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Assessment of Homestay Program at Amaltari Village of Nawalparasi, Nepal
Karuna Karki
TU. Registration No.: 2-1-47-20-2009
Tribhuwan University
Institute of Forestry
Pokhara, Nepal
A Thesis Submitted for Partial Fulfillment of Requirement for the Degree of Bachelors of
Science in Forestry
February 2016
Assessment of Homestay Program at Amaltari Village of Nawalparasi, Nepal
Research Investigator
Karuna Karki
B.Sc.Final Year
TU Regd. No.: 2-1-47-20-2009
Institute of Forestry, Pokhara
Email: [email protected]
Research Advisor
Bir Bahadur Khanal Chhettri, PhD
Associate Professor
Tribhuwan University
Institute of Forestry
Pokhara, Nepal
Co-advisor Co -advisor
Dr. Suresh K. Shrestha Narayan Prasad Gautam
Funded by:
Hariyo Ban Program
World Wildlife Fund Nepal
For funding support
A Thesis Submitted for Partial Fulfillment of Requirement for the Degree of Bachelors of
Science in Forestry
February 2016
iii
©Karuna Karki
February, 2016
Email: [email protected]
Tribhuvan University
Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus
P.O. Box 43, Pokhara, Nepal
Website: www.iof.edu.np
Citation:
Karki, K., 2016. Assessment of Homestay Program at Amaltari Village of Nawalparasi,
Nepal. A Thesis Submitted for Partial Fulfillment of Requirement for the Degree of Bachelors of
Science in Forestry, Tribhuwan University, Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal.
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DECLARATION
I, Karuna Karki, hereby declare that this thesis entitled “Assessment of Homestay Program at
Amaltari Village of Nawalparasi, Nepal.” is my own work, except wherever acknowledged.
Errors if any are the responsibility of my own. This report and any part of it have not been
submitted to any other University/ Institute for an academic award.
vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my sincere and cordial thanks to those distinguished persons and
institutions that helped in myriad of ways to bring my study up to this level. Without their
support and cooperation, this study wouldn‟t have been completed in this form. First and
foremost, I would like to express my profound gratitude and sincere thanks to my respected
advisor Bir Bahadur Khanal Chhetri, PhD.(Associate Professor) and co advisor Narayan
PrasadGautam (Assistant Professor, IOF, Pokhara) and Suresh Shrestha, PhD(Former Lecturer )
for his constant supervision, guidance, suggestions, support and encouragement throughout my
research period. My heartfelt acknowledgement goes to Mr. Biraj Chaudhary for assisting
during my entire field work and for the instantaneous support throughout my research work. I am
very grateful to Miss. Dikshya Pokhrel who gave me unrepayable ideas, suggestions, and
comments during my research period. I am also very grateful to Hariyo Ban Program, World
Wildlife Fund Nepal for providing me financial support to complete this B.Sc.Forestry program
including the research.
There are other admired personalities, Mr. Nurendra Aryal (Assitant Conservation Officer, CNP,
Western Sector, Amaltari), Mr. Dhani Ram Gurau (Manager, Amaltari Homestay), Miss Pinky
Mahato (Amaltari homestay), Miss Gauri Mahato(Amaltari homestay) . I extended my heartfelt
thanks to the respondents in the study area for their kind cooperation and precious time for
answering the questionnaires despite the fact that they were very busy in their farms, taking care
of guests and other household activities. Special gratitude goes to Institute of Forestry, Pokhara
and Chitwan National Park for the permission to carry out my research work. I am very thankful
to Beeju Poudyal, Kabita Ghalan, Aruna Poudel, Bishnu Pun for their moral support.Similarly, I
am thankful to all my colleagues for their valuable suggestions, kind cooperation and positive
reflection.
Love and affection of my family always encourage and inspired me to perform any work
intensively. I am indebted to support from my parents in every turn of life but here I am unable
to express my feeling in words. I owe all my success to them. I appreciate everyone whom I have
thanklessly missed to remember and have contributed intentionally and unintentionally towards
completion of the work, and also all those who are my well-wishers.
Karuna Karki
vii
ABBREVATIONS
ABZUC: Amaltari Buffer Zone User Committee
BZ: Buffer Zone
BZUG: Buffer Zone User Groups
CNP: Chitwan National Park
DNPWC: The Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation
HMC: Home Stay Management Committee
HMGN: His Majesty‟s Government of Nepal
ICIMOD: International Center for Integrated Mountain Development
ITB: International Tourism Board
IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature
MCTCA: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
MoCTCA : Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
NTB: Nepal Tourism Board
TAL: Terai Arc Landscape
UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNWTO: The United Nations World Tourism Organization
WWF: World Wildlife Fund
viii
ABSTRACT
Despite the importance of homestay in providing ample opportunity to the visitors to explore the
real Nepalese rural life, study on its contribution to the welfare of local community, and the
varying sense of satisfaction of the visitors is limited. The research entitled "Assessment of
Home-stay Program at Amaltari Village of Nawalparasi, Nepal" was carried out to identify
the motivation for homestay adoption, explore the social, economic and environmental outcomes
of home-stay, and the satisfaction level of eco-tourists with the home-stay program. Data for the
study were collected using key informant survey, household survey with 21 numbers of
households, and survey with 60 numbers of visitors at different dates in Amaltari village where
the home-stay program is implemented on May 19, 2013. Three point Likert scale (Agree to
disagree) was employed in analyzing the level of satisfaction of the visitors. Simple descriptive
statistics such as frequency and percentages, and means were used to analyze the data, and are
presented in different charts and tables.
Improvement in family income (47.6 %) and the use of free time in constructive work (42.9%)
were found to be the most important motivating factors to run the homestay program in the area.
Homestay program contributes to increase the income of households running homestay, and in
creating the jobs to local people. Homestay income was found more important to the poor
households compared to the richer as the poor households generate around 70% of their cash
income from homestay compared to only around30% to that of richer households. Social
contributions include the increase in community pride, women empowerment and improved
community relationship. The contribution in environmental sector as perceived by the home-stay
households were mainly the increment in plantation and conservation awareness activities.
Visitors were more satisfied with the service and hospitality (100%), local environment (83%)
and culture (80%) and least satisfied with the visitor information center (21.7%) and means of
communication (13.3%).Quality of facilities and services and recreation activities were more
important to increase in the level of satisfaction than decreasing the price of homestay.
Organizing homestay management trainings including sanitations and hygiene to the households,
improvement in education of the community that may improve the information system and the
capacity of local guide in interpreting the Tharu history, culture and lifestyle can help to obtain
more benefits from homestay in the area. Linking the study village with markets (tours and travel
agencies in the capital and through webs) and the potential foreign visitors is utmost important
for the improvement and growth of home-stay of the area.
