Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism

The four basic components of tourism — commonly called the 4 A's — are the essential elements that must exist for any tourist destination to function. Without them, tourism cannot develop in a place. They are explained below with Nepalese examples.

1. Attraction Attraction is the main reason that pulls a tourist to a destination. It is the motivating force of travel and may be natural or man-made (cultural, historical, religious, or man-made entertainment). Nepalese examples: Natural attractions such as Mount Everest, Annapurna, Phewa Lake, and Chitwan National Park; cultural and religious attractions such as Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha), and the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

2. Accessibility Accessibility means the means of reaching the destination — roads, airways, railways, waterways, and local transport. A destination, however attractive, is useless if tourists cannot reach it. Nepalese examples: Tribhuvan International Airport and domestic airports at Pokhara, Lukla, and Biratnagar; the Prithvi Highway and Kathmandu–Pokhara Expressway; trekking routes and local buses/jeeps that connect remote areas like Mustang and Solukhumbu.

3. Accommodation Accommodation refers to the place where tourists stay and rest during their visit — hotels, resorts, lodges, homestays, and guest houses. It must match the budget and comfort needs of different tourists. Nepalese examples: Five-star hotels like Soaltee and Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu; lakeside resorts in Pokhara; tea-house lodges along the Everest Base Camp trail; community homestays in Ghandruk and Sirubari.

4. Amenities Amenities are the supporting facilities and services that make a tourist's stay comfortable and enjoyable — food and beverage outlets, banking and ATMs, internet, health services, transport, safety, and information centres. Nepalese examples: Restaurants serving local and international cuisine in Thamel; ATMs and money exchange counters in tourist hubs; TIMS cards and information counters of the Nepal Tourism Board; hospitals and rescue services for trekkers.

Conclusion: The 4 A's are interdependent. Attraction creates the desire to travel, accessibility makes the journey possible, accommodation provides comfort and prolongs the stay, and amenities add satisfaction. Together they form the foundation of a successful tourism industry in Nepal.

Hospitality is the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers, in which food, drink, accommodation and related services are provided with warmth and care, usually for payment in the commercial sense.

Developing more tourist attractions and activities in a destination, such as trekking, rafting, paragliding, cultural tours and wellness programmes, helps to increase the number of days tourists stay in Nepal, because visitors have more things to see and do. Good accommodation, transport and package tours also encourage longer stays.

Two personal skills of hospitality workforce are:

1. Good communication skill (speaking, listening and a pleasant manner with guests).
2. Problem-solving and teamwork skill, which helps staff handle guest complaints quickly and work well with colleagues.

A market is important in tourism because it supplies the tourists, since the demand for tourism products and services comes from the market. Studying the market helps destinations and businesses identify the needs of tourists, promote products and increase earnings.

A tourism brand is a distinctive name, logo, slogan or image that identifies a destination, product or service and separates it from its competitors in the minds of tourists. It reflects the identity and promise of the destination, for example "Naturally Nepal, Once is Not Enough".

Amenities are the facilities and services at a destination that make a tourist's stay comfortable and enjoyable, such as accommodation, restrooms, drinking water, communication, banking, health care, parking and entertainment. They are important in tourism for the following reasons.

1. Satisfaction of tourists. Good amenities make visitors comfortable and satisfied, and satisfied tourists give positive feedback.

2. Longer stay and higher spending. Where facilities are good, tourists stay more days and spend more, which raises income for the local economy.

3. Attracting tourists. A destination with well-developed amenities is more attractive than one without them, so it gains more arrivals.

4. Repeat visits and image. Quality amenities encourage tourists to return and recommend the destination, which builds a good image.

5. Employment and local development. Providing and maintaining amenities creates jobs and improves infrastructure that local people also use.

6. Competitive advantage. Destinations with better amenities compete better against other destinations.

Traits are the natural personal qualities of a person, while attributes are the acquired qualities, skills and knowledge needed for the job. Hospitality workers need both to serve guests well.

Traits

• Friendly and polite nature: a warm smile and courteous behaviour make guests feel welcome.
• Patience and calmness: staff must stay calm with demanding guests.
• Honesty and reliability: staff must handle guests' money and belongings with trust.
• Positive attitude and willingness to serve: readiness to help gives a good impression.
• Neat and tidy appearance: good grooming and personal hygiene.

