Community Based Village Tourism in Nepal: A Case Study of Sirubari Village, Nepal

A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of M.Sc. in Tourism, Travel and Hospitality

Management

Submitted By: Mr. Rajiv Kumar Thakur

Roll No: TGOU/PG/363/THM/2011J

Submitted To:

Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management

The Global Open University

Nagaland, India

June 2013

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THE GLOBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY

(Established under the State Legislature and is empowered to award degrees as per UGC Act) Recognized by Distance Education Council, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India, New Delhi

Interim Headquarter: Dimapur- 797 112 Nagaland (India) www.tgouonline.com

Date: June 2013

RECOMMENDATION LETTER

This thesis entitled, Community Based Village Tourism in Nepal: A Case Study of Sirubari Village, Nepal has been completed by Mr. Rajiv Kumar Thakur under my guidance and supervision in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of M.Sc. in Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Management. I hereby forward this thesis for its final evaluation and approval.

Dr. Bandana Trivedi

Thesis Supervisor

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THE GLOBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY

(Established under the State Legislature and is empowered to award degrees as per UGC Act) Recognized by Distance Education Council, Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India, New Delhi

Interim Headquarter: Dimapur- 797 112 Nagaland (India) www.tgouonline.com

Date: June 2013

APPROVAL LETTER

This is certify that the dissertation entitled, Community Based Village Tourism in Nepal: A Case Study of Sirubari Village, Nepal written and submitted by Mr. Rajiv Kumar Thakur student of The Global Open University, Nagaland, India has been examined. It has been declared successful for fulfillments of the academic requirements toward the completion of M.Sc. in Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Management.

Evaluation Committee

Dr. Bandana Trivedi Dr. Azaharul Haque

Thesis Supervisor External Examiner

Dr. Avinash Chiranjivee

Head of Department

Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management

The Global Open University

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my greatest heartfelt and sincere gratitude to Dr. Bandana Trivedi, the Research Supervisor of this thesis for this invaluable support and guidance in preparing this thesis. I cordially appreciate his active efforts, inspiring guidance and precious suggestions during the writing and preparation of this thesis; and heartily acknowledge his for his expertise and through instruction enabling me to complete this dissertation from conceptualization to realization to the present shape.

I am also thankful to Ms. Jaya Ayer Director of Indian institute of ecology and environment, New Delhi, India whose support was quite instrumental to produce this manuscript in the present form. Similarly, my thanks go to Mr. Surendra Kumar Yadav who has provided his invaluable time for guidance and cooperation to complete this dissertation.

I am thankful to the Global Open University, Nagaland for the chances and opportunity to complete Msc in Tourism, Travel and Hospitality Management through distance learning education. I am also thankful to Mr Jum Bahadur Gurung and villagers of sirubari to complete my dissertation.

My sincere acknowledgement goes to various organizations, NTB, VDC, TDCS that were so kind as to give me the necessary materials, Data's and providing moral support and encouragement to pursue this dissertation.

I am very thankful to my family for their moral support, encouragement and persistent logistic support and cooperation in completing my degree. Similarly my sincere thanks are due to my sister Dr. Manisha Bhardwaj for assisting me in my study.

Last but not the least, I would like to thanks my close friend Mr. Anil Kumar Tabdar who helped me in Data collection and much more without his valuable support this thesis could not been completed. I therefore thanks all those who have directly and indirectly helped me to complete this thesis.

Finally, any errors and omissions in this dissertation are entirely mine.

June 2013 Mr. Rajiv Kumar Thakur

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AN ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION

This paper draws upon case-study research assessing the monitoring and evaluation of a community-based tourism programme in Sirubari in the mountain region of central Nepal. To date, little attention has been given to the importance of monitoring and evaluation in community-based tourism. Whilst the number of community-based tourism projects and programmes have increased world-wide, including Nepal, there is a dearth of research on how these programmes are monitored and evaluated to ensure maximum economic benefits to local individuals as well as to the wider community, while conserving the natural environment and socio-culture in community destinations. Monitoring and evaluation of community-based tourism is important as it gives an overall view of the tourism allowing project management authorities to take any necessary action required for further improvement whilst keep the local people informed. Nevertheless, in general comprehensive monitoring and evaluation programmes of community-based tourism by involving local inhabitants are lacking. Likewise, in the case of Sirubari, although the community-based tourism programme may be considered successful from the perspective of forest conservation, local participation, community development and visitors experience, the research findings indicate that little thought has been given to how the programme is monitored and evaluated with due consideration of end processes, particularly to the benefit of more people in the community. These findings indicate the need for developing monitoring programmes which include the core strategies for long term as well as short period action plans for programme sustainability. Mr. Rajiv Kumar Thakur

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Pagei

Recommendation.ii

Thesis Approval..iii

Acknowledgements.iv

An abstract of the dissertation..v

Table of Contentsvi

List of Figures...viii

List of Tables..ix

List of Abbreviations...x

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION.1

1.1 Background....................................................................................................................1

1.2 Focus of the tudy............................................................................................................4

1.3 Statement of the Problem ..............................................................................................5

1.4 Objective of Study.........................................................................................................5

1.5 Significance of the Study...............................................................................................6

1.6 Limitation of the Study .................................................................................................6

1.7 Methodology..6

1.8 Organization of Study....................................................................................................7

CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................8

2.1 Theoretical Review8

2.2 Review of related study...............................16

2.3 Conceptual Framework....24

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CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....29 3.1 Selection of the study area...29

3.2 Nature and types of study....................29

3.3 Research design...................29

3.4 Sources of data.30

3.5 Methods of primary data collection.30

3.6 Data analysis and interpretation ..30

3.7 Limitation of the Methodology31

3.8 Sample size of study....................................31

3.9 Research Questions..32

3.10 Experiences during the field work.32

CHAPTER IV: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS.33

4.1 Data Presentation and Analysis...33

4.2. Data presentation....33

4.3 Data analysis33

4.4 Analysis of data obtained from the local people of sirubari....35

4.5 Analysis of data obtained from the tourist who visited sirubari village..44

4.6 Major findings of the study.51

CHAPTER V: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.53

5.1 Summary..53

5.2 Conclusion...54

5.3 Recommendation.55

REFRENCES...56

APPENDIX I: Questionnaires for the villagers sirubari..59 APPENDIX II: Questionnaires for the tourist who visit the sirubari village.......62 APPENDIX III: Photograph of sirubari village 64

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List of Figures

Figure No. 2.1 Tourism management and operational modality of Sirubari 23

Figure No. 2.2: Sustainable community based tourism26

Figure No. 2.3: conceptual framework of community based village tourism...27

Figure No. 4.1 Data Distribution...34

Figure No. 4.2 Tourist satisfied from villager's hospitality...39

Figure No. 4.3 Tourism contribution in poverty reductions..40

Figure No. 4.4 Making and selling traditional handicrafts42

Figure No. 4.5 Purpose of visit..44

Figure No. 4.6 How did visitors find about sirubari village..45

Figure No. 4.7 Cooperation and friendliness of villagers toward tourist...46

Figure No. 4.8 Satisfied by the hospitality of villagers.46

Figure No. 4.9 Visitors activities during the period of stay...47

Figure No. 4.10 Tourist intension about revisit the sirubari village.48

Figure No. 4.11 Main attractions of sirubari village..48

Figure No. 4.12 Service cost of homestay.49

Figure No. 4.13 Which region you belong from50

Figure No. 4.14 visitors satisfied with the homestay service of sirubari village...50

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List of Tables

Table No. 2.1 Visitor's arrival in Sirubari 1998 to 201223

Table No. 3.1 Sample size and respondent32

Table No. 4.1 Data Distribution.34

Table No. 4.2 Main occupation of local peoples...35

Table No. 4.3 motivational factors to involve in tourism business...36

Table No. 4.4 characteristic of sirubari village liked by tourist.36

Table No. 4.5 Accommodation capacity at locals home...37

Table No. 4.6 Role of local community in tourism development..37

Table No. 4.7 Organizations in decision making for tourism development in Nepal...38

