Social TOURISM

Social TOURIS

It is well known fact that travelling has been a human phenomenon since the beginning of human civilization. It is a sensitive factor of the human nature in the context of moving to survive, explore and to know that unknown. Yet tourism is often taken to be a new phenomenon associated with our present civilization. The ancients undertake travels for personals or collective interest or out of curiosity and regions sentiments. But the modern science and technology advancement, higher incomes and saving longer, leisure times, demographic expansion, cheaply facilitated and diversified tourists services, spread of education etc. have made the term “Tourism” more households as well as the most dynamic  and important for not only developing countries. Nepal, a country of natural paradise, is unique due to its peculiar topography, diverse climate and cultural heritage. Nepal has many tourists’ destinations and range of comparative advantages. The most spectacular mountains in the world, people of different races, religious, cultures, and costumes, a wide variety of flora and fauna and a varied climate are the large and growing tourist’s world. To develop sustainable tourism and to achieve the opium socio-economic benefits, the activities like eco -tourism, community based tourism or village tourism; social tourism should be highly promoted.

Nepal one of the most unique exotic and remote destinations in the tourism map of the world unquestionably a country deemed with countless natural wonders and exhilarating tourism products. The treasury of its product potentiality is endless. It’s not only the highest peak Mt. Everest and the deepest gorge of kali-Gandaki but there are other innumerable natural, cultural and never-to-be found elsewhere features in this land. Once visited, one is tempted to visit Nepal again. This is a country old historic monuments and heritage site. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say tourism potentiality of Nepal, if utilized properly and with a little seriousness on the part of the plans and policy makers; it would prove itself like the Hen that used to lay Golden eggs in fairy tales.

Social tourism is Community based tourism which enables tourists to discover local habitats, wildlife and to celebrates and respects traditional cultures, rituals and wisdom. The community will be aware of the commercial and social value placed on their natural and cultural heritage through tourism, and this will encourage community to conserve these resources. Supporting community-based tourism, tourist can immerse in the day-to-day lives of local and indigenous people while helping them to preserve their environment and cultural heritage by sharing idea and knowledge. In return tourist gets rare opportunities to experience local communities in a low price instead of paying high price for the hotel and resort. Many successful experiences in development countries prove that tourism can become a leading sector for the people who conserve natural resources and live on it. Local people of these countries jointly cooperate in Community Based Tourism and this gives not only economic benefits for them but also becomes an example of community involved decision making process. A community by definition implies individuals with some kind of collective responsibility, and the ability to make decisions by representative bodies.

Also Social tourism is aimed at benefiting the whole community by contributing to the economic and social development of regions and citizens as the whole. All the players in the tourism development are subject to the same expectations of professionalism and competence, whether facility managers or entrepreneurs, guides or tour organizers, entertainers or educators.

Recognizing Nepal’s immense potential in Tourism, some of the NGOs has already entered and JCYCN also planning to enter into this sector, with a strict aim of promoting community-based socio-environmentally friendly tourism. Ecotourism is gradually becoming a priority as it is proved to be the alternative economic activity to the local community. The organization sees itself as a social partner for community development through tourism to create economic, social and environmental value in the community. It believes that the overall longevity of the organization success depends upon its ability to create value in these three areas simultaneously. Hence, JCYCN is   currently working to develop variety of nature-based tourism activities that have been combined with a conservation and community development programme in coordination with GOs and LNGOs.

The main aim for operating social tourism is to be able to preserve the forest, respect the culture and traditions of the people and place, and practice self-taught skills in tourism while generating income for the local community in an ecologically sound and sustainable way, raise level of consciousness to the concept of ecotourism and the environment among local community. By introducing tourism, JCYCN will demonstrate that economic success lies in social and environmental sustainability.

A small effort will be made to involve the local people not only by creating job opportunities in the service sector, but by involving them in the management of tourism development as well. This is a long- term procedure, which requires funds, patience and good will from both sides. The socio-economic environment helps to make community-based tourism a reality.