Key words: Household, Income, Tourist satisfaction, Perception, Tharu
ix
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Citation: ............................................................................................................................................... iii
LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE ...................................................................................................................... iv
DECLARATION ....................................................................................................................................... v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................................ vi
ABBREVATIONS ................................................................................................................................... vii
ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................................... viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................... ix
LIST OF TABLES: ................................................................................................................................... xii
LIST OF FIGURES: .................................................................................................................................xiii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Background ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Study area.................................................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Rationale of the study: .............................................................................................................. 3
1.4 Objectives ................................................................................................................................. 4
1.5 Limitations of the study ............................................................................................................ 4
CHAPTER: 2 LITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Homestay tourism ..................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Evolution and development of the homestay program ............................................................. 5
2.3 Working procedure of homestay in Nepal ................................................................................ 6
2.4 The products for homestay program ......................................................................................... 8
2.5 Tourist satisfaction from homestay ........................................................................................... 8
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .................................................................................... 10
3.1 Sources of data ........................................................................................................................ 10
3.2 Data collection methods .......................................................................................................... 10
3.3 Selection of samples ............................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Data presentation .................................................................................................................... 11
3.5 Data analysis ........................................................................................................................... 11
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ...................................................................................... 12
4.1 Demographic aspect ................................................................................................................ 12
4.2 Number of members involved in homestay ............................................................................ 12
x
4.3. Motivation of homestay ......................................................................................................... 13
4.4. Other professions of homestay households............................................................................ 13
4.5 Homestay capacity and service ............................................................................................... 14
4.5.1 Installed accommodation capacity ............................................................................................. 14
4.5.2. In room services ........................................................................................................................ 15
4.5.3. Guests' observed tendency of spending money ......................................................................... 15
4.6 Performance of Amaltari homestay ........................................................................................ 16
4.6.1 Seasonality and occupancy: ....................................................................................................... 16
4.6.2 Guests inflow ............................................................................................................................. 17
4.6.4Saving of income from homestay ............................................................................................... 18
4.6.5 Promotional Activities ............................................................................................................... 18
4.7 Economic impact .................................................................................................................... 19
4.7.1 Infrastructures developed in the community by homestay......................................................... 19
4.7.2 Annual average per capita income (Rs) of the respondents by wealth class ............................ 19
4.7.3 Contribution of homestay on economic sector ........................................................................... 20
4.7.4 Land prices in the area ............................................................................................................... 21
4.8 Social impact ........................................................................................................................... 21
4.8.1 Institutions established by homestay .......................................................................................... 21
4.8.2 Contribution of homestay in social sector .................................................................................. 21
4.8.3 Homestay and women empowerment ........................................................................................ 22
4.8.4 Skill and capacity building trainings .......................................................................................... 22
4.8.5. Contribution of homestay in youth empowerment .................................................................... 23
4.9 Cultural aspect ........................................................................................................................ 23
4.9.1 Cultural activities conducted ...................................................................................................... 23
4.9.2 Conservation of culture .............................................................................................................. 23
4.10 Environment Sector .............................................................................................................. 24
4.10.1 Contribution of homestay on environment sector .................................................................... 24
4.10.2 Consumption rate of fuel wood ................................................................................................ 24
4.10.3 Contribution of homestay program in biodiversity conservation............................................. 25
4.10.4 Type of pollution and their level .............................................................................................. 25
4.11 Satisfaction level of visitor ................................................................................................... 26
xi
4.11.1. Hospitality and service ............................................................................................................ 26
4.11.2 Food and taste: ......................................................................................................................... 26
4.11.3 Culture and cultural dance ....................................................................................................... 27
4.11.4 Information .............................................................................................................................. 27
4.11.5 Transportation system .............................................................................................................. 28
4.11.6 Means of communication ......................................................................................................... 28
4.11.7 Attractions and activities .......................................................................................................... 29
4.11.8 Security .................................................................................................................................... 29
4.11.9 Price ......................................................................................................................................... 30
4.11.10 Local place and environment ................................................................................................. 30
4.12 Factors considering the increase in satisfaction .......................................................................... 31
4.13 Willingness to visit again ............................................................................................................ 31
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................. 32
Conclusion: ................................................................................................................................... 32
Recommendations: ........................................................................................................................ 34
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................ 35
ANNEX-1 .............................................................................................................................................. 39
ANNEX-2 .............................................................................................................................................. 40
ANNEX-3 .............................................................................................................................................. 45
PHOTO PLATE ...................................................................................................................................... 46
xii
LIST OF TABLES:
Table 1- Number of members involved in homestay .................................................................................. 12
Table 2-Installed accommodation capacity ................................................................................................. 14
Table 3-Distribution of respondents according to the tendency of spending money. ................................. 15
Table 4-Distribution of respondents on their perception on peak months of tourist flow. ......................... 16
Table 5-Domestic and international visitor in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. ................................................. 17
Table 6-Income from homestay in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. .................................................................. 18
Table 7-Saving of income from homestay .................................................................................................. 18
Table 8-Annual average per capita income (Rs) of the respondents by wealth class ................................. 20
Table 9-Types of training, supporting organizations, their duration and participants by sex. .................... 22
Table 10-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on hospitality and service in the homestay area.26
Table 11-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on food and taste in the homestay area. ............. 27
Table 12-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on cultural and cultural dance in the homestay
area. ............................................................................................................................................................. 27
Table 13-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on information in the homestay area. ................ 28
Table 14-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on transportation facility to the homestay area.. 28
Table 15-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on means of communication in the homestay
area. ............................................................................................................................................................. 28
Table 16-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on attractions and activities in the homestay area.
.................................................................................................................................................................... 29
Table 17-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on security in the homestay area. ...................... 29
Table 18-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on price of food, and services in the homestay
area. ............................................................................................................................................................. 30
Table 19-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on local place and environment in the homestay
area. ............................................................................................................................................................. 30
Table 20-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on factors considering the increase in satisfaction.
.................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Table 21-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on their willingness to visit again. ..................... 31
xiii
LIST OF FIGURES:
Figure 1-Motivation of homestay ............................................................................................................... 13
Figure 2-Other profession of homestay households.................................................................................... 14
Figure 3-Promotional Activities.................................................................................................................. 19
Figure 4-Contribution of homestay on economic sector ............................................................................. 20
Figure 5-Contribution of homestay in social sector .................................................................................... 21
Figure 6-Contribution of homestay in youth empowerment ....................................................................... 23
Figure 7-Contribution of homestay on environment sector ........................................................................ 24
Figure 8-Type of pollution and their level .................................................................................................. 26
1
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Ecotourism is an alternative form of tourism that is consistently gaining grounds on a global
scale during the past few years (UNWTO, 2001). It is one of the newest opportunities for income
generation from natural resources without destroying the environment (Colvin, 1996). Its
fundamental principles refer to minimizing negative impact on the environment, representing the
local cultures and actively contributing to the economic well-being of host communities as well
as the stakeholders involved. Ecotourism has the potential to become a driver of sustainable
tourism development and also provide opportunities for the development of the disadvantaged,
marginalized and rural areas leading to poverty alleviation. It stimulates economic development
and social wellbeing of people and at the same time preserving the natural environment and
cultural heritage through awareness creation. Ecotourism plays important roles in providing
employment and raise the standard of living of the local people. Relevant employments which
can be offered to the community include homestay operator, tour operator, tour guide, handicraft
producer, restaurant operator, traditional cultural dancers, musicians, logistics and others. The
importance of ecotourism activities in economic diversification and livelihood opportunity using
natural resource attractions in remote rural has been highlighted by many scholars and
organizations, such as, Ashley et al. (2001) and UNWTO (2002).