Table No. 4.8 Positive impact of tourism on community..39

Table No. 4.9 Negative impact of tourism on community40

Table No. 4.10 villagers average range of monthly income..41

Table No. 4.11 Total no. of employees is working in the homestay.41

Table No. 4.12 Main attraction of sirubari43

Table No. 4.13 Future plan for tourism attracting in sirubari43

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List of Abbreviation

CBNRM Community-Based Natural Resources Management

CBT Community Based Tourism

CBVTM Community-Based Village Tourism Management

DDC District Development Committee

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GNP Gross National Product

HDI Human Development Index

INGO International Non-governmental Organization

ICIMOD International Center for Integrated Mountain Development

NGO Non-governmental Organization

NTB Nepal Tourism Board

NVR Nepal Village Resorts

PG Post Graduate

PATA Pacific Asia Tourism Association

RD Rural Development

SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

SECAM Secretariat for Eastern African Coastal Area Management

TDMC Tourism Development and Management Committee

TGOU The Global Open University

THM Tourism and Hospitality Management

TRPAP Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Program

VDC Village Development Committee

WTO World Tourism Organization

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CHAPTER: I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Throughout history, people have traveled for many different reasons. Tourism as an industry, however, began to flourish after the Second World War, with per capita incomes in the developed countries increasing significantly and the development of efficient mass air transport. The tourism industry is the largest in the world and is a complex one. The demands of international tourists, the consumers- and of international destinations, the producers - are bridged by the tourism industry. The industry consists of a wide range of enterprises supporting the mass movement of people across varied areas within a country and across international boundaries, including a variety of wholesale and retail outlets for hotels, airlines, tour operators, etc. The tourism industry sells a unique product, often called an invisible export. The product may be sold and consumed locally, but foreigners, i.e., the external market, consume it. Nepal is one such popular destination for tourists from all over the world (ICIMOD, 1995:6).

Tourism is also a source of employment. It is a highly labor-intensive industry offering employment to both the semi-skilled and the unskilled. Being a service industry, it creates employment opportunities for the local population. It is a major source of income- an employment for individuals in many places deficient in natural resources, which cannot readily contribute to the economic prosperity of the area except through the medium of tourism. This aspect of provision of employment becomes more important in a developing country where the level of unemployment and underemployment tends to be high. Besides, providing employment to a large number of people, tourism can be the instrument of regional policy aimed at achieving an equitable balance between major industrial areas and the rest of the country. Tourism enables to be transferred in part to another (Bhatia, 2000; ix).

Tourism is one of the most thriving industries in Nepal. It is the large foreign currency earner and employment provider. The sector has provided good employment opportunities to a large number of people both skilled and unskilled. It is due to these reasons that tourism industry is one of the successful stories in the development of Nepal's tourism industry. Nepal is beautiful destination for international tourists. The snow-capped mountains, rich culture of Nepalese, scenic places, rivers, lakes, flora and fauna, historical monuments, different religious beliefs, bilingual, and hospitable people are the main attractions for the foreign visitors.

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Nepal- located in South Asia is one of the small countries in the World. It is situated between big Countries like China and India. It is land locked, specially called India locked country, because only north side is bounded by China other three sides bounded by India. Its total Area is 1, 47,181 sq. k.m. In addition, spread over 80004 to 88012 east longitude and 20022 to 30027 north altitude.

Topographically, Nepal is divided into three regions: The Himalayan region, Mountain region and Terai Region. The Himalayan region account for about 15 percent of the total land area and altitude 4,877m- 8,848m and including 8 of 14 highest summits in the world; where exceed an altitude of 8,000m peaks such as Mt.Everest, Mt Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and others. Mountain region accounts for about 68 percent of the total land area has an altitude range up to 4,877m from chure - Siwalik range. Terai region, the low land Terrain occupies about 17 percent of total land area of the country. By another ways, the country is divided based on watershed area, in three Zones, as Koshi, Gandaki and Karnakli. Politically the country is separated into five-development region, 14 Zones and 75 districts. There are 56 municipalities and 3913 VDC in the country.

Nepal has immense diversity in natural and socio- cultural aspect. Nepal is occupying only 0.03 percent parts of the earth but have home to 2 percent of all the flowering plants in the world. 8 percent of the world population of birds (more than 848 species) 4 percent of mammals of earth, 11 of worlds 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species), 600 indigenous plants families, 319 species of exotic orchids (Nepal guide book, NTB, 2003). The number of total population is 2, 31, 51,423 are living more than 60 ethnic groups and 70 language speakers reside in Nepal.

The country is the place of several world-listed heritage, such like worlds highest summit Mt. Everest, Hanuman Dhoka, (Kathmandu Durbar square), Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swambhunath, Chitwan national park, Lumbini. It is the boron and home place of world famous and religious hero: King Janak, Sita, Gautam Buddha, Araniko and brave Gurkhas.

Being natural paradise, Nepal was region of attraction from ancient time. As puran and epics, Pashupatinath and Muktinath are famous pilgrimages of Hindus. Many Hindu religious people used to visit Nepal for pilgrimage from India since ancient time. In the modern context visiting from outside hade began to Nepal from eighteenth century .In 1772 AD Abdul Kadik Khan and Hi-Dankun had come as English representative in the country .In 1807 a group of 50 lead by Captain Max along with Dr.Hamiltan had visited Nepal. At the time of Rana ruler's was strictly regulated and limited for foreign visitors to Nepal. So only 153 people has visited during the period of 1807 to 1844 AD.

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After the treaty of Sugaulee a British residence was appointed in Kathmandu. Dr.Wallich visited Nepal in 1817 and carried on his Botanical researches for a year (Lamsal, 1997).Sir Brain Holson, Sir Joseph Hooker Traveled the country for Botanical Survey and collection of the Nepal's flora and fauna. King Goerge V came for his famous shoot (hunting) in Nepal's Tarai in 1911. The Prince of Wales visited Nepal in 1921 on the invitation of Rana prime minister. These visits were only for hunting and research purpose (Wagle, 2005).

By the geographical panorama, variety of flora and fauna, and other socio- cultural phenomenon, Nepal is became so beautiful country, and anybody outsider may feel such like a piece of heaven. Despite the all of natural and cultural resources, the country is not prospering in the economic aspect. There is only 17 percent arable land but not been proper utilized and 33 percent cover forest and woodland out of one total area. Nepal is also based rural dominated economic condition. More than 80 percent people of the country live in village area holding agricultural occupation and nearly 39.0 percent part of total GDP contributed by agricultural sector. GNP in FY 2002/03 at current producers' price was Rs 454.93 billion. Growth rate was only 2.7 percent in that year. Per-capital income is 250 U.S. $ (Economic survey-2004). Human Develop Index lies at 129 ranking in the world, 42 percent people are below the poverty line (HDI-1998). According the economic indicators, Nepal has been ranking one of the poorest countries of the world.

However, the country is not poor in naturally and other development potentiality. The main cause for poorness of the country is lack of proper utilization of natural resource, failing to exploit available potentialities etc. Nepal was not success to gain expected progress in the economic development in before, even the normal situation. Now, it is, moreover suffered by violence and political instability. The country is facing great crisis in every aspect is sinking is vicious circle.

Tourism sector is one most important sector of economy to overcome country from vicious circle and poverty. It is not only contributed to earn of foreign currency, helps to develop small cottage industries and creates the opportunities to employment. US $ 168100000 foreign exchange was generated from tourism in 1999AD. By 4, 81, 04 tourist were visited Nepal in the period and 80 thousands of people are employed in this sector. It has shared 15.9 percent earning of total foreign currency and 3.6 percent in GDP in the year. This sector is severally victimized by the unsecured condition of the country. That is caused to downward rate was 23 percent of visitors and 23.8 percent revenue in 2003 A.D. (Economic Survey, 2003).

Tourism being important sector in the economy, it is rapidly increasing than the other sector of world trade. The international tourist arrivals increased from 25,282 thousand in 1950 to 616,635 thousand in 1997 with an average annual growth of about 7 percent up to forecast the number of international arrivals is expected to reach US $937 million by 2010 A.D. (WTO, 1998). The receipt from international tourism was US$ 2100 million in 1995, that

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has increased to US$ 448,265 million in 1997 with an increase of 12.1 percent annual growth rate (WTO 1998), That is growing faster than world trade in 1980.

With worldwide increasing trend of tourism, Nepal should catch that opportunity that would comparably benefits to our economy. The country can improve the economy from advancing the sector by using her potential resources of tourism. So Nepal holds great prospective of tourism. There is need of suitable plan and policy for required management and marketing. The country has done some efforts for promotion tourism but those are not enough. Various beautiful destinations have not visualized and presented for tourism perspective, which would help to develop the economy of the concern destination.

