A case study of community and nature-based features as a contributor for tourism development in Rasuwa District

Abstract

This study aims to understand the model of sustainable tourism in Rasuwa district of Nepal. As Rasuwa is a high-altitude region with different socio-economic dynamics than other research has, it needed attention to be studied. The study starts by introducing the need and available research works on the topic and assesses the effect of community-based and nature-based tourism on the sustainable development of Rasuwa District. It identifies opportunities offered by Rasuwa's cultural, and natural attractions, among others, and challenges presented by seasonality, infrastructure gaps, and environmental degradation. The study aims to understand the current dynamics and suggest effective ideas for sustainable future planning of tourism with the help of available natural resources and community culture. Qualitative data was analysed through the grounded theory that attempts to unravel the meanings of people's interactions, social actions, and experiences. Thematic analysis was done to understand the categories that needed attention, and the results highlighted include collaborative strategies of stakeholders like locals, government representatives, NGOs, etc. The study suggests innovative practices and supportive policies for tourism sustainability to help Rasuwa balance tourism and environmental sustainability. Most recommendations are towards infrastructure improvement, skill development, and entrepreneurship to address seasonal adjacencies and promote growth on a sustainable basis. This research provides actionable insights about how to ensure sustainable tourism in Nepal’s Himalayan regions.