Homestay development is one of strategies that have tremendous potentials to achieve the
conservation and sustainable development goals of ecotourism in rural areas while ensuring
greater tourist satisfaction. A homestay, by its combined words (homestay) is staying in some
one's home as a paying guest for short time period. But such guests are provided accommodation
and services by individual family and community too. Therefore, the homestay Regulation has
accepted it as run (managed) by an individual or community (Timlasina, 2012). Such guests are
provided accommodation and services by individual family or community. The “homestay”
seeks to draw tourists away from posh and crowded urban areas to the rural locality full of
splendid natural surroundings, by providing them with clean, comfortable and budget-friendly
accommodation and food. Thus, homestay offers the traveler a unique local experience and
possibilities of interaction with the host family. If offers chances to the governments for
2
expanding economic activities to remote areas and develop alternative sources of income to rural
people and generate resources for nature conservation (Gangotia, 2013).
In case of Nepal, most of the tourists come to see the unique natural and cultural resources which
are located in the rural areas in and around the protected areas. In these areas, people are poor
and less educated and their livelihood largely depends on subsistence farming. The homestay
operation in small scale requires limited knowledge and skills and physical resources, as such its
scope is especially high in Nepal for involving rural people in tourism business and improving
their livelihood whilst preserving the nature, and rural lifestyle, culture and identity. Recognizing
its potentials, Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) has introduced homestay program since 2011. The
homestay program of Nepal, is a community-based program based on ecotourism theme. It opens
a new door for the locals to improve their livelihood and resources condition and offers
opportunities for tourists for interaction and direct experience of the day-to-day life of the
community. Since its initiation, a growing number of locals are operating the homestay program,
and offering tourists a place into their local culture in areas, particularly where big hotels with
modern facilities are lacking or unsuitable for establishment.
1.2 Study area
Nepal is the one of the famous tourist destination in globe, every year thousands of people from
different countries visit Nepal. Chitwan National Park (CNP) is situated in south central part of
Nepal, covering 932 km2 of core area in the subtropical lowlands of the inner Terai. The area
was gazette as CNP in 1973 recognizing its unique ecosystems of international significance,
which is the country's first National Park. UNESCO has declared the CNP as a World Natural
Heritage Site in 1984. In 1996 an area of 750 km2 surrounding the park was declared as a Buffer
Zone (BZ), which consists of forests and private lands including cultivated lands. Amaltari
BZUC is the one of them which is situated on Nawalparasi District. With a view to reducing
people‟s dependence on natural resources while ensuring that its benefits can be sustainably
managed, a homestay concept was introduced in 2013.
The Amaltari Buffer Zone Consumers‟ Committee under the CNP has started the homestay
program in 20 houses of Tharu Community at Agyauli-5 in the district. The committee started
the program in 20 houses to attract tourist in May 19, 2013. The place is the first place of
Nawalparasi district having a homestay. The Amaltari homestay is located at around six
3
kilometers south of Danda along the East-West Highway. The village is typically dominated by
Tharu community, a unique Aborigine community of Nepal. The study area is selected as it is
inhibited by the indigenous Tharu community which is famous for its cultural richness and
traditions, a large number of eco-tourists visit the area every year, many local people are
operating homestay in the area and World Wildlife Fund (WWF)‟s TAL program is working
with local community in home-stay development. TAL supported 50 thousand NRS (500€) per
household to start a homestay program and generate income from this program for local
community.
1.3 Rationale of the study:
With a growing interest to spend leisure time in nature related facilities and increasing awareness
of tourists on environment, ecotourism has become one of the fastest growing segments of the
tourism industry in the world (UNWTO, 2001). The essence of Nepalese tourism lies in naturally
beautiful rural hills and mountains and its indigenous communities with their mystical lifestyle
and culture. These natural and cultural attributes can be experienced best through homestays.
4
There are three core principles of ecotourism; i.e., (1) protect the environment and enhance
biodiversity protection; (2) lead to financial benefits to local communities without disrespecting
culture; and (3) provide education for indigenous communities as well as visitors (Blangy &
Metha, 2006). In the Nepalese context, the prime aim of ecotourism has been to promote a
symbiotic relationship between tourism and environment with a particular focus on uplifting the
local village economies (Thapa, 2008). Based on these principles, many local people in TAL and
other areas of Nepal are being encouraged to involve in running homestay business, including
the BZ of the CNP. In its working area, the TAL is providing necessary physical and technical
supports to the people in operating homestay. However, information on how homestay program
is helping to achieve its conservation and local development goals and objectives area not yet
studied. If the homestay program is to be successful, it is extremely important to have a source of
information to provide a feedback system to the planners and managers based on empirical
studies. Against these backdrops, the proposed study aims to generate some of these information
from one of the most important ecotourism destinations in Nepal, i.e., BZ of CNP.
1.4 Objectives
The general objective of the study was to assess the contribution of the homestay program in the
Amaltari village.
The specific objectives were:
To study the initial motivational factor for adopting homestay.
To analyze the contribution of homestay program in economic, social and environment
sector in the study area.
To assess the level of satisfaction of eco-tourists from homestay programs
1.5 Limitations of the study
This study has following limitations:
It uses the information and opinions obtained from the respondents. The respondents‟
biased opinions can influence the results.
Time and budget constraints.
Lack of baseline information.
5
CHAPTER: 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Homestay tourism
Merriam Webster Dictionary 2013 defines 'homestay' as "a stay at a residence by a traveler and
especially by a visiting foreign student who is hosted by a local family." The same dictionary
also reveals that the term was first used in 1956. Traveller or foreign students during their study
period visit another place for specific purpose and they can be hosted in local family where they
can get the traditional and cultural hospitality with warm acknowledgement. Normally the
students who have limited resources i.e. money can enjoy the home stay at lower prices and can
access their need.
Concept of community-based tourism was first coined in the 1970s (Mitchell and Muckosy,
2008). Current community-based, homestay tourism is the output of Rio summit of 1992, which
gave rise to the concept of sustainable development (Carnaffan, thesis). In homestay tourism,
environment and culture are commoditized; market value is created with the demand of visitor.
This provides financial reward to local indigenous community for conservation of environment
and their culture, conservation can be added into tourism development project with no cost to
funder (Laurie et al, 2005). Conventional tourism approaches basically focus on economic,
culture or environmental impact, usually single factor at a time. Livelihood approach, considered
multiple interaction between these different factors, putting interest of local people at center
(Teresa, 2006), under this approach tourism is consider as component of development, give
emphasis to explore ways of expanding positive impact of development and reducing negative
ones (Ashley, 2000). Need, interest and priorities of poor people are to be addressed at first place
before attending qualitative objective of environment and development (Chamber 1986).
2.2 Evolution and development of the homestay program
After introducing the Mountains of Nepal in 1950s to the outer world, international tourists
started to visit in Nepal and tourist are attracted by those beautiful mountains through the many
historic and beautiful untouched villages of Nepal. Gradually the tourism industry took a step
forward but the major issue remains dissatisfactory that the tourism income is not distributed
equally in all part of the Nepal. Industry centralized within the central region of the Nepal.