Nepal is predominantly a rural society with rich cultural and ethnic diversity. Community based village tourism and home stays are part of ecotourism. It offers unique opportunity for comfortable cultural immersion. Sirubari village is a model village that introduces the concept of community based village tourism in Nepal and the Gurung indigenous people are main inhabitant of the village. Rural tourism is one the immense areas of entire tourism industry and one of the flourishing areas in the recent years. It is my assumption that when the world becomes increasingly homogenous, indigenous culture will become increasingly important for tourist to provide differentiation and authenticity. Furthermore, village tourism provides the stronger driver to restore, protect and promote traditional culture. It is necessary to examine village tourism as a new institution, how it will change and perhaps destroy traditional culture in an effort to run it into a commercial product.

1.2 Focus of the Study

This study aims to focus on the community based village tourism and its influence over the Gurung society and culture. The Gurung peoples are one of the major indigenous groups. However, they still dont have much cultural recognition like other indigenous groups. After the introduction of community based village tourism program, the Gurung peoples are gaining popularity in the Sirubari Village. The fascinating Gurung culture is the centre of attraction of visitors in the Sirubari village. Villagers are found more enthusiastic to welcome tourists to their home because it helps them to get empowered socially and economically. On the other hand, some influences on the traditional culture have been realized in that duration. Thus, the study also attempts to examine the rural tourism impact on Sirubari village, impact of tourism on the Gurung indigenous culture including a consideration of the impact on the Gurung endangered language, Assessing the features and attractions of Sirubari. And observe the current trend of tourist inflow in the sirubari village.

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1.3 Statement of the Problem

Tourism is an important sector to generate revenue in one hand and employment on the other for the sustainable development in the national economy. Tourism is emerging as the most viable industry of Nepal which has been providing skilled and unskilled jobs to many unemployed people and has helped to reduce rampant poverty in the country. Tourism not only brings foreign currency but also other things such as changes in attitude and behavior of people. It also has some negative impacts in the society. They are forgetting their own culture and are copying the imported modern cultures and behaviors. In the present, the basic goals of rural tourism are minimizing negative impacts, and maximizing benefits for the local people and their natural environment, while providing positive experiences to visitors Nepal is a multiethnic, multilingual, multi religious country. Every culture possesses its own type of attitude, norms values, perspectives and perceptions of the society. In the general observation, some cultures are dynamic and progressive and some others are static and conservative under the similar circumstances in terms of climate, geography and resources. In our societies, we can find these types of diverse cultures playing significant role in the development activities such as women empowerment and building of local infrastructure. The Gurung people in the Sirubari got involved into various cultural activities after the program was launched. Now they grasp the good business opportunity and they developed the village as a prime location of tourist stay. The indigenous communities and the tourism products across Nepal are more or less same but they are deriving the benefit from the similar opportunity in very different proportion. There are many indigenous groups in the country but they are marginalized because culture is the influencing factor. It is resource for development and sometimes it could be barrier. It is very essential to find out whether culture is the influencing factor and how does the culture matter in the general.

1.4 Objectives of the study

General objective:

The general objectives of the study are mainly to evaluate the current trends of tourist's inflow relatively to national level and highlighting the potentiality of tourism in sirubari village.

Specific objectives:

Analyze the role of village tourism to promote the culture and Tradition local community.

Assessing the features and attractions of Sirubari. To identify the rural tourism impacts on sirubari. Recommend suggestions on policies and plans for the development of community

based village tourism in Sirubari.

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1.5 Significance of the study

Tourism being a major and important source of foreign exchange earner has an important role in economic development in least developed country like Nepal. With the development of this sector, employment opportunities will increase and Nation can be benefited directly and indirectly. Taking into account this fact Nepal Government has adopted policy of expanding and promotional activities related to tourism in the district. The fact that tourism industry occupies important place in Nepal and that Nepal government putting efforts to level based development of this sector is exhibited by Nepal government declared and celebrated in 1998 as 'Visit Nepal Year', in 2005 Destination Nepal and in 2011 Tourism Year 2011. Expansion and explanation of more tourism destination and resources will help to attract more number of tourists. This sector will be benefited by tourism promotional activities adopted by central level and local level. This case study of Sirubari Village will help to think and do about tourism promotion program and plan for government, other stakeholders and develop as famous tourism destination.

1.6 Limitation of the Study

The present study covers the tourist area namely Sirubari which is located on the western development region.

This is completely an academic work; as such there are enormous challenges during field work.

It may not be applicable to all villages in Nepal because of its geographical situation and the unique characteristic features of Gurung community, which sometimes may be same as of others.

The study will fully dependent upon the field visit inspection as well as interviews, data and response of local people of the study area which will conduct in 2012/13.

The study has few literature reviews. This study focuses on tourism of shyangja district.

1.7 Methodology

The research design is case study type. Data, information, and facts used both are primary and secondary. This study is conducted by generating primary data as well as secondary data. In order to collect secondary information concerned people was consulted. Secondary information was taken from Nepal tourism Board, related documents from Ministry of Tourism, Department of tourism, National planning Commission, for required information and data. Various bulletins and booklets on tourism and media source like newspaper, Radio, Internet were also consulted. Local tourist hotel owners, Hotel managers, local journalists, intellectuals, Politicians were also consulted for that.

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The primary data and information is taken by questionnaire and interview method from local tourist hotel, tourist visitors' .For primary data, 25 Home stay owners of Sirubari village and 75 Tourists' visitors were selected through convenience sampling for interview during the survey. Almost data are analyzed and described in different chapter.

Data and information have analyzed mainly by descriptive method. Some aspects of this thesis are used quantitative method by applying statistical tools; Rate value of average, percentage, and mean and linear correlation, regression models and statically tests. Approaches of analysis are both quantitative and qualitative types.

1.8 Organization of the Study

This thesis is present the overview of the development of village tourism in Nepal and its impact on traditional Gurung culture. It is organized into five different chapters:

The first chapter 'introduction' has included background introduction, focus of the study, statement of the problem, and objectives of the study, significance of the study and limitation of the study.

The second chapter contains 'Review of literature' in which the review of the books, journals and previous thesis has been done.

The third chapter deals with 'Research methodology' it include the information on research design, data collection procedure, data analysis tools etc adopted during the study.

The fourth chapter is the main body of research and includes data presentation and analysis of the traditional culture of indigenous Gurung of sirubari village.

The fifth chapter includes conclusion of the study. It also includes finding and some valuable recommendations in the summarized form, references and appendices.

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CHAPTER II

LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction

This study attempt to empirical review of literature regarding Community Based Village Tourism in Nepal: A Case Study of Sirubari Village, Nepal. This section carry mainly three parts, first theoretical review of the study, second is Review of related study and finally conceptual framework of the study has been presented in this study.

2.1 Theoretical Review

The word 'tourism' is derived from French word 'Tourisme' consists of all those aspects of travel through which people learn about each other's way of life. Tourism is defined and explained various ways; according to Hunziker and Krapt: it is the sum of the phenomenon and relationship arising from the travel and stay of non-residents in so for as they do not lead to permanent residents and has not connected with any earning activities. It means tourism is a temporary travel and staying in any place by people. It is temporary movement of people to destinations outside their normal places of work and residence. The activities undertaken during their stay in those destinations facilities catch their needs. To be tourist there should be journey from own native place. As the dictionary of universe, the tourist is a person who made journey for the fun of curiosity, for the fun of traveling or just to tell others that he has traveled, in this way tourist is that who travel and goes to journey without their compulsion for satisfaction and pleasure (Dahal, 2060 BS ;).

According to Bhatia (2000 AD) - tourism is also being recognized as a source of employment, it is a highly labor intensive industry. Being a service industry, it takes employment opportunities for local population. It has economic importance helps to reduce economic inequalities. It enables the wealth earned in the part of the country to be transferred in part to another.

