A case study on Cultural Tourism for

Sustainable City (Kathmandu)

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 City Profile
• Kathmandu city is the capital of Nepal. It is most densely
populated city of Nepal. According to 2011 census
population of Nepal is 1,744,240.
• The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400
meters (4,600 feet) above sea level in the bowl-shaped
Kathmandu Valley of central Nepal.
• Kathmandu Valley is the most important urban
concentration in Nepal.
• Being a capital city, Kathmandu Valley in comparison to
the rest of Nepal, possesses basic amenities like water
supplies, electricity, gas, telecommunications, roads,
sanitation, education, security, and transportation.
• New products and services are first launched in the valley
and therefore the inhabitants have access to modern
equipment and technology.
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 City Profile contd…
• Kathmandu is and has been for many years the centre of
Nepal's history, art, culture and economy.
• It has a multiethnic population within
a Hindu and Buddhist majority.
• It is the place of 7 world heritage sites which include
Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur,
Stupas of Swayambhunath and Baudhanath and temple of
Pashupati and Changu Narayan designated by UNESCO.
• Kathmandu was ranked third among the top ten
upcoming travel destinations in the world by Trip Advisor,
and ranked first in Asia. Nepali is the most spoken
language in the city, while English is understood by the
city's educated residents.
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 City Profile contd…
Kathmandu has “cultural attractions” which are divided into “hard attractions” and
“soft attractions”
Hard attractions include factors like
• Cultural heritage properties
• Museums
• Architecture
• Monuments
• Temples and monasteries
• Cultural and artistic centers
• Streets and squares Buildings
• Lifestyle of the people
Whereas, soft attractions include factors like:
• Music
• Dance
• Poetry
• Literature
• Painting
• Sculpture • Traditional folk arts and
• Handicrafts
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 Policies of government in sustainable tourism development

The participation of the private sector will be sought to the

maximum extent for development and diversification of
tourism products. The involvement of government will be
primarily directed towards infrastructure development. Apart
from this, Nepal government will maintain its role as
coordinator and motivate for the growth of the travel and
tourism industries.
 Participation of the Nepalese people in the integrated manner
will be carried out for environmental conservation programmes
which contribute to sustainable tourism development.
 Existing tourism infrastructure and facilities will be upgraded.
Priority will be given to developing new tourist destinations,
particularly in rural areas.
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Policies of government in sustainable
tourism development contd….
Popular religious tourism sites will be improved and
promoted in order to develop religious tourism.
Nepal will be developed as a centre for adventure
tourism.
Tourist service and facilities will be encouraged to
upgrade in quality. Special efforts will be made to make
Nepal a secure place for tourists.
Due attention will be paid to improving regional
imbalances while developing tourism.
Competitive tourism promotion and marketing will be
launched in tourist originating markets to establish
Nepal as a major tourist destination.

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Policies of government in sustainable
tourism development contd….
Linkages will be established between tourism and
agro-based as well as cottage industries.
Emphasis will be placed on developing these related
sectors simultaneously.
Local investment will be encouraged in service-
oriented, travel and trekking agency businesses in
which local investors have proven capability. Foreign
investment, including joint ventures, will be promoted
in areas which transfers skills and technology or in
capital intensive industries like hotels and resorts.

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SWOT analysis of policy effectiveness of
government in sustainable tourism action plan