Therefore to address those issues and for the poverty alleviation from the rural area, government
6
introduced the village tourism for the first time in 1997. Sirubari (Syangja District, west Nepal)
and Ghalegaon (Lamjung District, north central Nepal) were the first two villages to implement
the concept of community homestay which was a first effort to develop village tourism by the
government of Nepal. (Thapa, 2010).
During the decade long Maoist insurgency period (1996-2006) tourism industry sharply dropped
in Nepal. However after the Comprehensive Peace Accord between the government and the
Maoist in 2006, tourism industry of Nepal began to grow again. Government started to formulate
the new tourism policy. It implemented the new Tourism Policy in 2008 and has also formulated
the 'Tourism vision 2020' Policy to development the sustainable tourism. Toward achieving the
goal finally the government has conceptualized the working procedure of homestay program in
2010 which addresses the area of sustainable tourism development in Nepal as well as eco-
tourism. (HMGN/NPC/MOPE 2003)
The government's program 'Nepal Tourism Year 2011' is another major reason to boost up
homestay tourism in Nepal. The government's target was to bring One million tourists during the
'Nepal Tourism Year 2011' and according to the official figures, there were 669 hotels including
all types of hotels with a total capacity of 26,063 beds in Nepal at that time. If During 'Nepal
tourism Year 2011' one million tourist had visited Nepal as expected then it would have meant
that there are 822 beds shortage in a daily base. This was the reason why the homestay program
has once again stepped into the spotlight. And even though Nepal Tourism Year was not fully
successful it did give motivation to many enterprises, one of them being the development of
homestays in various parts of the country including newly developed tourist destinations. The
aim was not only to increase the accommodation capacity but the major aim was to make involve
the local's participations in tourism activities and improve their income. (Royal Mountain Travel
Nepal, December 18, 2011.)
2.3 Working procedure of homestay in Nepal
According to 'homestay working procedure 2067' Nepal's government has defined homestay as
an accommodation where host provides foods, accommodation and other related services to their
guest and operates it individually or in community groups. The procedure further classified
homestay in two patterns; one urban homestay as a private homestay, and village community
homestay program. Urban homestay program are normally operated by individual hosts and they
7
can accommodate only four guests per day so that there will be not much negative business
impact on the regular hotel business of the nation. Regarding the village community homestay
program, it can be operated by different individual in the group where member should be at least
5 host families to operate home stay in particular community. (MCTCA, 2010).
Homestay program is generally practiced in remote and rural areas where the locals promote
conservation of areas such as forest, parks, heritage sites, monuments and views. The local
community people operates homestay in their own home at low costs and generate profit from
visitors by offering local traditional culture and values. “Community involvement in homestay
operation provides a job opportunity and improves local quality of life” (Bhuiyan et al.,2011).
The guidelines of the government direct that the host family should offer the local cultural
experience to their guest and serve the local products of foods whatever the host family
themselves eat. Homestay operating houses have to ensure a hygienic, clean, safe, peaceful and
secure environment with adequate bathroom and toilet facilities. Beside the accommodations
facility the community are suggested to welcome the tourist with the full traditional arrangement,
entertain the visitors through the local cultural performance, make participation in traditional
functions and conserve and develop the other tourism product for the tourist such as community
forest for jungle safari, sightseeing, ethnic museum, visit local handicraft center etc. (MCTCA,
2010)
In the code of conduct, the guests are also requested to dress in an appropriate environment
manner and to participate actively in any community cultural functions or other rituals programs.
They are not allowed to give pressure to owner for food, beverage and facilities that are not
available. Guests have to eat whatever host family offered the food in a respectful manner. They
are also asked to beware of doing any unusual behavior (such as sexual activities), which is
offensive to the local socio-cultural values. Similarly they are asked to enter and leave homes
only within the prescribed routine of the host family and any forms of psychotropic drug use is
totally forbidden at home or outside home. (MCTCA, 2010)
For the registration process, both community homestay as well as individual homestay can be
registered at the department of Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation (MoCTCA),
Goverment of Nepal or Ministry related to any tourism offices on the local level. Regarding to
the community homestay, an agreement paper signed by at least five homestay members,
operating on a community basis, National identity cards, the legal paper of property and the
8
recommendations letter from the local authorities should be enclosed with the application.
Whereas for the individual homestay property ownership certificate, national identity certificate
along with the recommendation letter from the local authorities should be enclosed with the
application. If all the requirements are not fulfilled, more time will be given to the related group
or person for the improvement and a field visit will be done from the authorized office.
(MCTCA, 2010)
For the community homestay program 'homestay committee board' is mandatory for the proper
management of the homestay in the community. The role of the homestay committee board is
very important. They are assigned to manage the community tourism program and first
hospitality activities during guests arrival; equal distribution of homes (host) to the visitors,
maintain well a record of the guest and very important is to keep transparent economic account,
manage the standard of every homes, conserve the local heritage site and the cultures, organize
the cultural program for the tourist, take care about safety and health of the tourist and many
more. (MCTCA, 2010)
2.4 The products for homestay program
'Homestay' the word is itself a product but in the homestay program there are more products to
be found. Such products are the practices of community and assets of nation. Nepal is a country
very rich in nature and the culture which is accepted by whole world. Nepal has a huge potential
in wide range of tourism products. Gifted by the beautiful natural and artificial diverse heritages
are found across the country. Varieties of cast and ethnic group bring different color in social
cultural and traditions. Their festivals feasts and celebrations are unique from each other.
Hinduism and Buddhism are followed by the majority where both Mongolian and Aryan cultures
are deep-rooted. (Sedai, 2006)
2.5 Tourist satisfaction from homestay
Bigne, Sanchez and Sanchez (2001) defined satisfaction as a reaction and the outcome of the
choice made based on an individual‟s emotion and inner-being. On top of that, the reactions also
refer to the focal point that is usually represented by an object that satisfies the users in a
particular destination. These reactions also relate to specific moments considered special which
are the pre-buying, post-buying and the after effects of using a product or service. Researchers
9
have identified many factors contributing to tourist satisfaction. Common factors include quality
of services, safety aspects (Norlida Hanim, et al., 2011; John and Ron, 2000), infrastructure
facilities (Yeong, et al., 2010), personal factors (Mutinda and Mayaka, 2012), food and
beverages (Tak, et al., 2007), fastidiousness (Norlida Hanim, et al., 2011) and so o
10
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
By nature, this research is a descriptive as well as explorative type of research. The research
findings are based on the perception and opinion of community, the visitors and the stakeholders
of Amaltari homestay.
3.1 Sources of data
Data and information have been collected from both primary and secondary sources. The
respondents from homestay, guests who visited this place earlier and the members of AHMC and
focus group discussion are the primary sources of information. Newspapers, internet sites,
different publications, leaflet about Amaltari homestay obtained from WWF TAL office and the
website are the secondary sources of information.
3.2 Data collection methods
For collecting primary data and information for the study, the questionnaires as given in Annex 1
and 2 have been used. Unstructured interviews have been undertaken with some people or
experts met during the study visit. Similarly, discussion has been made with the focus group viz.
the locals and the experts other than the respondents.
For collecting secondary data and information for the study, study relevant news on different
newspapers have been studied and quoted wherever required. Internet sites have been used to
download relevant reports. Similarly, articles & books published by different researchers, authors
and agencies have been studied and quoted as required. The information about the origin of
Amaltari homestay has been gathered from the leaflet and the website.
