My Surkhet

Abstract

The tourism industry plays a critical role in Nepal's overall growth. Because of its natural and cultural diversity, Nepal has a very strong natural power. Tourism has a significant role to play in improving the country's international image. Tourism is a major driver of Nepal's economic development. It makes a significant contribution to the Nepalese economy. The tourism industry is seen as a way to boost the country's economy, enhance living standards, and eliminate poverty. Surkhet District represents the country's linguistic, cultural, religious, and biological diversity in a complicated cross-section. It serves as the gateway to Karnali Province, as well as a link to Mansarover, Hinduism's holiest site. The tourism resources present in Surkhet district have a significant impact on tourism growth not only in Karnali province, but also throughout Nepal. The prospective products of tourist development are identified using both primary and secondary data. The importance of this study stems from the need for proper knowledge among tourist development stakeholders. It has a high potential for religious/pilgrimage tourism, rural tourism, eco-tourism, cultural tourism, village tourism, agro-tourism, adventure tourism, health tourism, and other types of tourism.

Background

Surkhet District is a melting pot of linguistic, cultural, religious, and biological diversity. It is located in the Karnali Province. Surkhet boasts a plethora of tourist attractions, and taking advantage of them provides a wide range of comparative advantages. The district's attractions include a diverse range of flora and animals, a park, Bihar, and a diverse climate. Tourism, according to Kunwar (1997), is the temporary migration of people to places other than their usual places of work and residence, as well as the activities they engage in while there and the facilities built to meet their demands. The tourism industry has played a significant influence in the Nepalese economy. Every year, tourists visit Nepal, which benefits Nepalese people directly or indirectly. It is the primary means of obtaining precious foreign currency. Nepal has become a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world due to its stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural aspects. As a result, we can confidently assert that tourism may be a potent weapon in the fight against poverty and unemployment. Tourism could improve the living conditions of the impoverished and underprivileged locals if adequate and thorough study is conducted (Upadhaya, 2005). Tourism is a business that is driven by human desires. Tourism has evolved to become the largest and fastest expanding industry in the previous two decades.

In light of this, it is now critical to expand and promote the tourism business, as well as associated events and initiatives. The actions of persons traveling to and staying in places beyond their customary surroundings for not more than one year for leisure, business, or other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the area visited are defined as tourism by Theobald (1998). Surkhet District is located in Karnali Province's southern region. It is a place blessed by God with natural assets such as valley land, river, basin, mild climate, and other features that would pique the tourist's interest. Natural beauty abounds in this neighborhood, as well as cultural diversity. From a variety of views, this region is an ideal tourist destination.

Kankre Bihar's most stunning attraction is the Surkhetis holy shrine. Deutibajai Temple, Shiva Mandir, Siddhapaila, and Gangamala Mandir, the Hindu faith's center, are among the district's other major religious attractions. Pilgrims come from all throughout Nepal, and even certain parts of India, to pay their respects to the Goddess. The constant dingdong of bells and the scent of incenses emanating from the Kankre Bihar and other temples sends a message of peace, harmony, tolerance, and goodwill. All of these criteria indicate that Surkhet might be a good tourism destination. This area is abundant in vegetation and fauna. Almost all of the 6 Rhododendron species, more than 123 bird species, around 60 animal species, and numerous orchid species can be found. Leopard, Bear, Deer, and Wild Dog are among the many species of wild animals found here.

The Study's Objectives 

The study's major goal is to determine the potential of Surkhet district's tourism products. 

The following are the precise goals: 

1. To assess the tourism development potential in the district. 

2. To find a possible product that can help the tourism industry grow.

Methodology 

The data and information used in the study came from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data came from a Key Informant Survey and Observations, which were conducted with the help of a standardized questionnaire and an observation sheet. The tourists were invited to fill out 100 questionnaires. Information can also be gathered through the use of a structured interview method, which is performed through the creation of a questionnaire. Hotel management, tourists, and local officials were among the key informants interviewed. The study was observed in order to gain access to the many stages of tourist growth; the benefit of this method is that it provides a quick and vivid picture of the situation. The checklist is utilized to achieve the goal. Secondary sources also contributed to the data collection. The information was gathered from a variety of sources, including books, journals, and public and unpublished records.

Conclusion 

The tourism business is a rapidly expanding economic, social, and cultural phenomena. Tourism has also been referred to as a means of development in recent times. Surkhet district is a fertile land for tourism destinations. It has a high potential as a tourist destination in all areas, including eco-tourism, religious, cultural, recreational, agricultural, adventure, and health tourism. The area relies heavily on massive products to promote tourism. These are cultural and natural heritages that represent the tourism destination. Anthropology of tourism is a method of tourism that involves both the hosts and the visitors.

The study focuses on the Gurung, Tharu, and Bote people's indigenous culture. The distinctive and rich cultural history of the Tharu and Gurung can be used as a primary source of tourism products in this district. As a result, the study can be regarded as anthropological tourism's norms, values, and principles, as well as a source of natural and archeological products. The Surkhet district is known for its panoramic natural beauty. The area is known for its many eco-regions as well as its rich cultural and natural history, which draw visitors to the area.