STRENGTH
Tourism has a wide economic impact on the host region and it can be
classified on two levels.
Firstly, the host region can benefit from foreign exchange earnings
directly through transportation, lodging, and from food.
 Secondly, tourism makes a greater contribution to the host region
through the taxation and employment created by the tourism
industry.
 In general, we believe that tourism generates foreign exchange
earnings and it creates different new jobs directly or indirectly.
To boost tourism huge money is invested to preserve the local
heritage, to improve infrastructure, to provide better local facilities
which in turn creates better education, better leisure facilities,
organizing frequent social events and thus a better lifestyle for the
locale people.
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STRENGTH contd…
 They interact with the tourists, mix with people from diverse
backgrounds which creates a cosmopolitan culture in the region.
 Due to the demand for better services, varied employment
opportunities are created within the region and therefore people
do not feel the need to migrate to other cities to earn their living.
 The quality of the environment, both natural and man-made, is
essential to tourism, however, the tourism industry’s relationship
with the environment is complex – many activities can have
adverse environmental effects
 In order to attract more tourism special emphasis is given on
overall beautification of the surroundings, regular planting of
trees and landscaping are done to enhance aesthetics. Huge
investment is done to improve the facilities in the area like sitting
areas, shades, proper sanitation, drinking water etc. More
emphasis is given to preserve the monuments, heritage structures
to attract more tourists.

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Weakness
 Geophysical limitation and landlocked situations have
greatly increased transportation costs leading to high cost
economy adversely affected its competiveness to expand
and strengthen international trade and make economy
one of the fabulous shopping center in the world.
 Tax burden is relatively higher in Nepal than SAARC
countries lacking simplicity, transparency and
competiveness. This has resulted in tax evasion by more
than 80%.
 Any kind of development requires some interference with
the nature. Overdevelopment comes at the cost of nature.
There may be damage to the natural flora and fauna.

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Weakness contd..
Local people are displaced for want of coastal area development.
With more people in the area, more natural resources are required
which leads to depletion of natural resources.
Waste disposal problems crop up and without proper measures to
handle this problem it may worsen the situation. Due to more
footfall, more transport, more noise, improper waste disposal,
pollution increases in the area and disturbs the ecological balance
of the region.

 Imitation of Western culture

• Growing artificialness in the community
• Socio-cultural and intergenerational conflicts
• Local cultural values and traditions are loosing
• Commercialization of art and local heritage
•Social tension between those benefitting from tourism and not benefitting
• Work burden to women
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Weakness contd..
 Due to the heavy traffic in the region, the infrastructure
may not be able to cope up the increased rush thus leading
to overcrowding, poor sanitation which may further lead to
diseases both to the tourists as well as local people.
 The intrusion of outsiders in the area may disturb the local
culture and create unrest among the people. The local
people may copy the lifestyles of tourists through the
demonstration effect and the result could be loss of native
customs and traditions.
 Some people may enter into criminal activities to fetch
easy money from tourists which leads to increased crime
and anti-social activities and loss of moral and religious
values.
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Opportunity
The opportunity is huge in case of establishment of new tourism
activity. The prospect of opportunity is bright. New business means
new job opportunity and new job opportunity means potentiality of
economic development.
This won’t just mean an opportunity for the people in Nepal but it
also means an opportunity for the tourists to try new stuffs here in
Nepal. This would provide an opportunity for the locals to start new
business and sell their products in the market and earn for their
livelihood. Development of rural areas
Development of infrastructure(Proper roads, electricity, water
supply, hospitals, communication etc)
Development of economic status of people
Opportunity of Proper research and development of tourism
product
Increases employment opportunities
Increases the chance of better investment options and opportunities

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Opportunity contd..
 Adventure Tourism : Nepal is a thrill seekers paradise. It offers
travelers a myriad of activities including mountaineering, white
water rafting, trekking, paragliding, jungle safaris, and bungee
jumping. 
 There is a possibility of further growth in the number of tourists
with the opening up of new mountains and restricted areas.
Recently political developments in Nepal and peace agreement
with so called rebel group are improving the country's image at
global level and have help to bring more tourists to Nepal.
 MICE Nepal, with its pleasant climate and warm hospitality is
ideally suited for meetings, conferences, and retreats. Nepal has
a temperate climate throughout the year and as such, makes an
ideal location for retreats and conferences.
 There are opportunities for experienced entrepreneurs to
leverage Nepal’s unique features and existing infrastructure to
promote Nepal as a regional MICE center. It has an inherent cost
advantage over its regional competitors due to lower cost labor
and overheads. 14
Threats
 Political condition still not quite good, strike in the tourism
industries is the major problem, not good air connectivity with
rest of the world, security problems and so on is the major
domestic threats.
 There are some declining figures in tourism inflow in Nepal due
to the very recent global financial crisis.
 More importantly, threats from the competition on the global
market, especially from close competitors like Malaysia,
Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Maldives where the resource
constraints like low budget comparing to competitors, slow
development of infrastructure also have an important negative
role.
 Ranks 11th in the world in the terms of vulnerability to
earthquakes and climate extremes such as droughts and floods.