Bhatia (2000 AD) further explains in his 'Tourism Development, Principles and Practice' besides economic benefit to a country, by way of earning foreign exchange and employment generation tourism also makes a tremendous contribution to the improvement of social and political understanding. Travel in different countries fosters a better rapport between people in various stocks. Personal international contacts have always been an important way of spreading ideas about other cultures. Tourism is those an important means of promoting cultural exchange and international cooperation. The experiences gained through travel have a profound effect upon the life of the individual as well as open society as a whole. Travel exercises very healthy influence on international understanding and appreciation of other people's life (Bhatia 2000 AD).

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Tourism those is highly complex phenomenon, it is an important human activity of great significance in addition to economic significance it has socio-cultural, educational and political significance as well. As mass phenomenon and essentially social nature, tourism can longer be viewed as a triangle activity, both in the use it makes of time, space, and its relationship with the production of goods and services. Tourism has become one of the pivotal concerns of nations and of the international community (Bhatia 2000; ix).

Tourism is a package of activities consists certain components, according to Bhatia, three of when may be considered as basic. These three basic components of tourism are transport locale and accommodation. A tourist in order to get its destination has to travel and therefore some mode of transport is necessary for this. This mode of transport may be motorcars, coach, airplane, a ship or a train, which enables travelers to reach his predetermined destination. The locale may be used to include the holiday destination and it offers to the tourist. The holiday destination may offer natural attractions like sunshine, scenic beauty or sporting facilities etc at these attractions. Accommodation is another basic component, which is essential for providing food and rest. After having reached destination, a tourist must have some kind of accommodation, which provides him food and sleep (Bhatia 2000 AD).

According to Robinson, the attractions of tourism are, largely, geographical in their character. Location and accessibility are important. Physical space may be thought of as a component for. There are those who seek the wilderness and solitude, scenario or landscape is a compound of landforms, water and the vegetation and has an aesthetic and recreational value. Climatic conditions, especially in relation to the amount of sunshine, temperature and participation are of special significance. Animal life may be an important attraction, firstly, in relation to birds watching or viewing game in their natural habitat; secondly for sporting purposes, e.g. fishing and hunting. Man's impact on the natural landscape in the form of his settlements historical monuments and archeological remaining is also a major attraction. Finally, a variety of cultural features ways of folklore, an artistic expression etc. provides valuable attractions to many.

In addition to, three basic components of tourism namely- transport, locale and accommodation, there are certain elements or ingredients of tourism. These elements predispose towards tourism development. These elements which are the fundamental attractions of tourism are:

i) Pleasing weather ii) Scenic attractions iii) Historical and cultural factors iv) Accessibility v) Amenities vi) Accommodation (Bhatia 2000 AD).

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Tourism sector covers very vague scope of traveling activities. So there are various kinds of purpose, style and activities in that field. Those kinds of activities are classified as types of tourism. Although there is no one accepted way of classifying different types of tourism, one could classifying tourism into four general types namely leisure tourism (shopping, general observation) , recreational tourism (mountaineering, fishing, trekking, rafting etc.), cultural tourism(archaeological, historical sites)and eco-tourism (birds and wild life watching, photography, scenery, scientific tourism etc.) (ICIMOD, 1995). A type of tourism is classified as Dahal Om Prasad in his work 'Rural tourism (2060BS) as international tourism, domestic tourism. Tourism also classified based on purpose and destination. It is classified as 1) Eco-tourism 2) Recreational Tourism 3) Cultural and Religious Tourism 4) Historical Tourism 5) Agro-Tourism6) Adventure Tourism 7) Health Tourism 8) Sports Tourism 9) Business and conference Tourism 10) Space Tourism etc.

The concept of mountain tourism highlighted by study of ICIMOD on mountain enterprises and infrastructure at the title of "Mountain tourism in Nepal" as that mountain tourism would be composed of recreational tourism, cultural tourism and eco-tourism. Recently the concept of eco-tourism has gained much ground. For tourism and natural areas, recently a new concept, eco-tourism is introduced and usage of this concept is simple to understand. In the past few years, many definitions of eco-tourism have been introduced. The definition varies from a description of nature tourism to a broader definition whereby not only the activities of the tourists are involved but also elements such as the conservation of eco-system and sustainable development (Kunwar, 1997).

"Eco- tourism seems to be a catchword that means many things to many people. To some it means ecologically sound tourism. To others, it is synonymous with nature tourism. Eco- tourism is both the things but it must go a step further. It must be a force for sustaining natural resources. Eco- tourism is nature travel that advances conservation and sustainable development efforts. It seems that the development of the eco- tourism concept has led to a concept based on the desire to have ideal tourism term like most be and should be in these definitions indicate this desire. There is however almost no indication on what ideal is and how the development of this ideal situation should be organized (Kunwer, 1997). According to father of eco- tourism, Prof. Lars Eric Indblad." Eco- tourism is a multi-disciplinary equity approach where all disciplines can be allies rather than inevitable adversary and can avoid negative dimensions".

Recent evidence further reveals that Nepal's capacity to realize the full benefits from tourism are below optimum, primarily because of the overall low level of development in the country, including import substitution industries. The scope for enlarging the tourism sector to generate more income and employment is believed to be enormous. The natural beauty of Nepal, especially in the northern half of the country that possesses many natural wonders, has not been subject to development. Tourism development in these 'niche' of natural wonders can generate income and employment to mitigate the rampant poverty of such

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areas. Proper planning can help link mountain development with tourism development, and the scope for providing income and employment in the mountain areas can be greatly enhanced (ICIMOD, 1995).

There is, however, a need to exercise caution in the development of the fragile environments of the hills and mountains. Although trekking and mountaineering tourism have had visible positive effects in terms of employment and income generation, tourism has also generated negative effects that are serious in some areas. Many lessons have been learned from tourism activities in the hill and mountain areas; thus, past mistakes should not be repeated while developing new areas for trekking and mountaineering tourism. The benefits resulting from tourism have also not spread widely due to poor planning of tourism development. In order to realize greater benefits from tourism and to minimize its negative effects in the mountain areas, it is necessary to see mountain areas in terms of their different environmental resources and their economic value (Baskota K1995; 2).

The main reason for the low returns from tourism in the mountain areas has been due to an under-valuing of the environmental resources that the mountains harbor. Many of these resources are unique and have no substitute, so that, theoretically, the scarcity value of such resources should be high. Another related problem is the lack of integration of mountain development and mountain tourism. Tourism development in the mountain areas should not be undertaken in isolation from mountain development. Mountain tourism is but one important dimension of overall mountain development. Given that the mountain environment is endowed with unique resources, it should be conserved for future generations. Hence, environmental conservation has to be the guiding philosophy of overall mountain development, including trekking, mountaineering, and other forms of development (Baskota and Sharma, 1995).

The benefits derived from mountain tourism have also been wanting. Benefits have been realized primarily in terms of income and employment but more significant benefits based on the value of the environmental resources remain to be realized. The concentration of tourists in some mountain pockets, the seasonal nature of mountain tourism, and lack of integration of tourism with the local economy are important issues that warrant concern about the distribution of benefits from tourism. (Baskota K and Sharma B, 1995).The economy and environment of the mountain areas need to be developed in a well-integrated manner. The mountain environment cannot be expected to sustain the continuous growth of tourism. The capacity of the environment to sustain economic development in the mountains has to be better understood. The complementary nature of environment and investment has to be studied and planned.

Remedial actions and a code of conduct have been formulated, but the fact that negative impacts, or excess stress, on the carrying capacity continues to occur indicates the failure of existing policies or their ineffective enforcement. Furthermore, in some mountain areas

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visited by the tourists, tourism management is entirely absent. This has not helped local people to realize greater benefits from tourism, nor has the effects on the environment been monitored. Thus, effective policy and institutional frameworks are necessary to conserve the environment as well as to promote income and employment in such areas (Baskota k and Sharma B, 1995).

Human History of traveling very old and probably immemorial, it is hard to say where people first started traveling to enjoy the Mother Nature. However with increased urbanization and the introduction of faster mode of transport coupled with or raised in the west, which gave rise to tourism as one of largest industries in the world. The important point here is that one person's enjoyment becomes the livelihood for others (Bhatia, 2000).