Attributes

• Communication skill: speaking clearly, listening and using suitable language.
• Technical and job knowledge: knowledge of the work, products and services.
• Teamwork and cooperation: working well with colleagues of other departments.
• Problem-solving and quick decision-making: solving guest complaints on time.
• Punctuality and discipline, along with cultural awareness and respect for guests of different countries.

Service is the heart of the hospitality industry, because the industry sells experiences and care to guests rather than only physical goods. Its role is explained below.

1. Guest satisfaction. Quality service meets or exceeds guests' expectations, which makes them satisfied.

2. Guest loyalty and repeat business. Satisfied guests return and recommend the hotel to others, giving free publicity by word of mouth.

3. Competitive advantage. Many hotels offer similar rooms and food, so excellent service is what separates one hotel from another.

4. Image and reputation. Good service builds a positive brand image, while poor service damages it quickly.

5. Increased revenue and profit. Happy guests stay longer, spend more on other facilities and accept higher prices.

6. Staff motivation. A service-oriented culture gives workers pride and job satisfaction, and reduces complaints.

7. Link between departments. Service ties all departments together, so that the guest experiences a smooth stay from reservation to check-out.

(a) Definition

Hospitality is the friendly reception and entertainment of guests, in which food, drink, accommodation and other services are provided with warmth, generosity and care. In the industry it covers businesses such as hotels, restaurants, catering and travel services that serve guests for a price.

(b) Nature

• It is a service industry, so the main product is service and experience.
• It is people-oriented, with direct contact between staff and guests.
• It is labour-intensive and needs many trained workers.
• It operates round the clock, all year, including holidays.
• It is closely linked with tourism, travel, transport and entertainment.

(c) Characteristics

1. Intangibility: the service cannot be touched or seen before it is bought.
2. Inseparability: production and consumption occur at the same time, with the guest present.
3. Perishability: an unsold room or seat for a day cannot be stored and sold later.
4. Variability: service quality may differ with the staff, time and situation.
5. Seasonality: demand rises and falls with seasons and festivals.
6. High fixed cost: large investment in buildings, furniture and equipment.
7. Guest participation and personal touch: guests' needs and feedback shape the service.
8. Fixed supply: the number of rooms cannot be changed quickly when demand rises.

Nepal opened its doors to the outside world after the political change of 1950 A.D. (2007 B.S.), and after that the hospitality industry grew gradually. The main factors that affected its growth and development are as follows.

1. Political change and opening to the world. The end of the isolation policy allowed foreigners to enter. The Royal Hotel (1951) was started by Boris Lissanevitch, the first modern hotel in Nepal.

2. Mountaineering and tourism. The first ascent of Mt. Everest in 1953 and the first ascents of other peaks attracted climbers and tourists, which created a demand for accommodation and food services.

3. Air and road connections. The opening of Tribhuvan International Airport, the arrival of national and international airlines, and later the Tribhuvan Rajpath and other highways made travel easier.

4. Government policy and institutions. Setting up the Tourism Development Board, Ministry of Tourism, Nepal Tourism Board and tourism plans, along with the encouragement of private and foreign investment.

5. Hotel establishment and chain hotels. Hotels such as Hotel Himalaya, Soaltee and Yak & Yeti, and later international chain brands, raised standards.

6. Education and training. Hotel management institutions such as the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM) supplied trained workers.

7. Natural and cultural attractions. Himalayas, wildlife, heritage sites and festivals attracted visitors to the country.

8. Negative factors. Political instability, the Maoist conflict, the 2015 earthquake and COVID-19 affected arrivals and slowed development.

Tourism brings both benefits and costs to a country in economic, social, cultural and environmental areas.

Positive impacts

1. Economic: earns foreign exchange, creates jobs, increases government revenue and local income, and supports agriculture, handicrafts and small businesses.
2. Infrastructure development: improves roads, airports, electricity, water and communication.
3. Socio-cultural: promotes cultural exchange, understanding and the preservation of heritage, arts and traditions.
4. Environmental: funds conservation of national parks and heritage sites and builds environmental awareness.
5. Regional balance: develops remote and backward areas and reduces poverty.

Negative impacts

1. Economic: leakage of income to foreign companies, seasonal employment, rise in prices and dependence on tourism, and a sudden drop in times of crisis.
2. Socio-cultural: commercialisation and loss of culture, demonstration effect, crime, drugs and social conflict.
3. Environmental: pollution, waste, deforestation, damage to wildlife and heritage, and pressure on water and energy.
4. Overcrowding and loss of privacy in popular destinations.
5. Inflation and land price rise harming local residents.