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National/local plan in sustainable tourism for local development
 Tourism investment will be diversified and channeled for the creation
and improvement of infrastructure in new destination areas.
 The private sector will be motivated to make systematic and effective
use of existing infrastructure in order to develop sightseeing packages of
cultural and religious sites, high Himalayan ranges and places with
outstanding natural beauty.
 The private sector will be motivated to operate environmentally friendly
recreational, adventure activities based on water, land and air in various
parts of Nepal.
 Services and facilities will be expanded in temples, monasteries and
other religious sites to attract more domestic tourists on the one hand,
while attempting to develop such sites as international religious centres
on the other
 Coordination will be maintained with neighboring countries to enhance
cross border tourism activities based on mutual benefit.
 Innovative and promotional products such as conference tourism,
cultural and youth tourism, international sports competitions etc. will
be specially encouraged 16
National/local plan in sustainable tourism for local development
contd…
 National environmental guidelines for tourism will be formulated and
subsequently adopted to minimize adverse environmental impacts from
tourism
 Local environmental codes will be designed in conformity with prevailing
international conventions and national guidelines pertaining to the
environment.
Land with high tourism potential under the ownership of the government will
be leased out to private entrepreneurs for development of environmentally
friendly resorts. The credentials and business plans of the private entrepreneur
will be considered before leasing out such land on a long term basis.
The private sector will be allowed to invest in infrastructural services and
facilities for tourists. However, certain standards will be fixed for such
infrastructural services and facilities.
Tourism entrepreneurs will be encouraged to adopt codes of conduct through
their respective professional associations for enhancement of quality in the
services and facilities they offer.
Legal protection will be guaranteed for the creations of creators and focus will
direct towards the new talents. Improvising of the satellite-based
communication and flight aided system to make air transport risk free.
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 National/local plan in sustainable tourism for local development contd…
 With the initiatives of the Nepal Tourism Board and involvement of non-
governmental bodies’ publicity and promotion works will be finding and carried out.
 To offer the health care and communication service while travelling in a rural area a
mechanism will be set up for registration at several points, which allows the travelers
to get in contact with other parties or local authorities.
 To rise up the collective voice and the monitoring of an umbrella organization in
cooperation with local agencies will be made.
 Satellite based navigation system for aviation safety will be graduated in all airports
through civil aviation authority of Nepal.
 For the conservation of physical infrastructure and heritage sites participation of
local women and backward community will be focused. Priorities will be given for
the development of infrastructures such as roads, hospital, and communication with
the coordination of related authorities. Existing tourism organization and
infrastructures will be upgraded and establishment of new goods and services will be
focused.
 To facilitate the cultural tourism, historical pilgrimage trails will be renovated. The
effective marketing policy and competitive promotion will be launched.
Implementing the program such as environmental protection, waste management
and alternative energy with the local bodies. The survey, research and protection of
archeological sites of national important will be carried out.
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Government engagement to address issues in cultural
development , sustainable tourism
 Keeping in mind the immense potential of tourism in
providing/creating economic opportunities and its immense
contribution to the overall economic development of the country,
the Nepal government is trying its best to conserve cultural heritage,
art and architecture because they are precious tourism products.
 As a result, to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the host
society and culture, the government in its Tenth Five Year Plan -
2002-2006 has given greater emphasize on the development and
promotion of tourism sector by bringing out policies, programmes
and plans such as conservation /management /development /
research /regulation /Institutional reforms and projects on
conservation areas, heritage sites, culture etc.
 government leadership in the sector, the slow pace of action and
constraints to MoTCA fulfilling its mandate effectively, realistically,
international development partners may need to play a strong role
in shaping support to the sector
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Government engagement to address issues in cultural
development ,sustainable tourism contd..
Development of infrastructure, promotion of market and
expansion of services and facilities for recreational, natural,
historical, religious and adventurous tourism will be carried
out to increase employment and income through tourism.
Tourism services will be diversified in order to attract quality
tourists into the country. Current seasonal nature of tourism