3.3 Selection of samples
The entire 21 homestay households of Amaltari village have been studied. Alltogether, 60 guests
were interviewed at different dates to collect on visitor satisfaction. Also to get some study
11
relevant information and suggestions, the members from AHMC, TAL-Nepal, CNP, ABZ have
been discussed with.
3.4 Data presentation
Tables, charts, diagrams and figures have been used as required to present the numerical data.
The non-numerical subjective information has been descriptively presented.
3.5 Data analysis
The information collected from various methods was categorized based on the objective of the
study. Various qualitative and quantitative analysis were carried out for the research. A simple
statistical tool such as frequency, average, percentage etc was used during the data analysis. The
outcomes of the analysis were presented by using various modes such as tabular form, bar
diagrams, charts and graphs.
12
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Demographic aspect
Age-wise respondents
In total of 81 respondents, 66.66 percent of respondents were from age group of 25 to 40 years,
24.69 percent from age group of 0 to 25 years, 3.70 percent of respondents from age group of 40
to 55 years and 4.93 percent respondents from age group of above-55-years.
Gender-wise respondents: In total of 81 respondents, male respondents were 59.25 percent
while female respondents were 40.75 percent. The male respondents dominated within guest
groups whereas female respondents dominated in homestay group.
.
4.2 Number of members involved in homestay
Table below presents the gender-wise classification of total number of family members of all the
households involved in homestay:
Table 1- Number of members involved in homestay
S.N Gender Number Percent
1 Male 22 41.5%
2 Female 31 58.5%
3 Total 53 100%
Source: Field survey, 2015
As mentioned above, 53 members from those 21 homestay households are involved in the
homestay business affairs. Out of these members, 58.5 percent are female and 48.5 percent are
male. It shows that Amaltari homestay is basically female-led and female-managed.
13
4.3. Motivation of homestay
Figure 1-Motivation of homestay
Source: Field Survey, 2015
The findings as figured above show that improvement in family income was the initial
motivating factor for 47.6 percent households to conduct homestay. Similarly, Use of free time
in constructive work was key factor for 42.9 percent households, and conservation of nature 9.5
percent households. Though most of the households expressed their agreement on contribution of
homestay in culture preservation, women empowerment and social unity, none of these
households expressed any of these two as primary drivers for homestay business.
4.4. Other professions of homestay households
Some of the homestay households were involved in multiple professions. Alternative professions
in which homestay family members were involved are agriculture, service in government offices
or non-government or private institutions, tour guiding, labor, private business, foreign
employment, etc.
47.60% 42.90%
9.50%
Improve family Income Use free time in constructive work Conservation of nature
14
Figure 2-Other profession of homestay households
As per the study findings, 100 percent homestay households or their members were also involved
in agriculture and livestock, 23.80 percent were also having their own private businesses in
private shop and hotel, 19 percent were also in service, 14.30 percent were, 4.5 percent were also
in foreign employment, 9.1 percent were also in foreign employee and 9.50 percent were also
paid workers.
4.5 Homestay capacity and service
4.5.1 Installed accommodation capacity
The number of rooms and bed capacity available for guests' stay in the homestay are given in the
following table:
Table 2-Installed accommodation capacity
S.N Facilities No of room No of bed
1 Bedroom with attached bathroom 2 4
2 Total 42 84
Source: Field Survey, 2015
As mentioned in the table, the homestay households have arranged 42 rooms for guests' stay.
Hence, in a night, 84 guests can stay in this homestay. With this capacity in hand, this homestay
can accommodate for 30 thousand 6 hundred and 60 person-nights every year.
100% 100%
14.30% 23.80%
19% 9.50%
Agriculture Livestock Remittance Hotel/shop Service Wage labor
15
However, there are seasonal fluctuations in flow of guests. In some peak and exceptional
periods, households have also managed more than 84 guests in a day. The two private hotels
managed by the homestay 8 and homestay 11 also provide accommodation in peak seasons.
Amaltari homestay committee has planned to include more houses in coming days.
4.5.2. In room services
Every homestay rooms have attached bathroom and one can find a pair of wooden study table
and chair, a small tool, a mirror, a water jug, a water glass, a mosquito net, a mattress, a pillow
and a blanket covered with white cotton clothes and a slipper, all arranged for the guests' rest and
convenience. The households have also arranged ceiling fan and electric lights in the rooms for
the guest's convenience .Based on the information provided by the respondents, it is known that
all homestay households clean off the guest-rooms and change bed covers every day as required.
4.5.3. Guests' observed tendency of spending money
Table 3-Distribution of respondents according to the tendency of spending money.
Activities Rank
1 2 3 4 5 6
Elephant Ride 0 0 15 2 3 1
Jungle Safari 0 0 4 16 1 0
Souvenirs 0 0 0 0 1 20
Cultural dances 0 21 0 0 0 0
Exploring
homestay
21 0 0 0 0 0
Cart ride 0 0 2 3 16 0
Guests who visit the homestay in Amaltari village can enjoy various outdoor activities like
Exploring homestay, enjoying the cultural food and dance ,jungle safari, cart ride, elephant ride,
visiting nearby CNP, eye-sighting the rare one-horned rhino, deer, birds and the natural beauty
and peace.
16
As per the findings, all households (100 percent) have observed their guests exploring homestay
and have ranked first followed by cultural dance, elephant ride, jungle safari, cart ride and
souvenirs at last.
4.6 Performance of Amaltari homestay
It is a community based homestay program but they individually served their guest after the
decision made by committee to send guest in individual household. They have their own
committee to run homestay program and decide the entire administration activities, booking,
placing and distribution of income with mutual agreement. Committee is responsible to collect
income and it charges 10 percent administration cost and distribute to all community member.
4.6.1 Seasonality and occupancy:
The homestay business in Amaltari is influenced by seasons. The months of August, October,
November, December and January (5 months) are peak business seasons. The guests have flown
in the homestay accordingly. As per the findings, most of the households (61.90 percent)
respondent concluded November as a peak season and 14.30 percent respondent concluded
December and January as peak season. Similarly 4.80 percent respondent concluded August and
October as peak season.
Table 4-Distribution of respondents on their perception on peak months of tourist flow.
S.N. Peak months No of respondents %of respondents
1 Aug 1 4.80%
2 Oct 1 4.80%
3 Nov 13 61.90%
4 Dec 3 14.30%
5 Jan 3 14.30%
6 Total 21 100%
Source: Field Survey, 2015
17
4.6.2 Guests inflow
Homestay program gradually attracts more tourist attention in Nepal. The significant number can
be found in homestay program. According to the records maintained by AHMC, around 12
thousand guests had visited the place in fiscal year 2013/14. The homestay was in operation only
for 5 months during this year. As the place started getting fame, a large number of guests visited
the place to take part in the training in the place or observation visit to the place or day tour of
the place. In fiscal year 2014/15, the flow of guests increased to around 14 thousand 7 hundred.
However due to blockage and earthquake, the number of international tourist was very low.
Table 5-Domestic and international visitor in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015.
