Tourist perceptions of safety and security and their influence on destination choice : a study of Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

This thesis investigated how tourists perceive safety and security in Kathmandu Valley with respect to tourists’ travel experience and destination image. The research aimed to establish the main areas of safety concern, the experiences of tourists, what influences them, and how local tourism stakeholders perceive their role in safety. The tourism literature treated the perception of risk from tourists. Destination image construction and the way crime prevention action is experienced. A qualitative methodology was implemented in which 4 online interviews (domestic and international tourists, hotel owners, and tourist guides) and the content analysis of online reviews were conducted.

Results indicate that while tourists perceived Kathmandu as culturally rich and socially hospitable, their perceptions of physical safety were influenced by traffic density, pollution levels, infrastructure maintenance, and inconsistent street illumination. Local private sector and tourism service providers’ own hospitality also mitigated those risks to a certain extent.

The results suggest that urban environment improvement may promote visitor information and safety communication to improve the overall destination image of Kathmandu. The study indicates that further comparative studies and larger samples are required to improve the understanding of safety perceptions in a tourism setting within Nepal.