will be transformed into regular tourism throughout the year.
Tourism promotion program targeting India and China will be
carried out by the Nepal Tourism Board in a special manner.
Government will facilitate the development of necessary
infrastructure required for tourism services, including quality
hotels and resorts. Necessary infrastructures will be developed
to help Nepal become a MICE tourism center. Necessary
infrastructures will be prepared to develop Nepal Tourism and
Hotel Management Institute as a deemed university.
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Government engagement to address issues in cultural
development ,sustainable tourism contd..
 Information and financial aspect of the tourism sector will be
linked with satellite accounting system. Reliable security and
22 emergency rescue system will be arranged for
mountaineers and trekkers. Nepali missions abroad will be
mobilized for publicity and marketing of Nepal’s tourism in
the international arena. 118. I have allocated Rs.5.2 billion for
the development of tourism sector.
 Technical human resource will be developed and highly
advanced technology will be used for making Nepal’s aviation
safe, regular, reliable and qualitative. Construction work on
Nijgadh International Airport will be initiated, Tribhuvan
International Airport will be expanded, construction of
Pokhara Regional International Airport will be initiated and
Gautam Buddha Regional International Airport will come
into operation upon completion of construction work
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 How stakeholders have participated in the development
MCAP(Manaslu Conservation Area Project)
Under eco-tourism program, trekking trails are developed and maintained
regularly .Sign posts are erected on various routes to make the visitors aware
that they are in an ecologically fragile area. The local people are made aware of
tourism potentials through awareness camps and exposure tours. Tourism
catering skill trainings are given to locals so that they can earn income from
tourism activities. To manage waste, dumping pits and rubbish bins are placed
at regular intervals.
ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
The tourism management program aims to carefully balance between ecology,
local livelihood needs and visitors’ satisfaction. The program gives high priority
to reduce the negative impacts of tourism and enhance the positive impact. For
this, visitors’ information centers and tourism check posts and eco-museums
are managed with different exhibits and information related to ACA, creating
awareness on the minimum impact code for visitors, preparation of audio-
visuals, sign posting and tourism related awareness camp conduction are some
of the activities of this program. At local level, capacity enhancement of local
people in managing tourism and tourism enterprise development activities are
conducted.
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How stakeholders have participated in the development contd…
To safeguard the touristic potential of cultural sites located in the tourist
centers, the Government of Nepal has sought the assistance of numerous
outside agencies.
 The Nepali German Bhaktapur Project, that began in 1974, has played a key
role in the historical preservation of Bhaktapur's temples center, resulting
in its status as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. During the 1980s
the Pacific Area Travel Association supported numerous additional
historical preservation projects to counter the threats of neglect, air
pollution, theft, and new construction.
 Several other importance measures have been taken by HMG/N for the
preservation of historic monuments and religious shrines all over the
country. Since 1968, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) have been assisting Nepal in the preservation of
her religious and historical monuments.
 UNESCO has assisted Nepal in cooperation with the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) in the conservation works. Besides,
UNESCO/UNDP, the International Fund for Monuments, an international
funding organization based in the United States has been contributing
since 1979 for the renovation of temples and historic monuments.
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How stakeholders have participated in the development contd…
 In order to conserve and preserve the two important National Shrines of
Hinduism and Buddhism an autonomous body - Pashupati Area Development
Trust and the Lumbini Development Trust have been established.
 UNESCO/UNDP has supervised the conservation of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace,
Ancient Durbar Square, Kathmandu. This project for renovation of the Durbar
square is accomplished out of the funds received from the Royal Palace of Nepal.
The conservation and restoration of the Patan Durbar Square were conducted
with the financial and technical support of Austria.
The Radha Krishna Temple is being restored with the help of the Canadian
Overseas Development Fund. Similarly the famous shrines at Changu Narayan
and the famous Buddhist Stupas of Swayambhunath are restored and conserved
with the help and assistance of the Germany Technical Co-operation.
The historic town Panauti Area Conservation is now completed with the financial
and technical help of France. The important restoration project of the Gorkha
Durbar Area Conservation was accomplished with loans from Asian Development
Bank.
 Nepal Trust, an international NGO, works in Humla district to bring profits from
tourism to poor people by building health posts and assisting with finances to run
them.