Careful planning and sustainable tourism are needed to maximise the positive impacts and minimise the negative ones.

(b) The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests

Hospitality means receiving and looking after guests warmly and generously — food, drink, accommodation and comfort — which is the core of hotel and tourism services. The other options describe transport, marketing and resource management, not hospitality.

Hospitality vs. Tourism Industries, and Their Interdependence (with reference to the hotel sector)

Meaning

The hospitality industry is the sector that provides accommodation, food and beverage, and personal service to guests. It includes hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafés, lodges, resorts, banquet halls and catering services. Its core product is comfort, care and service given directly to the guest.

The tourism industry is the wider sector concerned with travel away from home for leisure, business or other purposes. It includes travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, transport services, attractions, national parks, guides, and also hotels and restaurants as supporting services. Its core product is the travel experience as a whole.

Main differences

Interdependence with reference to the hotel sector

1. Hotels as a core tourism product. A tourist needs a place to stay. Without hotels, lodges and resorts, tourism at a destination cannot function. In Nepal, trekking routes such as Annapurna and Everest depend completely on tea houses and hotels.

2. Tourism supplies the hotel's guests. The occupancy of a hotel depends largely on tourist arrivals. When tourist flow rises in season (autumn and spring in Nepal), hotel occupancy and room rates rise; in the off-season, hotels run at low occupancy. Thus hotel profit is directly linked to tourism demand.

3. Hotels earn foreign exchange for tourism. Hotels are a major source of foreign currency and government revenue (VAT, service charge, tourism tax), which strengthens the tourism economy of the country.

4. Hotels create the destination's image. Good service, cleanliness and hospitality in hotels build tourist satisfaction, positive word of mouth and repeat visits. Poor hotel service damages the reputation of the whole destination.

5. Tourism infrastructure supports hotels. Airlines, roads, travel agencies and tour operators bring guests to the hotel door. Improved air connectivity and road access to places like Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini directly increase hotel business.

6. Mutual dependence of other services. Hotels also serve local customers (weddings, meetings, restaurants), so they survive partly without tourists; but tourism cannot survive without hotels. This one-sided dependence makes the hotel sector the backbone of tourism.

Conclusion

Hospitality is the service and tourism is the travel system; they differ in scope, product and duration of contact. Yet they are inseparable — tourism creates the demand and hotels supply the essential service. In the hotel sector this interdependence is clear: tourist arrivals decide hotel occupancy, and hotel quality decides tourist satisfaction. Therefore, hotels and tourism must be planned and developed together for the growth of both.

Nepal's hospitality and tourism industry is one of the mainstays of the national economy, contributing significantly to GDP, foreign exchange earnings and employment. However, it faces a number of serious challenges that limit its growth and sustainability. The major challenges and the measures to overcome them are discussed below.

1. Seasonality of demand Tourist arrivals in Nepal are heavily concentrated in the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) trekking seasons. During the monsoon and winter, hotels, lodges, guides and porters in areas like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna and Langtang face very low occupancy, leading to underutilised investment and unstable income for workers. Measure: Promote off-season and monsoon tourism through monsoon trekking, rafting, cultural and festival tourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism. Offer discounted off-season packages and diversify products such as homestay, wellness and yoga tourism.

2. Poor infrastructure and accessibility Roads to many tourist destinations are narrow and poorly maintained, domestic flights are limited and often disrupted by weather, and electricity, water and internet services are unreliable in remote areas. The 2015 earthquake and frequent landslides and floods further damage infrastructure. For example, the limited and costly flights to Lukla make Everest region travel expensive and risky. Measure: Increase government and private investment in roads, airports, reliable power and communication. Develop alternative trekking routes and improve disaster-resilient infrastructure.

3. Lack of skilled manpower The industry suffers from a shortage of trained professionals in hotel management, culinary arts, tour guiding, housekeeping and front office. Many trained youths migrate abroad for better pay, causing a brain drain. Service quality in many hotels and restaurants therefore remains below international standards. Measure: Expand hospitality and tourism education through CTEVT, colleges and hotel training institutes; provide on-the-job training, apprenticeships and attractive career incentives to retain skilled staff.

