Introduction to Tourism Industry

Tourism refers to the activity of people traveling from one place to another for various purposes. The purposes of tourism can include entertainment, pilgrimage, mountaineering, sightseeing, business, study, conferences, meetings, etc.

People who travel for such various purposes are called tourists. If citizens of a country travel within their own country for tourism, they are called domestic tourists. Similarly, if citizens of one country travel to another country for tourism, they are called foreign tourists.

The industry related to tourism services, or the industry established with the objective of providing services and facilities to tourists, is called the tourism industry.

Such industries include tourist accommodation, hotels, resorts and restaurants, travel agencies, tour operators, hiking centers, casinos, massage parlors, spas, adventure tourism (skiing, gliding, water rafting, hot air ballooning, canyoning, paragliding, horse riding, elephant riding, bungee jumping, Himalayan climbing and exploration), golf courses, polo, pony trekking, trekking, rural tourism, homestays and environmental tourism, cultural, religious, conference and sports tourism, amusement parks, wildlife conservation, mountain flight operations, etc.

Nepal is recognized worldwide as a unique destination with natural beauty, diverse biodiversity, multiculturalism, multilingualism, multi-religiousness, and multi-culturalism. It is one of the world's major tourist destinations. 

Importance of Tourism Industry in Nepal

Nepal is a naturally rich country with diverse geographical features. It has attractive Himalayan ranges, religious sites, rivers, lakes, and forests. 

Therefore, the tourism sector should be developed as an industry in Nepal. 

The importance of the tourism industry in Nepal's economic development can be summarized in the following points:

(a) Increase in foreign currency earnings 

(b) Increase in employment opportunities 

(c) Conservation and promotion of traditional art and culture 

(d) Contribution to national income 

(e) Development of infrastructure 

(f) Increase in trade and business 

(g) Promotion of Nepal worldwide 

(h) Development of cottage industries 

(i) Exchange of art and culture 

(j) Improvement in the living standards of the people.

Potential of Tourism Industry in Nepal

Most regions of Nepal are beautiful and attractive. Nepal is known as the country of high Himalayan ranges, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, Sita, and Bhrikuti. Its mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, ponds, waterfalls, and temples are famous for attracting tourists.

In the fiscal year 2079/80 (2022/23), hotels and restaurants contributed 2% to the total gross domestic product. The National Tourism Strategic Plan aims to attract 2.5 million tourists and create 800,000 jobs by 2025.

Diversifying and expanding the tourism sector can improve the livelihoods and employment opportunities of the people here, leading to an improvement in their living standards.

The potential for the development of the tourism industry in Nepal is high due to the conservation and promotion of Nepal's tourist destinations.

Problems of Tourism Industry in Nepal

Despite the good potential of the tourism industry in Nepal, there are problems in its development. Due to this, the proper development of the tourism industry has not been possible. The number of foreign tourists and the duration of their stay could not be increased. 

The major problems faced by the tourism industry in Nepal are as follows:

(a) Lack of transportation and communication facilities 

(b) Lack of environmental cleanliness 

(c) Shortage of modern and standard hotels 

(d) Lack of recreational centers 

(e) Lack of promotion and publicity 

(f) Inability to ensure security in all places 

(g) Lack of trained and skilled manpower related to the tourism business 

(h) Lack of conservation of religious and cultural sites 

(i) Shortage of organized tourist centers.

Solutions to the Problems of Tourism Industry in Nepal

There is potential for developing the tourism industry in Nepal by resolving the problems seen in the tourism industry. 

Therefore, the following activities should be implemented effectively to develop the tourism industry and increase foreign currency earnings and employment opportunities:

(a) Developing communication and transportation facilities. 

(b) Arranging for modern facilities-equipped hotels in various places. 

(c) Promoting Nepal's tourist destinations at the international level. 

(d) Providing security to tourists. 

(e) Arranging recreational centers and emphasizing the availability of recreational materials. 

(f) Producing trained and skilled manpower related to the tourism business. 

(g) Expanding air services and other transportation and communication services. 

(h) Increasing the production and quality of goods and services required for tourists. 

(i) Conserving and promoting historical, religious, and cultural sites. 

(j) Making the visa process simple and convenient. 

(k) Increasing the availability of markets, banking, and currency exchange services for tourists.