Source: Field Survey, AHMC 2015
4.6.3 Income from homestay business
As per the data given by management committee of homestay, 21 families keeps guest. Tourism
income has different economic impact to local people, earning form tourism vary enormously.
Common earning from tourism is keeping them as a guest in house. They will charge money for
lodging, for food and service offered at tourist, which is direct income from tourist. Under
tourism income only direct income earned from tourism is considered as tourism income for
study purpose, though it has indirect and induced economic impact (Daniel J. Stynes).
According to the records maintained by AHMC, total income in fiscal year 2013/14 was around
78 lakhs. As the place started getting fame, a large number of guests visited the place to take part
in the training in the place or observation visit to the place or day tour of the place. In fiscal year
2014/15, the total income was around 57 lakhs.
Year Domestic visitor International visitor
2013/14 12000 44
2014/2015 14700 9
Total 26,700 53
18
Table 6-Income from homestay in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015.
S.N Year Total income
1 2013/2014 7800000
2 2014/2015 5700000
3 Total 1,3500000
Source: AHMC Record, 2015
4.6.4Saving of income from homestay
Table 7-Saving of income from homestay
S.N Income saved from homestay No of respondents Percentage of
respondents
1 25-50% 15 71.4
2 more than 50% 6 28.6
3 Total 21 100.0
Source: Field Survey, 2015
Around 71.4 percent of the respondent concluded that they save 25-50 percent of income from
homestay while 28.6 percent of the respondent concluded that they more than 50 percent of
income from homestay.
4.6.5 Promotional Activities
Around 28.30 percent guests said they knew about this place from their friends, relatives and
social network, and 45 percent guests said also they heard about the place in different programs,
committee meetings and organizations. Similarly 11.70 percent guests said they got information
about this place from Travel agents and 15 percent guests said they knew about this place from
Advertisement. The figure below presents the findings:
19
Figure 3-Promotional Activities
This shows that this homestay is largely running with the event hosted by homestay and word-of-
mouth marketing. Social media like newspaper, television, radio and government agencies have,
so far, not used to promote it.
4.7 Economic impact
4.7.1 Infrastructures developed in the community by homestay
With the increasing number of visitor in homestay, community people are generating a good
amount of money every month. According to the management committee and the respondents,
they were able to make a comfortable and concrete house for their living.Other infrastructure
developed includes drinking water taps in every house, health post with in a village and cultural
program hall. They also said that they are planning to blacktop the road to Amalatari village in
coming years.
4.7.2 Annual average per capita income (Rs) of the respondents by wealth class
The total per capita income of the rich household is Rs 7468.66 and the total per capita income
of the poor household is Rs 2716.5. The total per capita income of the rich household from
homestay income is Rs 2486.73 and the total per capita income of the rich household from
homestay income is Rs 1917.71. The share of homestay in total income for rich is 32.29% and
the share of homestay in total income for rich is 70.59%. In absolute term rich people generate
28.30%
45%
11.70% 15%
Friends and Relatives Program, committees &organizations
Travel agent Advertisement
20
more income but in relative term poor people generate more income from homestay .This shows
the contribution of homestay income is more important to poor than to rich.
Table 8-Annual average per capita income (Rs) of the respondents by wealth class
Wealth Class Annual average per
capita income from (Rs)
Monthly average per capita
homestay income (Rs)
Share of homestay in
total income
Rich 7468.66 2486.73 33.29%
Poor 2716.5 1917.71 70.59%
Source: Field Survey, 2015
4.7.3 Contribution of homestay on economic sector
According to the response extent of impact of homestay in economic sector was found that
homestay contributes more to increase the income of local people and for creating jobs to local
people followed by improvement of infrastructures and generating fund for investment in other
community development activities.All the respondent agreed that homestay have increased the
income of local people, homestay have created jobs to local people, increased the income of
local people and created jobs to local people.19.04 percent of respondent agreed that homestay
have helped in the improvement of infrastructures and 14.29 percent of respondent agreed that
homestay have helped in in generations of fund for investment in other community development
activities.
Figure 4-Contribution of homestay on economic sector
100% 100%
19.05% 14.30%
Increase the income oflocal people
Create jobs to local people Improvement ofinfrastructures
Generations fund forinvestment in other
community developmentactivities
21
4.7.4 Land prices in the area
All the respondents and the management committee of Amaltari homestay said that homestay
program have significantly increased the price of land of Amaltari Village.
4.8 Social impact
4.8.1 Institutions established by homestay
Amaltari homestay is a community homestay program. Entry and distribution of the guests is
done on the rotational basis. The number of guests are distributed equally every month to each
household. They have established saving credit group.
4.8.2 Contribution of homestay in social sector
As per the findings, all respondents (100 percent) have said that homestay have increased
community pride and 85.7 percent respondents said that homestay have improved the
relationship of people with in the community. Similarly, 70 percent respondents said that
homestay have helped to enhance the standard of life and have empowered women , 33.33
percent respondent said that homestay have helped to build community based organization and
19.05 percent respondents said that homestay have helped to provide better education.
Figure 5-Contribution of homestay in social sector
Source: Field Survey, 2015
85%
100%
19.05% 33.33%
100%
Community relation Provide communitypride
Helps to providebetter education
Helps to buildcommunity based
organization
Womenempowerment
22
4.8.3 Homestay and women empowerment
Homestay have provided women opportunity with in their home to earn some money to support
her family. It has been an ample utilization of their free time in constructive works. Homestay
have helped to improve the relations of women with in the community. They have become
economically independent and empowered at the same time. They have got the opportunity to
attend different tourism and homestay related training programs, which have enhanced their
skills and capabilities. Their communication skills are improving, as they have to deal with their
guests. It is playing an important role in making women strong, independent, capable and
business-oriented. They are making money and that is improving their standard of living.
4.8.4 Skill and capacity building trainings
Skill development trainings are the ways to make women empowered and capable. Women and
youths of Amaltari have been provided with various skill development trainings by organizations
like World Wildlife Fund (WWF), BZ management committee and Taragaun Bikas Samiti.
Table 9-Types of training, supporting organizations, their duration and participants by
sex.
S.N. Types of
trainings
Supporting
organization
Duration of the
training
Participants
Male Female
1 Tourist guide BZ management
committee
3 months 3
2 Handicraft
training
BZ management
committee
3 months 50
3 Hospitality
management
WWF 2 days (2 times) 21
4 Basic cook
training
Taragaun Bikas
Samiti
3 days 21
Source: Field Survey, 2015
23
4.8.5. Contribution of homestay in youth empowerment
Youth are the most active member of the society . 85.71 percent respondents said that homestay
programme is providing job orientd training program for youths. 80.95 percent respondents said
that homestay is providing direct involvement of youth in homestay. Most of the members of the
homestay committee are youths. They have very active participation in serving guests,
management as well as cultural programs. 71.42% of Respondents said that homestay have
provided education and involvement.
Figure 6-Contribution of homestay in youth empowerment
4.9 Cultural aspect
4.9.1 Cultural activities conducted
Tharu culture is one of the main attractions of Amaltari homestay .According to the visitor and
the respondent perception, visitor main attraction and preferred activity is exploring homestay
and its cultural dance. Some of the cultural activities conducted are temple visit, festival
celebration, dance programs, cultural food and Tharu museum visit.