4. Weak marketing and promotion Nepal's international marketing budget is small compared to competitors like Thailand, India and Bhutan. Promotion is often fragmented, and the country's image is sometimes damaged by news of political instability, strikes or natural disasters. Many potential tourists are unaware of Nepal's diversity beyond Everest and Kathmandu. Measure: Conduct coordinated digital marketing campaigns, participate in international travel marts, use social media and influencers, and promote niche products like adventure, pilgrimage, eco-tourism and UNESCO heritage sites.

5. Political instability and policy hurdles Frequent changes in government, strikes (bandhs), and inconsistent tourism policies discourage long-term investment. Complicated regulations, high taxes and licensing procedures also discourage entrepreneurs. Measure: Ensure political stability, formulate a clear long-term tourism policy, provide tax incentives and simplify licensing and registration procedures.

6. Environmental degradation and over-tourism Mass tourism in sensitive areas such as Everest and Annapurna has led to waste accumulation, trail erosion and pressure on local resources. Unplanned hotel construction harms the natural environment on which tourism depends. Measure: Promote sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, enforce carrying-capacity limits, manage waste properly, and encourage community-based and responsible tourism practices.

7. Competition and price undercutting Nepal competes with established destinations like Thailand, Malaysia and Bhutan. Within Nepal, hotels and trekking agencies often undercut prices, reducing profit margins and service quality. Measure: Focus on quality and unique experiences rather than low prices, promote brand Nepal, and encourage fair pricing through industry associations like HAN and NATTA.

8. Inadequate safety and emergency services Rescue and medical facilities are limited in remote trekking areas, and incidents of avalanches, altitude sickness and accidents affect tourist confidence. Measure: Strengthen rescue services, insurance coverage, weather warning systems and safety standards for trekking and adventure activities.

Conclusion The challenges of seasonality, weak infrastructure, skill shortage, poor marketing, political instability, environmental degradation, competition and inadequate safety all hinder the sustainable growth of Nepal's hospitality and tourism industry. If the government, private sector and local communities work together to invest in infrastructure, develop skilled manpower, promote Nepal globally, ensure political stability and adopt eco-friendly practices, the industry can become a sustainable and competitive pillar of the national economy. For example, community homestay programmes in Ghandruk and Sirubari show how local participation and responsible tourism can bring balanced benefits to both visitors and host communities.

Nepal opened its doors to foreigners in 1950 (2007 BS), after the fall of the Rana regime and the restoration of democracy. Until then entry was almost closed; after that, foreign mountaineering expeditions and visitors were allowed to enter with official permission and visas.

A domestic tourist is a resident or citizen of a country who travels within that same country, away from his or her usual place of residence, and stays at least one night for leisure, pilgrimage, business or visiting friends and relatives.

Hospitality is the friendly reception and entertainment of guests, in which food, drink, accommodation and other services are provided to them with warmth and care. As an industry, it covers all businesses that serve guests away from their home.

Sectors of hospitality

1. Accommodation (lodging). Provides a place to stay. It includes hotels, motels, resorts, lodges, guest houses, hostels, homestays and camps.

2. Food and beverage (catering). Provides meals and drinks. It includes restaurants, cafes, bars, fast food, banquet and catering services in hospitals, schools and industries.

3. Travel and tourism. Provides travel arrangements and sightseeing. It includes travel agencies, tour operators, airlines and transport services.

4. Recreation and entertainment. Provides leisure and activities. It includes theme parks, casinos, spas, health clubs, sports and adventure activities, cinemas and cultural shows.

5. Event and conference management. Organises meetings, conferences, exhibitions, weddings and festivals in convention centres and banquet halls.

Illustration

A tourist travelling to Pokhara books an air ticket through a travel agency (travel), stays at a resort (accommodation), eats at its restaurant (food and beverage), goes boating and paragliding (recreation) and attends a conference in the hotel hall (events). All these sectors serve one guest.

Hospitality is the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers, with accommodation, food, drink and related services. It is a part of the service industry that includes hotels, restaurants, lodges, resorts, bars and catering.

Service nature of hospitality

1. Intangibility. Service cannot be touched or seen before purchase; the guest judges it only by experience.
2. Inseparability. Production and consumption occur at the same time, and the guest is present while it is delivered.
3. Perishability. An unsold room or seat for a night cannot be stored; the revenue is lost forever.
4. Variability. The quality varies with the staff, time and place, so training and standards are essential.
5. Labour intensive. Much personal service by many staff is needed.
6. Guest-centred and personal. Each guest has different needs and the service must be personalised.
7. 24-hour and seasonal. Many services run all day, and demand rises and falls with season.
8. Heavy fixed cost. Building and furnishing are costly, while selling more of the product adds little cost.

