Author: Sakil Satyal
AIT Library Call Number: AIT Thesis no.RD-04-05
Year: 2004
Academic Program: Regional and Rural Development Planning (RRDP)
Type: Thesis (M.Sc.) – Asian Institute of Technology, 2004
Examination Committee: Jayant Kumar Routray (Chairperson); Soparth Pongquan, Dietrich Schmidt Vogt (Examination Committee Members)
Abstract: This thesis studies the potential of tourism as a development tool for the rural areas of Palpa district in Nepal. Given the vastness of natural and cultural resources, Palpa finds itself nestled in an abundance of untapped wealth, most of which is rural. Tourism is an effective conduit to bring utility of these resources while contributing to development of the rural areas. Importance is given to rural urban linkages in strategic planning of tourism since effective development, as advocated by the author, is possible only in integration of what is the realms of the urban and rural space. The objectives of this study is to study the socio-economic and tourism profile of Palpa district while analyzing tourism economics, peoples responsiveness, and rural urban linkages as factors influencing tourism development in the region. Based on these findings, recommendations for rural development have been formulated. The study adopts both primary and secondary research design, utilizing household surveys of local respondents of rural Palpa, surveys of tourists, and interviews of key informants as primary data collection methods. Data from published and unpublished sources and literature review are used as secondary data collection methods. Data analysis and technique includes qualitative and quantitative techniques. Findings indicate an overall positive prospect for tourism development in the region. The study of tourism economics which includes analysis of tourism supply and demand, and tourism development direction give evidence to the potential and opportunities of tourism in the study area. Niche market segments with particular interest to rural areas, rural resources, and rural activities are growing. Tourism facilities and development in the study area, while not extensive, is more or less adequate and leaves room for further investment. Similarly, people’s responsiveness to tourism development to the area is largely favorable. Emphasis placed by respondents in tourism for rural development is in the sectors of hand
Scholarship Donor(s): AIT Fellowship
Note: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science
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