4.9.2 Conservation of culture
Homestay is the way people with different cultures and traditions are exposed to each other and
share their norms and values. Guests learn the local values and norms whereas they also share
85.71% 80.95% 71.42%
Job oriented training programfor youths
Direct involvement in HSprogram
Education and involvement
24
their norms and values to the host families. They have a cultural group with 10 male and 15
female members who are actively participating in the cultural activities. Management committee
said that 10 percent of total income is allocated for cultural activities.
4.10 Environment Sector
Environment is the prerequisite as well as important product as well as attraction of any tourism
destination. Well-planned and managed tourism can contribute the preservation of destination
environment where as the failure to recognize it may degrade the destination attractiveness.
4.10.1 Contribution of homestay on environment sector
As per the findings, all respondents (100 percent) have said that homestay have raise awareness
of the need of conservation and increased plantation activities. 52.38 percent respondents said
that homestay have fostered environmental education. Similarly, 38.10 percent respondent said
that homestay have helped to study the potential pollution of the area and 9.52 percent
respondents said that homestay have helped to introduction of alternative source of energy.
Figure 7-Contribution of homestay on environment sector
4.10.2 Consumption rate of fuel wood
Fuel wood is the most important source of energy in all the settlements. Although the alternatives
source of energy is electricity, gas and kerosene but the consumption rate of fuel wood is very
high.
100%
52.38%
9.52%
38.10%
100%
Raise awareness ofthe need of
conservation
Fosterenvironmental
education
Introduction ofalternative source of
energy
Helps to study thepotential pollution
of the area
Plantation activities
25
4.10.3 Contribution of homestay program in biodiversity conservation
With an example of linking local people with nature, the Amaltari Buffer Zone consumers‟
committee under the CNP has started the homestay program in 20 houses of Tharu community at
Agyauli-5. Various ecotourism sites, such as conservation areas and national parks, are situated
in rural areas which have huge ecological and biological diversity with fascinating indigenous
cultures (Hawkins & Lamoureux, 2001, 63-72). Annapurna conservation area, Langtang
conservation area, Chitwan National park are the finest examples of community and ecotourism
sites in Nepal. In these places community people are responsible to protect the ecological and
biological diversity. The local communities and homestay operator from these places try to
attract visitors by promoting natural beauty with its large scale of conservation of forest, heritage
site which are situated in the community level. Such activities help to save the ecology for the
future generation and it also generates economic activities and increases healthy and wealthy
lifestyles. Argeuli VDC is situated near Chitwan National Park, a famous tourist destination for
wildlife and jungle safari in Nepal. Biodiversity being one of the major attractions of Amalatari
homestay, the member of AHC works itself as a patrol team. Establishment of the homestay in
the area has raise awareness and interest of local people towards biodiversity conservation.
4.10.4 Type of pollution and their level
Tourism causes the same form of pollution as any other industry. All of the respondents
concluded that the level of air, noise and land pollution is low. 85.70 percent of the respondents
concluded that the level of water pollution is low and14.30 percent of respondents concluded it is
medium. 81 percent of the respondents concluded that the level of solid waste is low and 19
percent of respondents concluded it is medium. The growing concern of local people and the
homestay committee has succeeded to reduce the level of pollution. They conduct regular
cleanliness programs and have installed garbage collection rings in homestay area.
26
Figure 8-Type of pollution and their level
4.11 Satisfaction level of visitor
4.11.1. Hospitality and service
The hospitality of host community to the guest was also studied through perception of visitors as
well as the community. 100 percent visitors perceived that the host community is very
hospitable.
Table 10-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on hospitality and service in the
homestay area.
Perception Number Percentage
Very hospitable 60 100%
Hospitable 0 0%
Poorly hospitable 0 0%
Total 60 100%
4.11.2 Food and taste:
The food provided by host community to the guest was also studied through perception of
visitors as well as the community. 60 percent visitor perceived that the food provided as very
satisfactory followed by 40 percent visitors who concluded the food as satisfactory.
14.30% 19%
100% 85.70%
100% 100% 81%
Air Water Noise Land Solid waste
1 2 3 4 5
Medium Low
27
Table 11-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on food and taste in the homestay
area.
Perception Number Percentage
Very satisfactory 36 60%
Satisfactory 24 40%
Poorly satisfactory 0 0%
Total 60 100%
4.11.3 Culture and cultural dance
The culture and cultural dance provided by host community to the guest was also studied through
perception of visitors as well as the community.80 percent visitor perceived that the food
provided as very satisfactory followed by 20 percent visitors who concluded the culture and
cultural dance as satisfactory.
Table 12-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on cultural and cultural dance in
the homestay area.
Perception Number Percentage
Very satisfactory 48 80%
Satisfactory 12 20%
Poorly satisfactory 0 0%
Total 60 100%
4.11.4 Information
The information provided by host community to the guest was also studied through perception of
visitors as well as the community. 21.7 percent visitor perceived that the food provided as very
satisfactory followed by 70 percent visitors who concluded the information as satisfactory and
8.3 percent visitor concluded information as poorly satisfactory.
28
Table 13-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on information in the homestay
area.
Perception Number Percentage
Very satisfactory 13 21.7%
Satisfactory 42 70%
Poorly satisfactory 5 8.3%
Total 60 100%
4.11.5 Transportation system
The transportation system provided by host community to the guest was also studied through
perception of visitors as well as the community. 48.3 percent visitor perceived that the food
provided as very satisfactory followed by 30 percent visitors who concluded the transportation
system as satisfactory. 21.7 percent visitor concluded transportation system as poorly
satisfactory.
Table 14-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on transportation facility to the
homestay area.
Perception Number Percentage
Very satisfactory 29 48.3%
Satisfactory 18 30%
Poorly satisfactory 13 21.7%
Total 60 100%
4.11.6 Means of communication
Table 15-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on means of communication in the
homestay area.
Perception Number Percentage
Very satisfactory 8 13.3%
Satisfactory 48 80%
Poorly satisfactory 4 6.7%
Total 60 100%
29
The means of communication provided by host community to the guest was also studied through
perception of visitors as well as the community.13.3 percent visitor perceived that the food
provided as very satisfactory followed by 80 percent visitors who concluded the food as
satisfactory and 6.7 percent visitor concluded means of communication as poorly satisfactory.
4.11.7 Attractions and activities
The attractions and activities provided by host community to the guest was also studied through
perception of visitors as well as the community. 71.7 percent visitor perceived that the attractions
and activities provided as very satisfactory followed by 23.3 percent visitors who concluded the
food as satisfactory and 5 percent visitor concluded attractions and activities as poorly
satisfactory.
Table 16-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on attractions and activities in the
homestay area.
Perception Number Percentage
Very satisfactory 43 71.7%
Satisfactory 14 23.3%
Poorly satisfactory 3 5%
Total 60 100%
4.11.8 Security
The security provided by host community to the guest was also studied through perception of
visitors as well as the community. 78.3 percent visitor perceived that the security provided as
very satisfactory followed by 21.7 percent visitors who concluded the security as satisfactory.
Table 17-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on security in the homestay area.