Thus, hospitality is not just selling a product but providing satisfaction, comfort and a pleasant experience.

The hospitality industry (hotels, lodges, restaurants and catering) is closely tied to tourism and is an important part of Nepal's economy.

Importance

1. Foreign exchange earning. Tourists staying in hotels and paying for food and services bring in foreign currency, which helps the balance of payments.
2. Employment. It gives direct jobs to cooks, waiters, receptionists, housekeepers and managers, and indirect jobs to farmers, suppliers, transporters, guides and handicraft makers.
3. Contribution to GDP and revenue. Hotel and restaurant businesses pay tax, VAT, licence fees and service charges, which increase government revenue.
4. Regional development. Hotels, lodges and homestays in remote places such as Everest, Annapurna and Lumbini regions bring roads, electricity, communication and income to these areas.
5. Promotion of local products. Demand for local food, vegetables, dairy, handicrafts and crafts increases farm and small industry income.
6. Investment. It attracts both domestic and foreign investment in construction, furnishing and services.
7. Promotion of culture and image. Hospitality gives the visitor a taste of Nepali culture, cuisine and the "Atithi Devo Bhava" tradition, enhancing the national image.
8. Support to other industries. It supports transport, banking, trekking, agriculture and entertainment.

Eco-tourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people and involves learning and interpretation. It is also called nature-based or green tourism. The International Ecotourism Society defines it in this way.

Principles

• Minimise the negative effect on nature and culture.
• Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
• Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
• Give direct financial benefits for conservation and local people.
• Take part in decision-making of local communities.

Characteristics

• Small groups, low impact and nature-based activities.
• Use of local guides, food, materials and eco-friendly lodges.
• Educational element: visitors learn about the ecosystem and culture.
• Waste reduction and use of renewable energy.

Examples in Nepal: Chitwan National Park, Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), Sagarmatha National Park, Bardia, Langtang, community homestays such as Sirubari, and Rara.

Importance: conserves biodiversity, creates local employment, raises funds for protected areas and promotes sustainable development.

Tourism is the temporary, short-term movement of people to destinations away from their usual place of residence and work, and the activities they carry out during their stay, for leisure, business, pilgrimage or other purposes, for not more than one year. It also includes the industry that serves them through transport, accommodation, food, guides and attractions.

Why Lumbini can be the main destination for international tourists

1. Birthplace of Lord Buddha. Lumbini, in Rupandehi district, is the place where Siddhartha Gautama was born. It is the holiest site of Buddhism, which has millions of followers across Asia and the world.
2. World Heritage Site. UNESCO listed Lumbini in 1997, which gives it global recognition.
3. Sacred attractions. The Mayadevi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, the Sacred Garden, the Puskarini pond and the Lumbini Master Plan area with monasteries built by countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Germany and France attract pilgrims and visitors.
4. Improved accessibility. Gautam Buddha International Airport at Bhairahawa has been built, and it is connected by highways, which allows direct flights from abroad.
5. Master plan and infrastructure. The Lumbini Development Trust is developing the area, along with hotels, resorts and facilities.
6. Nearby destinations. Tilaurakot (Kapilvastu), Ramgram, Devdaha and Chitwan allow a Buddhist circuit and combined tours.
7. Peace and spiritual tourism. The theme of peace and meditation attracts retreat tourists and religious groups.
8. Economic benefit. Growth in visitors brings income, jobs and development to the region, and can spread tourism beyond Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Hence, with its religious importance, recognition, and growing access and facilities, Lumbini has strong potential to become Nepal's main international destination.

A tourist is a person who travels to and stays in a place outside his or her usual environment for more than 24 hours and not more than one year, for leisure, recreation, business, visiting friends and relatives, health, religion, education or other purposes, but not for any paid employment in the place visited.

According to the UNWTO, a visitor who stays at least one night in the destination is a tourist, while one who does not stay overnight is an excursionist (day visitor).

Tourist

A tourist is a person who travels to a place outside his or her usual environment and stays there for at least 24 hours (one night) but not more than one year for leisure, business or other non-remunerative purposes.

