My summer of 2013 was spent in Nepal. Most of my time was
allocated between the cities of Pokhra and Kathmandu and the distance between
them. I learnt a lot about the country, its culture, architecture, history and landscape.
It was one of my favourite holidays and I will treasure it for a long time.
This blog entry will focus on how tourism has benefited the country.
Tourism is the main source of income for most people here
and in both cities it has a huge presence. In either Kathmandu or Pokhra, one
didn't have to walk around very long before coming to the conclusion that these
cities both thrive on tourism. In Thamel, a section of Kathmandu that is
specifically linked to tourists and shopping, it is very easy to get spoilt for
choice as the whole area is pretty much lines of shows and restaurant
punctuated by small empty spaces! Tourism also here performed a ripple effect
in the community as it was through tourism that employment was created, which
then supported many other areas of life for the locals such as education for
their children, healthcare and even better nutrition.
Tourism also allows for the community to learn new skills.
This was evident by the billboards in Chinese and various Asian and European languages
and the American and Chinese dishes around every corner. This gives the local
community more skills to help them compete with the world.
Tourism also allows the culture of Nepal to be preserved and
presented well. Nepal has a lot to offer, and not just the Himalayas or Mount Everest!
It has scenic temples, grand palaces, and beautiful smaller ranges and is
teeming with friendly people and wildlife. The people here learnt their own traditional
dances and languages and have learnt to
maintain it in order to make a living.
Something else which
made me realize how important tourism helps the community was the way in which
it allowed many ancient buildings and monuments such as temples to be
protected. Without tourism, all but a few religious sites would be demolished or
at least run-down. Animals too benefit from tourism. Rhinos, elephants and
leopards are among the endangered species found in the famous Chitwan reserve that
can face a better future as a result of tourism as well, If it had not been for
tourism many ancient buildings, century-old culture and rare animals would just
go extinct!
Finally, Tourism here, contrary to popular belief actually
prevents the Mcdonaldization of Nepal. Unlike many other capital cities,
Kathmandu has little in the way of major brands such as McDonald's or Burger
King or Gucci. This allows for small scale businesses to thrive. As mentioned
earlier, there is so much to choose for if you are a tourist. This allows for
monopolies to remain weak and for there to be greater consumer choice.
Tourism overall is a pillar of Pokhara and Kathmandu, Below
are some images from my travels.