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Indicators and measures of successful implementation of my regional tourism
development
Indicator 2012 2013
Tourist Arrival By
Air 598258 594848
Land 204834 202768
Total 803092 803092

Purpose of Visit
Holiday/Pleasure 379627 410934
Pilgrimage 109854 71610
Trekking & Mountaineering 105015 102001
Official 30460 37386
Business 24785 28183
Study/Research/Employment 17988 7534
Conference 13646 15552
Others 30552 46792
Not Specified 91165 77623

By Age groups:
0-15 years 35,468 46262
16-30 years 181,558 190630
31-45 years 231,117 237690
46-60 years 201,835 195416
61+ years 109,239 115654
Not Specified 43,875 11964

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Room occupancy rate of five star hotels in Kathmandu
Month Occupancy Rate In 2013 total room
2011 2013 Available Occupied
January 55.69 47.70 48856 23303
February 60.10 67.39 44128 29739

March 75.45 71.94 48856 35145

April 73.37 67.98 47280 32141

May 57.57 59.88 48856 29256
June 67.67 61.75 47280 29196
July 55.83 46.30 48856 22618
August 55.70 55.61 48856 27170

September 65.11 61.72 47280 29182

October 84.10 75.79 48856 37026

November 88.50 70.84 47280 33495

December 62.52 62.46 48856 30516

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Visitors (excluding Indians)to Pasupati area by month
Month 2012 2013
January
February 10901 9778
March 14753 14369
April 15601 19101
May 10087 12855
June 5944 5973
July 7887 5043
August 9481 9993
September 13686 9131
October 18202 21473
November 14494 24881
December 9814 13963

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Awareness-raising campaigns used to promote sustainable tourism among the regional /local population .

Visit Nepal 2020 campaign will be launched with an

objective of bringing 2 million tourists into the
country in the next two years.
To identify, develop and promote at least one hundred
new tourist destinations across the country in
partnership with provincial and local level
governments for the promotion of internal and
external tourism. Internal tourism promotion
campaign will be launched with the slogan Country
First Then Abroad
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Key challenges or barriers to achieving success.
 Lack of international Airport.
 Growing Cut throat competition.
 Lack of proper infrastructure and resources.
 Lack of qualitative human resource.
 Destination getting expensive due to service charge and VAT.
 Lack of proper Training centers.
 Lack proper monitoring mechanism for tourism field and tourists.
 Increase of online fraud cases.
 Risk of sex tourism and prostitution.
 Political instability and chaos making the destination unpopular.
 Lack of infrastructural development.
 Lack of proper tourism centers : We do not have proper tourism
centers to provide them necessary information. Tourists does not want
visit places without any information.

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Key challenges or barriers to achieving success
contd….
Knowledge gap
Environmental concern
Long term economic, social and environment sustainability
Community empowerment and participants
Choice of option
Conflicts
Inadequate means of entertainment: The means of
entertainment for tourists are not sufficient and properly
managed. As mainly tourists visit Nepal to pass their leisure
time by hoping to get more entertainment. But means of
entertainment are not properly managed for tourists. So, it is a
major problem of tourism industries.
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THANK YOU

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