Types of tourist

On the basis of origin and destination:

1. Domestic tourist. A resident of a country who travels within his or her own country, e.g. a person from Biratnagar visiting Pokhara.
2. Inbound (international) tourist. A non-resident who travels to a country, e.g. an Indian visiting Nepal.
3. Outbound tourist. A resident who travels abroad, e.g. a Nepali visiting Thailand.

On the basis of purpose of visit:

4. Leisure/recreational tourist. Travels for holidays, sightseeing and relaxation.
5. Business tourist. Travels for business meetings, conferences and trade fairs (MICE).
6. Pilgrimage/religious tourist. Visits holy places such as Pashupatinath and Lumbini.
7. Adventure tourist. Seeks trekking, rafting, mountaineering or paragliding.
8. Health/medical tourist. Travels for medical treatment, yoga or wellness.
9. Educational and cultural tourist. Travels to study, research or learn about culture and heritage.
10. Eco-tourist. Visits natural areas responsibly and with a concern for conservation.

On the basis of the length of stay and organisation: independent tourist (arranges the trip personally), group/package tourist (travels with a tour operator).

Tourism is the temporary movement of people to destinations outside their usual place of residence and work, and the activities they carry out and the services and facilities created to meet their needs during their stay. It includes travel for leisure, business, pilgrimage, health, education and other purposes for not more than one year, without taking up paid employment at the destination.

According to the UNWTO, tourism is "the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes". It is a major industry that produces income, employment and foreign exchange.

Tourism developed gradually from the basic human need to travel for trade, religion and survival into a modern global industry. The stages of its evolution are as follows.

1. Ancient period. People travelled for trade, war, pilgrimage and exploration. The Greeks and Romans travelled to festivals such as the Olympic Games, to temples and to spas. Good roads and the use of money made travel easier. In Asia, pilgrims and traders travelled along the Silk Road and to holy places.
2. Medieval period. Travel declined in Europe after the fall of Rome, but religious pilgrimage grew (Mecca, Jerusalem, Rome, Varanasi), and inns and monasteries gave shelter. Explorers such as Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta travelled widely.
3. Renaissance and the Grand Tour (16th to 18th century). Rich young Europeans took the "Grand Tour" to France and Italy to learn art, language and culture. Spa towns and seaside resorts became popular. The word "tourist" came into use.
4. Industrial Revolution (18th to 19th century). The steam engine, railways and steamships made travel faster and cheaper. Thomas Cook organised the first package tour in 1841 (Leicester to Loughborough), and travel agencies, hotels and guidebooks developed. The middle class started to travel.
5. Early 20th century. The motor car, buses and aeroplanes widened travel, and paid holidays became common. Two World Wars interrupted tourism.
6. Mass tourism after World War II. Jet aircraft, rising incomes, paid leave, package tours and the growth of airlines and hotel chains produced mass tourism from the 1950s. The UNWTO was formed to guide it.
7. Modern period. Tourism has become diversified: eco-tourism, adventure, rural and cultural tourism. The internet, online booking and social media have transformed it, and sustainable and responsible tourism is emphasised.

In Nepal, tourism began seriously after 1950 when the country opened its doors to foreigners and the Everest expedition (1953) and the first ascent of Annapurna (1950) drew world attention. The Tourism Act and the Ministry of Tourism, along with Nepal Tourism Board (1998), further developed it.

Accessibility

Accessibility means the ease with which tourists can reach a destination and move around within it. It depends on the transport network (air, road, rail, water), the travel time and cost, the entry rules (visa, permit), and the facilities for the disabled and the elderly. A destination, however attractive, cannot develop if tourists cannot reach it easily, so accessibility is an important component of tourism along with attractions, amenities and ancillary services.

Accessibility in the context of Nepal

Favourable conditions (bonus points)

1. Air access. Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu), Gautam Buddha International Airport (Bhairahawa) and Pokhara International Airport link Nepal with many countries, and domestic airports bring remote places such as Lukla, Jomsom and Simikot within easy reach.
2. Road access. Nepal is linked with India and China by border roads. Major highways link Kathmandu to Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini, and tourist buses are available.
3. Visa policy. Visa on arrival and a liberal entry system (free for Indians), with online visa applications, make entry easy.
4. Trekking infrastructure. Trails, tea houses and permit systems (TIMS, national park permits) are well developed in Everest, Annapurna and Langtang.
5. Compact distances. The various attractions lie in a small area, and a short flight can take tourists from Kathmandu to the Himalayas, Terai jungle and Lumbini.