Men since antiquity have been innovative traveler in ancient times. The main motivations were trade, pilgrimage and conquest. The Renaissance aroused a new spirit of inquiry. Travel became the means of acquiring culture in Europe. The tradition of grand tour when started in the seventeenth century by the aristocracy of Europe was more firmly established in the 18th century and 19th century by the emergence of alleviant mercantile classes. Another by the product of The Renaissance was the spirit of adventure and discovery as the new motivation for travel. Columbus, Marco polo, Vastodagama and Sir Francis Drake were few names who extended the horizons of the word (Wagley, 2005)

Until the First World War, travel was still the privilege of small segment of the society. The First World War had kept the people in the cabin and confined for four years. Because of it obstructed travel in the inter-war years. After that, travel for pleasure stated thereby transformation of travel into tourism began. That era of organized tourism had started (Bhatia 2000).

After the Second World War, Europe lay in ruins. The Marshal Plan that was introduced by USA for the revival of the European countries made tourism ones of its plans. It provided several billion dollars for the reconstruction of hotel and tourism infrastructure of Western Europe. Tourism for the first time was viewed as an engine for economic development, official tourist organization at the national and international level was established in most of the European countries (Wagley 2000).

Various writers have studied about tourism in the global prospective Alvar W. Carlson (1980) studied tourism under the topic of "Geographical research on international and domestic tourism." According to him, tourism is a worldwide industry, which has become important at all levels of economic development. Tourism was considered by academician, for decades, to be primarily an economic activity. Geographers and others in 1970 turned largely to amazing the impact upon cultures and the physical environments of the destinations areas. The common goal is careful planning of future tourism development. Tourism Master Plan (1972) highlighted potentiality tourism in Nepal as scenery beauties of

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the natural environment are regarded, as it is new raw material for tourism, owing the geographical setting. Nepal display an environmental spectrum of unmatched variety ranging from the tropical Jungle belt to high alpine region abandoned of extremely scenic landscape embarrassing richly varied wealth of recreational resources. It is those unique with features some of earths most spectaculars tourist attractions. The magnificent mountain mass of the Himalayas is lure for not only world's mountaineers but also representation of fundamental asserts to recreational use and an important factor for cultural tourism. The mid-altitude region set against the Snow-capped peaks and comprising the traditional zone of cultural and civilization after a scenic potential suitable for recreation oriented tourism. The master plan explained about plenty ness of recreational resources in like mountain range and scenic beauties.

Cultural tourism is another potential sector of tourism in Nepal. The study for the Tourism Master plan (1972) shows given the present situation where more than 90 percent of all international visitors are attracted by cultural potential of Katmandu valley concludes that cultural tourism playa the most important role in Nepal. Cultural resources of potential use for tourism exists though in less spectacular, a combination of northern and southern Asian culture representing no less than six major ethnic streams, a few dozens of dialects, three major languages and two religions. It explained cultural heritages for tourism attracting as an important resources for tourism in Nepal.

Shrestha (1999) in her Ph. D. dissertation Tourism in Nepal; Problems and Prospects, has identified the basic problems of tourism in Nepal. The study also highlighted tourism industry having great prospects in Nepal. The study has observed that the average growth rate of tourist arrival in Nepal from 1975 to 1997 is 7.27 percent per annum. As regards that arrival from SAARC countries, the highest numbers of visitors come from India while arrival from other SAARC countries is around 1 percent or even less than that. It reveals that Nepal has not been able to promote regional tourism and has relied on heavily only a few countries. Nepal's share in international arrival rose from 0.04 percent in 1975 to 0.07 percent in 1997. On the other hand, the share of South Asia has increased from 5.91 percent to 9.27 percent during the same period.

By increment of tourism, activities it develops as an important part of economics sector not remain only cultural recreation matters. 'International Tourism' receipts grow faster than world trade (i.e. commercial services and merchandise exports) in 1980. They now constitute a higher proportion value of world export than all sectors other than crude petroleum products and motor vehicles parts/accessories (The Qsoblal tourism forecast to the year 2000 AD beyond, the world 1995 vii). The international tourists arrivals increased from 25, 282 thousand in 1950 to 616,635 thousand in 1997 with an average annual growth of about 700 percent' world tourism organization (WTO) forecasts the number of international arrivals is expected to reach 2010. The receipt from international tourism was

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us $ 2,100 million 1950. That increased to US$ 448,265 million in 1997 with an increment of 12.1 percent annual growth rate (WTO, 1998 AD).

The receipts from international tourism can provide a valuable source of earnings for many countries are the developed as well as developing. Although tourism is sensitive to the level of economic activity in the tourism generating country, it provides more stable earnings than primary products. The income from has tended to increase at a higher rate than merchandise exports in a number of international tourism was US $2.100 million 1950. That increased to US$448, 265 million in 1997 with an increment of 12.1 percent annual growth rate (WTO, 1998).

The receipts from international tourism can provide a valuable source of earnings for many countries are the developed as well as developing. Although tourism is sensitive to the level of economic activity in the tourism generating country, it provides more stable earnings than primary products. The income from has tended to increase at a higher rate than merchandise exports in a number of countries. There is how almost an assured channel financial flows from the richer country to the not so richer and developing ones raising the volumes export earnings and rate of economic growth. The Bhatia highlights the economic significance tourism.

'Marketing of tourism is to be understood as systemic and coordinated execution of business policy foresight undertakings whether or state owned at local, regional, national or international level to achieve on appropriate return (Dahal, 2060BS; 32)

Tourism has been growing at outstanding ratio in the recent years and now, in terms of economic volume, world's biggest and fasted growing exports industry. Many countries commence fostering the development of tourism encouraged by the high increases and potential benefits that accrue from tourism through increased income opportunities and fact that earnings in tourism can gradually impose the balance payment (Nepal: Tourism Master Plan, 1972).

'Tourism prospect in Nepal ' (Chetana august 1978), reports that the mystery filled art and cultural stupidities, the national splendors, the challenge of the snowy height of Himalayas and the lure of the peaceful hidden valleys of Nepal are becoming a source of special fascination for many countries of the world ". So we can say that Nepal has a enormous potential resource for tourism development.

Pilgrimage of Nepal (1979) has related tourism to the touristy blessing, as rich cultural heritage, the temples dedicated to varies deities, the breath taking monasteries, the ageless monuments there entire combine to make it a wonderful museum beneath the blue dome sky.

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Kayasth (1979) pointed out that natural as well as man-made beauty and wild life are major attraction for the majority of tourist visiting in Nepal. The further revealed that the purpose of outgoing Nepalese tourists to south Asian countries has been found particularly for business and official work.

Nepal has always been a tourist destination. This has been possible because of existence of interesting and unique things and experience in the country. Nepal is famous for the highest mountain in the world along with other high mountain, historical cities and wide range of geographical diversities within very limited land area. More important has been the culture of the people. The most popular tourist activities have been pleasure and trekking. The tourist industry comprises of hotel, travel and trekking agencies. Airlines and the best of the other service sector (Dhakal, 1997).

A study made by Burger (1978:5) state tourism in Nepal is of rather recent origin. Before 1950, no foreigners were allowed to visit Nepal without the permission of the Rana rulers. He indicated that more than 10000 tourist arrived Nepal in 1976. Since 1962, the number of tourist arrivals has grown at an average rate of 20 percent per annum and more than 80 percent of the tourist arrived in the country by air and 20 percent arrived by road. He pointed out that majority of tourists come for pleasure and sightseeing purpose. The most important finding of his study was that only one out of six tourists who visited India also visited Nepal. His study concluded with the view that although tourism is recent phenomenon in Nepal, it has grown at an astonishing rate. The pointed out that Europe had been the major tourist generator for Nepal in 1975.

Economic survey (1998-99) shows that for the period of one year, 1997, there was an increase of 7.2 percent with the total numbers of tourist traveling to Nepal reaching 421857. It is estimated that there was an increase in total tourist arrivals by 9.9 percent with 463484 visitors in 1998, while the average length of stay of tourist was 10.5 days in 1997, it is estimated that it had risen to 10.5 days in 1998.

According to WTO Report (WTO:1998) the number of visitors has increased from 25 billion in 1954 AD to 617 million in 1997 and tourism revenue has grown from US $ 2.1 billion in 1950 to US $448 billion in 1997.

Karki (The Rising Nepal 2000- Aug.) finds the following major point regarding to the tourism. The number of tourist arrival in Nepal since 1975, has gone up from 92440 in 1975 to 162897 in 1980 with an average annual growth rate of 7.21 percent Tourist arrival by air has also increased significantly from 78995 in 1975 to 442124 in 1999 with an average annual growth rate of 7.22 percent. Annual growth rate of tourist has fluctuating.

