Community-based tourism (CBT) emphasises partnerships within communities to achieve tourism objectives. Incorporating activities like homestays and cultural festivals helps preserve local traditions and can improve the socio-economic conditions of culturally rich areas. In Nepal’s Rasuwa district, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, challenges like globalisation, migration, and environmental degradation threaten its cultural assets. CBT offers a sustainable solution to safeguard these traditions while supporting local livelihoods.
The cultural wealth of Rasuwa
Rasuwa is home to various ethnic groups, including Tamang, Brahmin, Gurung and Sherpa communities, which contribute significantly to the district’s rich cultural fabric. Indigenous communities contribute to the more significant attraction of tourists to this region with their unique language, folklore, and Buddhist traditions. Festivals like Lhosar and Janai Purnima and sacred sites like Gosaikunda Lake and Kyanjin Gompa attract tourists and scholars interested in Himalayan culture and make Rasuwa an attractive destination for CBT, offering a unique mountain culture experience. (Kunwar 2014.)
Rasuwa’s cultural heritage includes traditional monasteries, artistic performances and food and drinks. Outside influences increase the risk of cultural degradation in the district, as found (Acharya & Bhandari 2024), and CBT could employ various cultural activities to enhance tourism. CBT will allow visitors to immerse themselves in Tamang or Sherpa lifestyles ranging from farming to traditional meal preparation and participating in cultural events and festivals. This experience will enable a genuine appreciation for the culture, which will be passed down to future generations.
![[Alt text: mountains and forest, three persons rise on a path, carrying large baskets on their back.]](https://blogit.lab.fi/labfocus/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/12/1116_2024_The-role-of-community-based-tourism-1024x618.jpg)
CBT as a Model for Preservation of Culture
CBT can play a critical role in raising awareness about cultural preservation. Engaging tourists in CBT activities deepens the understanding of local traditions and supports local artisans. CBT promotes intercultural understanding and unity between tourists and locals, enhancing cultural education and integration (Badal & Kharel, 2020). CBT facilitates intergenerational learning as youths experience their culture and find pride and economic opportunities. This could prevent the loss of cultural knowledge as many people of Rasuwa migrate to cities for better economic opportunities, and they tend to adapt to the culture of the residing area.
Considering grounded theory as a base and analysing the thesis (Acharya & Bhandari 2024), locals were happy to monetise the cultural experience with great respect for their culture. With the rise of cultural programs and increased tourism, the local economy, like small shops and local businesses, will flourish. Studies support cultural tourism as a valuable tool for preservation. Duffy (2008) highlights how responsible tourism can enhance cultural values.
Balancing growth and preservation
Community-based tourism (CBT) in Rasuwa offers immense potential to preserve cultural heritage and uplift local communities, but significant challenges must be addressed. Infrastructure limitations and inadequate training in hospitality hinder its implementation. As noted by Poudel (2014), cultural assimilation risks diluting local traditions when dominant cultures influence less developed ones. Similarly, cultural commodification — where commercialised traditions — can erode authenticity, making it challenging to balance cultural preservation with tourism growth.
Despite these hurdles, CBT presents a promising solution. Acharya and Bhandari (2024) highlight its potential to improve socio-economic conditions while fostering cultural pride and preservation. With investments in infrastructure, hospitality training, and active stakeholder participation, CBT can unlock economic opportunities and ensure Rasuwa’s unique culture thrives for future generations.
Authors
Bibek Acharya graduates from LAB’s Degree Program in Hospitality Management
Johanna Heinonen is a Senior Lecturer at LAB University of Applied Sciences.
References
Acharya, B. & Bhandari, N. 2024. A case study of community and nature-based features as a contributor for tourism development in Rasuwa District. Thesis. LAB University of Applied Sciences. Cited 13 Dec 2024. Available at https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121636392
Badal, B. & Kharel, S. 2020. Opportunities and Challenges of Tourism Industry in the Context of Visit Nepal 2020. Cited 13 Dec 2024. Available at https://doi.org/10.3126/tuj.v33i1.28683
Duffy, R. 2008. Neoliberalising Nature: Global Networks and Ecotourism Development in Madagascar. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 16(3), pp. 327–344. Cited 13 Dec 2024. Available at https://doi.org/10.1080/09669580802154124
Kunwar, R. R. & Pandey, C. 2014. Tamang heritage trail: A study of Gatlang village in Rasuwa District of Nepal. The Gaze: Journal of Tourism and Hospitality, 6, pp. 1–41.
pnepalensis. 2021. Nëpalënsis, P. Nepal porters, landscape. Pixabay. Cited 19 Dec 2024. Available at Nepal Porters Landscape – Free photo on Pixabay
Poudel, J. 2014. Socio-cultural impact in tourism: A case study of Sauraha, Nepal. Journal of Advanced Academic Research. Cited 14 Dec 2024. Available at https://doi.org/10.3126/jaar.v1i2.16588