Limitations (weak conditions)

1. Poor road quality, landslides and floods in the monsoon.
2. Limited international flights and air-traffic congestion at the Kathmandu airport, and weather-related flight cancellations.
3. Lack of facilities for disabled tourists at many sites.
4. Some remote areas are reachable only by foot or expensive helicopter.

Nepal should improve roads, rail links and airports and the supporting services to increase its accessibility and tourist numbers.

Attraction as a component of tourism

Attractions are the features of a destination that draw tourists to it. They are the first and main reason why people travel, and without them tourism cannot exist. Together with accessibility, accommodation and amenities, ancillary services and activities, attractions form the major components of tourism. They are divided into natural attractions, man-made (built) attractions and cultural/event attractions.

Natural attractions of Nepal

Natural attractions are those created by nature and not by human beings. Nepal is rich in them:

1. Mountains. Eight of the 14 peaks of the world over 8,000 m, including Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m), Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Manaslu and Annapurna. They attract trekkers and mountaineers.
2. Lakes and rivers. Phewa, Begnas, Rara (the largest), Tilicho and Gosaikunda lakes, and rivers such as the Trishuli, Seti and Bhote Koshi for rafting and kayaking.
3. National parks and wildlife reserves. Chitwan, Bardiya, Sagarmatha, Langtang and Shey-Phoksundo, with one-horned rhino, Bengal tiger, snow leopard and many birds, for jungle safari and bird watching.
4. Hills and valleys. Sarangkot, Nagarkot and Ilam provide sunrise and mountain views, and tea gardens.
5. Caves and waterfalls. Mahendra Cave, Gupteshwor Cave, Davis Falls, Chovar Gorge.
6. Hot springs. Tatopani (Myagdi) and others, with a healing value.
7. Climate and landscape diversity. From the subtropical Terai to the Arctic-like Himalayas within a short distance.

These natural attractions support trekking, mountaineering, rafting, wildlife safari, paragliding, bungee jumping and eco-tourism, and bring income and employment to the country.

The nature (characteristics) of tourism explains what tourism is and how it works. The main features are:

1. Tourism is a composite and multi-sector industry. It is not a single industry but is made up of transport, accommodation, food, travel agencies, guides, entertainment and shopping.
2. It is a service-oriented, intangible product. Tourists buy experiences and services that cannot be touched, stored or tried beforehand.
3. Temporary movement. People move temporarily to a place outside their usual residence and return after a short stay.
4. Inseparability of production and consumption. The tourist must come to the destination to consume the product, and it is produced and consumed at the same time.
5. It is seasonal. Demand varies by season, e.g. autumn and spring are peak seasons in Nepal while monsoon and winter are low.
6. It is a labour-intensive industry. It needs many people for the guest service and so creates lots of jobs.
7. It is highly sensitive. Natural disasters, political unrest, epidemics, terrorism and economic crises affect it quickly.
8. It depends on attractions, accessibility and amenities.
9. It is a dynamic and competitive industry. Tastes, technology and trends keep changing, and destinations compete with each other.
10. It is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon. It involves interaction between tourists (guests) and the local people (hosts), and has economic, social and environmental effects.

Tourism brings tourists and local people into contact and so affects the social and cultural life of the host community. The effects can be positive and negative.

Positive effects

1. Employment and better living standards. Tourism provides jobs in hotels, transport and handicrafts, increases income and raises the standard of living of the people.
2. Cultural exchange and understanding. Contact between tourists and hosts promotes mutual understanding, tolerance and friendship between different nations.
3. Preservation of culture and heritage. Local festivals, art, crafts, music and monuments are revived and protected because of tourist interest.
4. Improved facilities. Roads, electricity, water supply, health, communication and schools improve and are also used by the local people.
5. Women and youth empowerment. More opportunities for women and youth to earn and become independent.
6. Pride and awareness. Local people become proud of their heritage and more aware of the outside world, languages and skills.

Negative effects

1. Cultural erosion (commercialisation). Traditions and festivals are changed or staged to please tourists, losing their original meaning.
2. Demonstration effect. Local youth imitate the dress, language and habits of tourists, which can weaken traditional values.
3. Social problems. Increase in crime, drug abuse, begging, prostitution and gambling in some tourist areas.
4. Rising prices and inequality. Prices of land, goods and housing rise, and benefits are not shared equally among the local people.
5. Overcrowding and loss of privacy. Crowded places and conflicts between locals and tourists, who may not respect local customs.
6. Dependency on tourism and displacement of traditional occupations.