A study of number of tourists' arrival growth rate and duration of their stay in Nepal reveals that their arrival in Nepal has varied from year to year. By the end of 1997, such arrivals have increased by 9.9 percent and in the following year-end of 1998, growth dropped to 6.0

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percent to the total number of tourist arrival to 491504 at the end of 1998. At the following year-end 1999, the growth in tourist arrival estimated to have further slide down by 9.1 percent to 447000. As regards the tourist stay it averaged 12.8 days in 1998 with the marginal drop to 12 days in 1999 (Economic survey-2001)

The preceding paragraphs reveals that tourism is one of the popular activities from ancient time to present that affects the economic as well social life of the people of the particular destination and country. It is, therefore, relevant to study the Community Based Village Tourism in Nepal: A Case Study of Sirubari Village, Nepal, which has prosperous the village tourism resources and potentialities.

2.2 Review of related study:

This topic attempts to present the description of general terms that are often used in the tourism practices. It also gives an overview of historical development of community based village tourism in Nepal, so that readers would get accustom with the status of tourism before and now. It tries to cover village tourism or community based village tourism as significant factor for the promotion of traditional culture, language, attraction of study area etc.

2.2.1 VILLAGE TOURISM EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT:

Nepal has more than 101 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages and a rich variety of cultures, lifestyles, values and traditions. Although the law and the interim Constitution has provided equal rights to all ethnic and religious groups, Nepal is characterized by a highly stratified social system, resulting in the presence of many castes. In Sirubari village, Syangja district, west Nepal, which is the focus of this article, there are the Gurung and the Dalit communities consisting of Damai, Kami and Sarki, which are often denoted as occupational castes. The village tourism product, Sirubari, only showcases the Gurung community and not the Dalit. With the exception of the Damai who are engaged in welcome, farewell and portering, no other Dalit castes are involved in tourism activities. Locally as well as nationally, the Gurung, who are officially Buddhist but also follow Hindu rituals and festivals, have a higher socio-economic status than the Damai.

Due to the lack of alternative livelihood options the youth and productive work force are compelled to emigration to cities and abroad. Over 86% of Nepals populations live in rural areas, more specifically in 3,915 Village Development Committees (V.D.C.). Farming is the main occupation and non-farming opportunities are very rare so the emigration is inevitable in rural Nepal (Upadhyay, 2007).

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To tackle this situation, the concept of village tourism was introduced for the first time in Nepal in Sirubari village. The village is located at an altitude of 1,700 meter above sea level and one can reach Sirubari either by Jeep ride from district headquarter Syangja bazaar (Putalibazar) or by Bus/Jeep from Naudanda along the Pokhara-Sunauli Highway (Siddhartha Highway). However, the trip from Helu-Lamachaur (about 50 kms south of Pokhara) along the same highway offers the joint experience of adventure travel and short trekking along the lush green valley and terraced farm land of Darau-Khola and then uphill climb of about 2 hours from Arjun Chaupari. Visitors can choose either to walk (maximum of 4 hours) from Helu-Lamachaur up to the village via Arjun Chaupari or can ride on Bus/Jeep up to Arjun Chaupari and then a short trek. Nepal Village Resorts (NVR), a Kathmandu based travel agency serving as s marketing agency of the village tourism product of Sirubari, states that the first commercial groups of 16 Belgian tourists were taken to Sirubari in October 1997.

Before the initiation of village tourism in 1997, the village was no different than any other villages. However its unspoiled Gurung culture and intact rural traditions seemed to be a strong foundation to on which to build village tourism.

NVR defines village tourism as, tourism practices in which tourist is staying in or near the villages, preferably unspoiled traditional village to learn about and experience village life. This kind of tourism involves the provision of local style accommodation, locally produced food items on the menu and the organization of visitors participation in village activities. The villagers provide accommodation in their own homes, operate the tourist facilities and services, and receive direct economic benefits from tourist expenditure (NVR,). The tourism that is promoted in Sirubari is a kind of home stay where the visitors sleep and eat in the individual houses, giving them a sense of belonging to a local family as a family member. Visitors both national and foreigner are not allowed to choose the host family, but it is the Tourism Development and Management Committee (TDMC) of the village who assign the visitors to the host on the rotational basis. This provides the opportunities to the entire TDMC member households to welcome tourists and get tourism benefits in an equitable manner.

In the initial stage of village tourism development, the model faced several challenges, especially in the marketing and promotion category. NVR, assumed through a contractual agreement the whole responsibility of marketing and promotion, making contacts with travel and tour operators, and setting up a website. This example of village tourism was unique in that it was developed from the supply side of the tourism market rather than the demand as was the case in other parts of Nepal. It was created by the villagers themselves with strong leadership and community participation. For example, the tourism infrastructure in Nepals major tourism destinations such as Annapurna Conservation Area (trekking tourism), Sagarmatha National Park (trekking tourism and mountaineering) and Chitwan National Park (wildlife observation and bird watching) was established to cater to the growing

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demand and needs of increasing number of tourists. Thus, it was a bottom up and decentralized approach in the planning stage. Experience shows that government support is inevitable for the development of such type of tourism especially in the creation of infrastructure that is beyond the villagers capacity such as road construction, establishment of telephone and/or communication system, electricity, view tower construction etc. that needs technical knowhow and resources. However, small scale development works such as drinking water supply, local trail improvements, community hall establishment, repair and maintenances of village temples and Gompas can be done by villagers themselves from their community fund and voluntary contribution of labour and local skills. The Sirubari experience shows that the utmost importance for the success of such type of tourism is the local peoples participation (from cost to benefit sharing and in all stages of development) and a feeling of ownership of the project.

Tourism development has also been quite easy in Sirubari because it had already some sort of tourism infrastructure before the initiation of tourism. Strong unity among villagers, active youth club and mothers group were key local features. Key factors also included a supply of drinking water, experience in community forest management and good walking trails.

In 1985, the Kathmandu Research Centre carried out a detailed study on the prospects of village tourism in Nepal. Positive suggestions from foreign visitors/tourists paved the way forward to clarify this concept. After a long battle, the government of Nepal included a village tourism programme in its tourism policy, 1995 (Upadhyay, 2005). Nepal governments 9th five year plan (1997-2002) and 10th five year plan (2002-2007) gave due consideration to village tourism too and promised to establish 14 different village tourism destinations in each geographical region within five years (Pradhananga, 1999). However, unlike Sirubari, the other destinations have not achieved worldwide recognition and attention and tourism development is slow.

2.2.2 Background of community based village tourism in Nepal

Nepal tourism Board has been working in Nepal since 1998. Time, the organization has gradually developed enterprises in small number of sectors and has limited its geographical coverage and its number of target groups. Today, NTB is focused on the Western and least developed part of the country, where most people live in poverty and the development potential is generally low.

Presently, the focus of NTB/ Nepal is on community-based natural resources management (CBNRM) and more specifically, on the creation of an enabling environment for such center that will support CBNRM activities undertaken by the local people in Sirubari. All NTB resources are aimed at building the capacity of these organizations to deliver better service to community-based tourism.

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Community-based village tourism makes use of traditional knowledge systems, and activities can be arrived at inline weight the ability of the target group to deliver.

Community-based village tourism can be effective and substantial way of making use of the available natural resources in Nepal.

Community-based village tourism can result in clear and substantial economic benefits on the basis of well-established and effective modes of implementation.

Community-based village tourism encourages the community to claim access to land and natural resources.

Community-based village tourism encourages the community to partner with other stakeholders, such as private sector, and this gives it the option to tap into more resources (finances, skill, networks, etc.)

The government of Nepal and other stakeholders as an effective approach towards rural development recognizes community-based village tourism.

Encouraging community-based village tourism is an innovative way to the improvement livelihoods of people in the remote and impoverished communities of Nepal. This approach ensures a sustainable use of resources it is based upon (the culture and the natural environment) and it reflects the interest of most stakeholders involved. But doesn't encourage self-sustained development process, more specifically, the resources and to tap their potential? These considerations will be the subject of the case studies that follows below.

