Title: A survey for sustainable development of tourism in Nepal

Authors: Yo Nishihara; Naohiro Fujiwara; Masayuki Goto; Brenda Bushell

Addresses: Waseda University, 3-3-1 Ohkubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan ' Waseda University, 3-3-1 Ohkubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan ' Waseda University, 3-3-1 Ohkubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan ' University of the Sacred Heart, 4-3-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8938, Japan

Abstract: In recent years, the tourism industry is developing rapidly in Nepal, due to political stabilisation and government policy. However, the rapid progress of tourism development and increase of tourists may destroy important tourist resources, such as rich nature, culture and species of wild animals. Sustainable development in the tourist industry is therefore, very important. This research aims to identify the consciousness of local people regarding the development of tourist businesses in their communities. The paper analyses regional characteristics between communities in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, and communities in Chitwan district, well-known for Chitwan National Park. Through a questionnaire, regional characteristics are analysed, and the relevance between the three sectors of economy, society and environment are analysed. Additionally, the awareness of local residents regarding long-term influences of various factors on tourism development are identified, as well as polices and efforts they think local communities should make in the future.

Keywords: sustainability; tourism development; sustainable tourism; culture; society; economy; environment; sustainable development; community consciousness; Nepal; Kathmandu; Chitwan National Park; tourist resources.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2014.065029

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2014 Vol.15 No.4, pp.239 - 251

Received: 09 May 2014
Accepted: 13 Jun 2014
Published online: 30 Sep 2014 *

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