Role of Nepalese Travel Agencies in Promoting Rural Tourism

Sheby Shrestha

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

Exploring and appreciating various cultures and ecosystems may now be done through tourism, which is becoming more and more common. The rich cultural and ecological legacy of rural areas has become more and more accessible to tourists in recent years through the growing industry of rural tourism. Travel companies are essential in marketing and facilitating travel to Nepal's rural areas because these locations have a lot to offer in terms of rural tourism. This study aims to investigate the impacts of Nepalese travel agencies' promotion of rural tourism on rural communities. This will be accomplished by conducting a survey of both domestic and foreign tourists to learn how they feel about Nepal's rural tourism industry. Moreover, semi-structured interviews with representatives from travel agencies, decision-makers, and other tourism industry players will be conducted as part of this study's qualitative research methods. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Nepalese travel agents on rural areas and how they promote rural tourism there. This study will involve a survey of domestic and foreign tourists to determine their perceptions and attitudes toward rural tourism in Nepal. It will use a qualitative research design and a quantitative method to collect data through semi-structured interviews with travel agencies, policymakers, and stakeholders in the tourism industry and it will involve a survey of domestic and international tourists, to assess their perceptions and attitudes towards rural tourism in Nepal. The study finds that travel agencies in Nepal play a vital role in promoting rural tourism by creating tour packages that showcase rural areas' unique features and facilitating access to rural areas. However, the study also identifies challenges faced by travel agencies, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited marketing, and lack of training for rural communities. The study concludes that Nepalese travel agencies have a critical role to play in promoting rural tourism and can contribute significantly to the economic development of rural areas. To achieve this goal, policymakers need to provide support to travel agencies and address the challenges they face. Ultimately, the study suggests that the promotion of rural tourism in Nepal can contribute to sustainable development and help preserve the country's cultural and natural heritage.

Keywords

NTB, NEPAL, KOSHI, PROVINCE, TOURISM, NPL, ROLE, AWARENESS, INTERVIEW, SURVEYS, NPR, AGENCIES

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 18. 3. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 24. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: Ing. Richard Selby, Ph.D.
• Reader: Oldřich Výlupek, MSc Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Economics and Management

Bachelor programme:
Economics and Management