The first case of study was undertaken in Sirubari area connecting three districts, Kaski, Syangja and Tanahu. It covers the village of mid-Western Nepal. NTB has worked showing that a small community can learn to design its own development program on the basis of using the available natural resources in the sustainable manner. Community-based tourism is an important component of the selected strategy. In the field visit of Sirubari, the researcher found exclusively new feelings and experience that even one can get from 24 kilometers far from Pokhara.

2.1.6 Area of Study and Short Description of the Gurung Ethnic Peoples

Syangja district, a part of the Gandaki Zone lies in the western part of Nepal. It covers an area of 1,164 square kilometers and lies at the height of about 1088 meters feet above the sea level. It is connected by one of the oldest highway, the Siddhartha Highway named after Gautam Buddha.It is the place of different ethnic groups. The major groups consists of Brahmin, Kshetriya, Gurung,Magar and among others. Gurung and Magar are renowned because of their involvement in British Army Gurkha and Military of India while Bharmin

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and Chetri are famous for their involvement in the governmental jobs. It has all together 65 Village Development Committee (VDCs) (CBS, 2004).

2.1.7 Panchamul Sirubari- A model Village

Nepal is well known for its natural beauty, mighty Himalayas, diverse culture and cheerful people. These qualities make Nepal a unique place giving high potentialities for the growth of the tourism industry. Tourism is not a new phenomenon, however, making tourism a dynamic sector of economy and accepting it as a vehicle of poverty reduction is certainly relatively new and timely thinking.

The Government of Nepal, along with Nepalese travel trade sector and concerned organizations/experts, decided on October 25, 2008 to launch a national tourism campaign "Nepal Tourism Year 2011". This announcement reflects the governments anticipation to bring into Nepal at least one million international tourists by the year 2011, and the tourism industrys exigency to organize a tourism promotion campaign for a wider impact. With the badge of adventure destination glittering and the adage Atithi Devo Bhava (Guests are Gods). (Nepal tourism Board 2008).

Sirubari is the first village of the country declared a model village in 1997. Ever since this village has come a long way with many developments. The village has successfully preserved the traditional Gurung culture (one of the ethnic groups in Nepal), that can be observed throughout the village. This renowned tourist destination is located in Panchamul VDC, Syangja. It lies about 1700 meters above the sea level. It seems that Mother Nature has bestowed all her heavenly glory upon this exotic village, where every creation of nature is simply awe-inspiring. Sirubari is not only popular for its scenic beauty but also for the art, culture and tradition. There are some places which have historical and religious importance. In recent days, the village has also made a significant progress in the field of education and health sector. Sirubari, in conjunction with the Nepal Truism Board, was awarded the PATA Gold award in recognitions of its efforts to preserve the culture and heritage of Nepali total life (Hotel Nepal 2011).

Village tourism is a recent innovation successfully demonstrated at Sirubari in Syangja a half days distance from Pokhara, (one of the famous cities in Nepal). It is a three-hour walk from the road-head just 30 kilometers from Pokhara. A management committee takes responsibility for visitors, welcoming the guests according to their own culture, accommodation, and sightseeing and guiding, no individual villager can take tourist to their house without the committees permission. The houses are mostly built from local arterials and are well constructed and comfortable. The village consists of 60 households of which many are offering guest accommodation. It is a very neat and clean village; the accommodation is simple but comfortable with good bedding, as well as clean toilet facilities (Holiday Nepal 2011).

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Sirubari Village has its own unique style of accommodation, the prices are the same for all the rooms and this includes meals as well. Sirubari Village does not offer any luxurious room with or the deluxe room. Moreover, interestingly, the village does not have a single star hotel or guest house like in many cities and town, they just offer the clean accommodation in typical Nepali style. The villagers are well-trained so that they know what to do with the filth. As a result of the concerted efforts, the entire village looks extremely sparkling. However, every house member in Sirubari is well trained to receive the guests with the right spirit. Staying with these families the guests feel more like at home. Each and every house in this village is equipped with all basic facilities expected by the foreign tourists. The tourists may not get a swimming pool in the village, but they can enjoy the glory of natural spring water coming down from the Himalayas. This unique experience does not only surprise the foreign guests, but also Nepalese visitors. Every evening is special in Sirubari. As soon as evening falls and the moon rises out of the clouds, the village echoes with the music of madal, khaijari and flutes. Some enthusiastic foreign guests can also be seen moving their feet to popular folk music (Holiday Nepal 2011).

Meals of daily fresh food are eaten with the family, and each evening there is entertainment provided by the community, which is usually Gurung dancing and singing. Village treks can be undertaken while experiencing village and rural life. Accommodation is in individual guestrooms with host families, or in between villages, in tents. During trekking meals are provided by professional teams, and in the villages visitors can try a delicious, hygienically prepared Nepali Daalbhaat consisting of locally produced rice, lentils and garden-fresh organically grown vegetables. The guestrooms are simple, but clean, with latrines available and a water tap close by. Separate bathrooms are not available for the tourist but during the winter water is heated by the solar system (Holiday Nepal 2011).

The local people of Sirubari receive domestic and foreign guests with equal respect. This is the reason why more and more domestic tourists are encouraged to visit this village. Sirubari is without question one of the most attractive village in Nepal, where the visitors can enjoy the cultural show. The tourists are overwhelmed by the friendly gesture shown by the village people. Panche baja, a popular Nepali set of musical instruments, are also played to welcome the guests. The village is neat, and clean very colorful and warm, while the people are friendly, well-educated and enthusiastic about tourism. Sirubari is a compact farming community village. For the adventurous, Nepal has been synonymous with trekking, mountaineering expiations, jungle safari, and river rafting. For those seeking spirituality there has always been the people and the culture. The overwhelming impression of the village is one of the odder and classiness but with a warm and welcoming feel to it. Foot trails though the villages are all stone paved. The villagers love for flowers is shown in an all-year-around riot of colors (Mero Syangja 2011).

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The climate is ideal at all times of the year with no snow ever falling in the village itself, however the ideal time for visit is between September and June, but visitors can view the magnificent Himalayas view just in front of the village. The village is on the southern slope of the ridge that is why the village can enjoy the long sunny days. The villagers are not only concerned about the local tourism development; they have also given adequate attention to conserving the flora and fauna of their area. For this purpose, about 500 hectare land has been brought under conservation. A forty-five-kilometer long wall has been constructed to protect wild life, herbs and plants. As a result of the hard work, now this reserve forest has already transformed into a dense jungle, where birds and wild animals live without any difficulty. Hunting and cutting of trees is strictly prohibited (Mero Syangja 2011).

The Sirubari Village is contributing an especial effort for the nations development as the village motivates and supports others to start something in local community instead of going abroad as a worker. Today almost two millions youths of Nepal are working abroad mostly in Gulf Countries to have their families daily livelihood, whilst the villages of this village promotes the village as a tourism destination and makes money in the local community. The village has been a model village within Nepal.

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Figure 2.1 Current tourism management and operational modality in Sirubari

Source: Tourism development and management committee, sirubari

Table No. 2.1 Visitor's arrival in Sirubari 1998 to 2012

Year Domestic Arrival International Arrival Total 1998 436 152 588 1999 764 201 965 2000 1322 268 1590 2001 1521 287 1808 2002 1435 288 1723 2003 92 24 116 2004 172 67 239 2005 179 25 204 2006 69 37 106 2007 222 35 257 2008 769 65 834 2009 439 69 508 2010 524 33 557 2011 599 66 665 2012 612 102 714 Grand total 9155 1719 10874 Source: TDMC, Sirubari

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2.3 Conceptual Framework

The study makes use of two conceptual frameworks, Sustainable Tourism Management and Community-based Village Tourism Management (CBVTM), both of which are explained below.

2.3.1 Sustainable tourism development

Sustainable tourism is tourism that is developed and maintained in a manner, and at such a scale, that it remains economically viable over an indefinite period and does not undermine the physical and human environment that sustains and nurtures it (Harris et al, 2002,36). The concept of sustainable development gained prominence in the 1980s with the publication of Our Common Future, sometimes referred to as the Brundtland Report. The concept is becoming widespread in the tourism literature as the tourism sector tends to cause deterioration on the natural and cultural environments (Mc Intosh et al, 1995, 375).