Hence tourism should be planned so that the positive effects are increased and the negative effects reduced.

Tourism depends on the natural and built environment, and it also affects it. The impacts can be positive or negative.

Positive impacts

1. Conservation of nature. Income from tourism, such as fees of national parks, is used to protect wildlife, forests and heritage (e.g. Chitwan and Sagarmatha National Parks, ACAP).
2. Awareness. Tourists and the local people become aware of the importance of the environment and eco-tourism.
3. Preservation of heritage. Historic monuments and sites are restored and maintained because of tourist demand.
4. Improved infrastructure and sanitation. Better waste management, water supply and clean surroundings in tourist areas.
5. Creation of protected areas such as national parks and conservation areas.

Negative impacts

1. Pollution. Air pollution from vehicles and aircraft, water pollution from hotels and sewage, noise pollution and litter, e.g. waste on Everest and on trekking trails.
2. Deforestation. Trees are cut for fuelwood, lodges and trail construction.
3. Damage to wildlife and habitat. Disturbance of animals by safari vehicles and loss of habitat to construction.
4. Erosion and damage to trails and monuments from overuse and from visitors touching or climbing them.
5. Overuse of resources. Water, energy and land are overused in tourist areas, creating shortages for locals.
6. Climate change contribution. Greenhouse gas emissions from travel.
7. Unplanned construction that spoils the landscape.

Remedies: sustainable tourism, carrying capacity limits, waste management, eco-friendly lodges, use of alternative energy and education of tourists.

Attractions are the features that draw tourists to a destination. They are divided into natural and man-made attractions.

The statement is true because a traveller is anyone who moves from one place to another, while a tourist is a particular kind of traveller who satisfies certain conditions: the person travels outside the usual environment, stays for at least 24 hours (one night) but not more than one year, and travels for leisure, business or similar purposes, not for paid employment at the destination.

Many travellers are not tourists:

1. Commuters. People who travel daily between home and work or school stay within their usual environment.
2. Migrants and refugees. They travel to settle permanently or for safety, not temporarily.
3. Employed persons or labourers. Those who go to a place for paid employment (e.g. a Nepali going abroad to work) are not tourists.
4. Excursionists/day visitors. They visit a place and return the same day without staying overnight; they are visitors but not tourists.
5. Transit passengers who stay only for a short time at an airport.
6. Students, diplomats and military personnel posted for long periods.
7. Nomads and people travelling for more than one year.

Therefore all tourists are travellers, but all travellers are not tourists.

Accessibility

Accessibility is the ease with which tourists can reach a destination and travel within it. It covers the transport routes and modes (air, road, rail, water), their frequency, cost and time, together with the entry formalities such as visa and permits, and the facilities for people with disabilities. It is one of the essential components of tourism.

Importance of accessibility in tourism

1. Brings tourists to the destination. Even the most beautiful attraction will not draw tourists if they cannot reach it.
2. Saves time and cost. Good transport reduces travel time and expense, which makes the destination attractive and competitive.
3. Increases the number of tourists and length of stay. Easy access encourages more visitors and allows them to visit more places.
4. Develops tourism in remote areas. Roads and airstrips open previously inaccessible regions (e.g. Mustang, Rara) to tourism.
5. Supports the local economy. Tourists and goods can flow easily, creating income and employment and encouraging investment in hotels and services.
6. Comfort and safety. Safe and comfortable transport improves the satisfaction of tourists and the image of the country.
7. Competitive advantage. A destination with simple entry rules and good connectivity wins over others.
8. Inclusive tourism. Barrier-free access allows the elderly and disabled tourists to travel.

Tourist

A tourist is a person who travels to a place outside his or her usual environment and stays for at least one night but not more than one year for leisure, recreation, business or other purposes, and not for paid employment at the place visited.

Tourism

Tourism is the temporary movement of people to destinations outside their normal place of residence and work, together with the activities they undertake and the facilities and services provided to meet their needs. It includes travel for pleasure, business, religion, health, education and so on. According to UNWTO, it comprises the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year.

Eco-tourism

Eco-tourism is responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people and involves interpretation and education. (This is the definition of The International Ecotourism Society.) It aims at minimum impact on nature, benefits for the local community and awareness of conservation. Examples in Nepal are the Annapurna Conservation Area, Chitwan National Park community homestays and the Ghandruk village.