safari, staying at the specially built resorts or the self pitched tents. He/she will be able not only to watch sidewise the life in the village, but also to participate directly in it. The way of life of resident population doesn’t change, influenced by the tourists, it remains the same. Tourists eat the dishes common to the ordinary residents, they have the possibility to take participation in the rural living.

There is one more important reason why this kind of tourism compares favorably with the traditional one. Money, spent by tourists is given straight to the population. If the rural tourism develops further, it will be able to play an important role in country’s development, decreasing the poverty level. Local administration greatly supports this kind of tourism. So, rural or village tourism is one of the major possible tourism sector in Nepal and its scope also very high.Eco-tourism, also known as Sustainable Tourism or Responsible Tourism is the latest buzz in the tourism sector of entire world. Most of the nations, be it a developing or a developed country is quite efficiently using the term "Eco-tourism" to give an extra edge to their tourism industry. Even Nepal, a tiny nation cuddling in the lap of mighty Himalayan mountain ranges is no less behind. Despite all its recent political turmoil, Nepal is constantly working hard to develop itself as a famous eco-tourism destination of world. Tourism industry of Nepal has expanded its horizon in the name of eco-tourism. Eco tourism or ecological tourism can be defined as "nature-based travel to relatively undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education." This form of tourism is considered as a conservation tool to encourage local people, tourists, government and private agencies or tour operators to protect natural treasures of the nation. Eco-tourism's main emphasis is on those areas which are rich in biodiversity and have unique cultural heritage. Nowadays, even vacationers are also more inclined towards eco-tourism. As this form of tourism provides an ample of scope to have a close look on the various charms of 'Mother Nature'. Holidaymakers now believes that a sojourn amidst the natural treasures is the best way to rejuvenate one's mind, body and soul. In Nepal, religion permeates every facet of life with festivals, daily rituals, family celebrations and religious observances. At every step one can see temples and shrines, processions and devotional music. Although Nepal is famous as the world’s only Hindu Nation, it is an intricate and beautiful tapestry woven of Hinduism, Buddhism and other faiths loving together in tolerance and harmony.Cultural tourism is the subset of tourism concerned with a country or region's culture, specifically the lifestyle of the people in those geographical areas, the history of those peoples, their art, architecture, religions, and other elements that helped shape their way of life. Cultural tourism includes tourism in urban areas, particularly historic or large cities and their cultural facilities such as museums and theatres. It can also include tourism in rural areas showcasing the traditions of indigenous cultural communities (i.e. festivals, rituals), and their values and lifestyle. It is generally agreed that cultural tourists spend substantially more than standard tourists do. This form of tourism is also becoming generally more popular throughout the world, and the role cultural tourism can play in regional development in different world regions.

Nepal is blessed with one of the richest cultures in the world. Culture has been called 'the way of life for an entire society'. The statement holds particularly true in case of Nepal where every aspect of life, food, clothing and even occupations are culturally guided. The culture of Nepal includes the codes of manners, dress, language, rituals, norms of behavior and systems of belief.The possibility of tourism is high due to the different cultural diversity. The culture of Nepal is a unique combination of tradition and novelty. The traditions are followed as they were and new customs are created to keep pace with the changing times. Culture in Nepal is an assemblage of music, architecture, religion and literature. The mountain kingdom of Nepal is multi-ethic and multi-lingual. The land is rich with unique cultural groups like Tharu,Yadav, Ahir, Newars and others.But the major tourism activities in Nepal are, mountain climbing, trekking, bird watching, mountain flight, rock climbing, rafting/kayaking/canyoning, hot air ballooning, bungy jumping, paragliding, ultralight aircraft, mountain biking, jungle safari etc.One new concept the Nepali tourism industry seems to be adopting for the Tourism Year of 2011 is that of ‘luxury travel’. Existing hotels are turning into star hotels and new luxury hotels are popping up. Spas, resorts and other luxury services are also being embraced by Nepalese entrepreneurs in excitement of the tourism year.Nepal is going through its peace process after its 10 year long civil war. The political leaders have envisioned “Nepal Tourism Year” as a part of their plan in bringing about rapid economic expansion. This mega event in the Nepalese tourism sector is an attempt to harness the tremendous possibilities of tourism in Nepal.Also, the declaration of tourism year has tried to incorporate the expertise and dynamicity of the government, private sector, organizations (like Nepal Tourism Board) and so on. The networks of Non-Residents Nepalese have also been mobilized in promoting tourism. Various other promotional campaigns have also been organized in order to promote the Tourism Year itself.Although Nepal has been very rich in such natural beauties and cultural heritages, and the tourism sector is not well developed. As Nepal is economically poor, there is no well transportation and communication facilities which are necessary for tourism development. Due to political instability, transport and tourism industries have been affecting the cultural and historical heritages are been affected day by day due to criminal activities.