Hunter (1997, 850 as cited in Scheyvens, 2002) defines sustainable tourism as a set of principles, policy prescriptions, and management methods which chart a path for tourism development such that a destination areas environmental resource base (including natural, built, and cultural features) is protected for future development. The Secretariat for Eastern African Coastal Area Management (SECAM) considers the sustainability of community-based tourism to be based on three dimensions, the social, economic and environmental dimensions (as cited in Leballo, 2000, 7).

The environmental dimension is important because the healthier the environment, the more attractive the destination area becomes to tourists. The continued conservation of the environment will also lead to the sustenance of the local community (especially ones which rely on natural resources) and ensures the sustainability of the environment for future generations. This is a very important dimension as according to Plog (1974), tourism contains the seeds of its own destruction, tourism can kill tourism, destroying the very environmental attractions which visitors come to a location to experience (as cited in Mbaiwa, 2003, 5).

Furthermore, the social dimension is important in community-based ventures in that if communities are involved from an early stage of the venture, they develop a sense of belonging and ownership and would therefore work more towards the sustainability of the community based venture. Finally, the economic dimension should help bring about socio-economic development in the community and benefits should flow to as many people as possible within the community (Leballo, 2000, 8).

Sustainability in tourism therefore calls for a need to improve the locals standards of living by meeting their needs through the use of natural resources, the equitable distribution of costs and benefits, management and decision-making and the use of renewable natural

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resources at par with renewable rates (Mbaiwa, 2003, 4). SEACAM (Secretariat for Eastern African Coastal Area Management) defines sustainable tourism development as a development (process) that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. In the broadest sense, it refers to the achievement of a situation in which tourism development can continue in to the future without degrading the natural resource base or creating adverse effects on society (as cited in Leballo, 2000,7).

Sindinga (1999) states that sustainability in tourism implies resource conservation which supports the local communitys level of technology and lifestyle and also allows for sound environmental management. This concept is also in line with the principles adopted by the 1992 Rio Earth Summit which calls for increasing the capacity of increasing incomes and employment, creating institutions and empowering local people and using tourism to fuel economic growth, alleviate poverty and to facilitate the equitable distribution of resources (Sindinga, 1999, 114).

According to Rozemeijer (2001) therefore, CBT projects are economically viable if revenue generated exceed the costs, ecologically viable if the environment does not decrease in value, promote sustainable development if there is equitable distribution of costs and benefits among all participants in the activity, and are institutionally consolidated when they are transparent and are recognized by all stakeholders, represent the interests of the community and reflect true ownership. This is shown diagrammatically in the figure below.

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Figure No. 2.2: Sustainable community based tourism

Source: Four Dimensions of Sustainable Community-Based Tourism (Rozemeijer, 2001, 15 and Mearns, 2003, 30)

According to Brohman (1996, 60 as cited in Scheyvens, 2002) community-based tourism development should seek to strengthen institutions designed to enhance local participation and promote the economic, social and cultural well-being of the popular majority.

In addition, sustainable development presumes the well-being of individuals and communities in a people-centered and conservation-based development (Gakahu, 1992, 117 as cited in Sindinga, 1999). This, it is believed is because local people know their ecology and can therefore be in a position to use resources in more sustainable manner. For tourism to be sustainable, it requires conservation (ibid). According to Mc Kercher (1993b, 14 as cited in Harris et al, 2002) for sustainable tourism to occur, it must be closely integrated with all other activities that occur in the host region.

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2.3.2 Community based village tourism

Figure No. 2.3: conceptual framework of community based village tourism

It has been said that as a concept is connected with rural area, low population densities and open space with small scale settlements, generally less than 10,000 inhabitants. In recent development, the whole world has seen new challenges. Nature conservation is increasingly regarded as an important asset. Across the rural region of the economically developed world the issue of population decline, economic change and community regeneration are common. Strong trend of industrialization and urbanization have steadily alerted the economic and

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cultural position of rural society, which is continued in Nepal as well. In the last 40 years after the advent of tourism in Nepal these trends have intensified. Agriculture incomes have fallen in real terms and technological changes have reduced agricultural employment. The graphical condition and the landlockness have so far restrained Nepal to have tourism as the largest potential industry. Tourism is never ending and ever changing subject matter. Rural tourism, village tourism, agricultural tourism or farm tourism, green tourism or alternatives tourism or ecotourism, whatsoever we put, it is not a new phenomenon concept. Nepal as a mountainous country, trekking is developing in rural areas. Tourists staying villages to relax and enjoy the enchanting natural beauties and having a meal in virgin land with natural environment. This could also be one form of rural tourism village tourism, agricultural tourism, farm tourism, green tourism or alternative tourism. But what we are thinking of is slightly different than given technology. However, the idea of this project is to participate the local people and community from the very beginning with the aim of making the entire village prosperous through tourism by paying due attention to other social aspects as well (sustainable tourism). In this case the villagers will get direct benefit from the tourism (village tourism) which will eventually help the sustenance development of tourism in the country as a whole (rural tourism, agriculture tourism, farm tourism, greenery tourism, alternative tourism).

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CHAPTER-III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research design is case study type. Data, information and facts are used both primary and secondary types. The primary data and information is taken by questionnaire and interview method from local home stay provider, tourist visitors and related government and private agencies or organizations. Sampling survey method is applied. Table graphs pictures rate value of average, percentage, and mean and linear correlation, regression models and statistically tests are used. Approaches of analysis are both quantitative and qualitative type.

3.1 Selection of the study area

The village of Sirubari lies in Ward Number 4 of Pachamul VDC of the district of Syangja in the western hills of Nepal. The main village is located at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level. The Village lies on the southern slopes and is a five and a half hours trek from the nearest road head of Arjun Chaupari. The landscape of Panchamul Sirubari is unique as the topography varies from agricultural fields to steep land features. The height of the village varies from 1250 to 2003 meters. The highest peak is Thumera Hill (2003m or 6509.75 ft.) and is also the highest hill in the Syangja district. Other important hillocks are Hile Danda and Dahere Deurali. From these hill tops, visitors can see a panoramic view of Mt. Annapurna. The trek to Sirubari is ideal for less experienced trekkers unwilling to go on long treks. The best season for tourist to visit Sirubari is in the winter or before the rains. It is compact farming community village. The climate is ideal at any time especially during September to June with warms days and cold nights. Most of the houses in the village are built from local materials which are environmental friendly and comfortable. Foot trails through the village are all stone paved. Flowers are blossoming all year round. Village lies on the southern slopes of the ridge (ibid, 2001).

3.2 Nature and types of study

This study is both descriptive and exploratory in nature. Adequate efforts have been made to gather information from varies relevant sources and field.

3.3 Research design

The research design of the study is case types of tourism sector in Sirubari Village. To get the reliable primary information required for the study. Questionnaires were prepared for field survey.

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3.4 Sources of data

This study is based on primary and secondary data and information. Primary information collected from fieldwork. The tools of the data collection are questionnaires interview and discussion are applied. The sources of primary information obtained by using structured questionnaires with.

a) Home stay provider of sirubari village

b) Tourists visitors

Altogether, 25 Homestay owners and 40 tourists' visitors have been interviewed during the field survey period August 2012 to February 2013. The respondents are done through convenience sampling in the area. The respondents also selected to find pattern, main purpose, destination and satisfaction level of visitors.

Furthermore additional information has been taken following source for secondary information.

a) Homestay records

b) Local intellectuals

c) Tourism Board Office, Bhrikuti Mandop, Kathmandu and Pokhara

d) Sirubari Tourism development committee, sirubari

Other information are consulted from Ministry of Tourism, National annual statistical report of Tourism department, National Planning Commission, Office of District Development committee Shyangja, profiles of DDC and VDC, local journals and newspaper, library text, local intellectuals and professionals.

3.5 Methods of primary data collection

The primary information is collected from Homestay provider and Tourists visitors in sirubari Village. The required information also been collected through the used questionnaires, interviews 25 homestay and 75 tourists responded is chosen during the survey period. Convenience sampling is used for selection of respondents.

3.6 Data analysis and interpretation

Data and information obtained from the field have been thoroughly reviewed to avoid the problems and ambiguities. Both quantitative and qualitative information are analytically presented. The data are presented in table and figure. For analysis using simple statistical tools such as average, percentage frequencies etc. simple correlation and regression models

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are applied to calculate relative two variable data and fitting the trend line to predict relative effect. Likewise, qualitative