Perception Number Percentage
Very satisfactory 47 78.3%
Satisfactory 13 21.7%
Poorly satisfactory 0 0%
30
Total 60 100%
4.11.9 Price
The price of food, and services provided by host community to the guest was also studied
through perception of visitors as well as the community. 58.3 percent visitor perceived that the
price of food, and services provided as very satisfactory followed by 41.7 percent visitors who
concluded the price of food, and services as satisfactory.
Table 18-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on price of food, and services in the
homestay area.
Perception Number Percentage
Very satisfactory 35 58.3%
Satisfactory 25 41.7%
Poorly satisfactory 0 0%
Total 60 100%
4.11.10 Local place and environment
The satisfaction with local place and environment to the guest was also studied through
perception of visitors as well as the community. 83.3 percent visitor perceived that the local
place and environment as very satisfactory followed by 16.7 percent visitors who concluded the
local place and environment as satisfactory.
Table 19-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on local place and environment in
the homestay area.
Perception Number Percentage
Very satisfactory 50 83.3
Satisfactory 10 16.7%
Poorly satisfactory 0 0%
Total 60 100%
31
4.12 Factors considering the increase in satisfaction
There are several factors that determine level of satisfaction. Some of the factors considering the
increase in satisfaction are decrease in price, increase in quality, increase in activities and
increase in services.28.3 percent of the respondents concluded that decrease in price can increase
in the level of satisfaction and 95 percent of the respondent concluded that increase in quality can
increase the level of satisfaction. Similarly 86.7 percent of the respondents concluded that
increase in activities can increase in the level of satisfaction and 88.3 percent of the respondent
concluded that increase in services can increase the level of satisfaction.
Table 20-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on factors considering the increase
in satisfaction.
Options No of Respondents Percentage of Respondents
Decrease in Price 17 28.3%
Increase in Quality 57 95%
Increase in activities 52 86.7%
Increase in services 53 88.3%
4.13 Willingness to visit again
The willingness of the guest to visit homestay again was also studied through perception of
visitors.81.7 percent said that they would like to visit the destination again and again in the
coming days and 18.3 percent said that they were not sure about visiting the destination again.
Table 21-Distribution of the visitors by their perception on their willingness to visit again.
Willingness to visit again No of Respondents Percentage of Respondents
Yes 49 81.7
don‟t know 11 18.3
32
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion:
Despite potentiality to grow and efforts made to promote the tourism sector of Nepal, the sector
has failed to contribute significantly in the country's GDP. A reason for such poor performance
might be low accommodation capacity with the tourism industries in Nepal. To develop
alternative touristic destinations, meet the government's target of 2 million tourists by 2020 and
distribute tourism benefits up to the common people, the government has issued Homestay
Operating Guidelines in 2011. Encouraged by visit of Tharu homestay of Bardiya and with the
support of TAL to promote conservation based livelihoods, the Tharu community from Amaltari,
Nawalparasi has started their Amaltari Tharu homestay village since May 2013.
In order to study this homestay and its contribution on the social sector, economic sector,
environment sector, culture conservation, women and youth empowerment, conservation of
biodiversity. 81 different respondents from homestay households, guests and the homestay
management committee were selected. A focus group discussion was also conducted. The
findings of the study have been concluded as given below:
With an example of linking local people with nature, the Amaltari Buffer Zone
consumers‟ committee under the CNP has started the homestay program in 20 houses of
Tharu community at Agyauli-5 in the district. .The committee started the program in 20
houses to attract tourist in May 19, 2013. The place is the first place of Nawalparasi
district having a homestay.
Presently, there are 21 households included in the homestay system. This homestay has
provided direct employments to 53 members, largely of them are women. Hence, it has
emerged as a sample of female-led and female-managed homestay in Nepal. Initially,
income and utilization of the free time was the main motivating factor for these
households for taking homestay profession. Apart from homestay, households also take
other professions, mainly agriculture.
The present capacity of this homestay is 84 beds and this account for 30 thousand 6
hundred and 60 person-nights annually.
Neither the committee nor the government agencies have done much to promote this
homestay in domestic market. Despite insufficient promotion, around 26 thousand 7
33
hundred 9 persons have been recorded to have visited the place till Dec 30, 2015. The
visitors have, however, gained information about this place through their friends,
relatives and social network as well as participation in programs, meetings and seminars.
The homestay business in Amaltari is influenced by seasons. The months of August,
October, November, December and January (5 months) are peak business seasons with
highest flow of visitor in November.
According to the records maintained by AHMC, around 27 thousand guests had visited
the place from May 2013 to Dec 2015.
The share of homestay in total income for rich is 32.29% and the share of homestay
income in total income for poor is 70.59%. The contribution of homestay income is more
important to poor than to rich.
According to the records maintained by AHMC, total income from May 2013 to Dec
2015 is 1 crore 35 lakhs.
According to the response extent of contribution of homestay in economic sector was
found that homestay contributes more to increase the income of local people and for
creating jobs to local people followed by improvement of infrastructures and generating
fund for investment in other community development activities.
According to the response extent of contribution of homestay in social sector was found
that homestay contributes more to community pride , have empowered women and have
improved the relationship of people with in the community followed by enhanced
standard of life , development of community based organization and provision of better
education .
According to the response extent of impact of homestay in environment sector was found
that homestay contributes more to plantation activities and raise awareness of
conservation activities followed by fostering environment education and study of
potential pollution.
Visitors were more satisfied with the service and hospitality, culture and local
environment and least satisfied with the visitor information center and means of
communication.
Increase in services, quality and activities is more important to increase in the level of
satisfaction than decrease in price.
34
Recommendations:
Following recommendations have been made based on the findings of the research and
the conclusion made for the sustainability of tourism in Amaltari Tharu homestay.
Accommodation facilities and services should be increased and improved.
Information facilities should be improved through the destination. It includes internet
facility at the destination, web site of the destination, enough display of information at
Information center and adequate signpost and arrow post on the route.
Cultural tourism package should be more improved and local guide should be more
capable in interpreting the Tharu history, culture and lifestyle. Some local guidebook
comprising all places and subjects of tourist attractions should be developed in local
Tharu and English language.
More emphasis should be given to improve sanitation, personal health and hygienic
condition through awareness and coordinated efforts with District health Office.
Emphasis should be given to improve education level of the community.
Efforts should be initiated to reduced seasonality by increased tourist product and
publicity/promotion.
Community should be mobilized to keep kitchen gardening, mushroom, local foods,
fishery etc.
In order to promote all homestay systems through its policies, the government should
come up with a comprehensive homestay promotion program.
Arranging trainings to the households to improve their skills relating to cooking, service
delivery, hospitality and communication.
Linking the Amaltari village with markets (tours and travel agencies in the capital and
through webs) and the potential foreign visitors.
The government should come up with a comprehensive homestay promotion program.
Formulating long-term plans for development and sustainability of the homestay.
35
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39
ANNEX-1
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
1. What is the name of home-stay and address?
2. How many households are involved in home-stay program?
3. What is the process of formation of the management committee??
4. Registration process of home-stay/ home-stay committee? (when/where)
5. How are guests distributed, rules and trends in the home-stay?
6. How is cultural activities performed in home-stay? (Individually, group performance or other
participant)
7. How are the cultural activities promoted in the home-stay?
8. What are the organizations supporting the home-stay program technically, financially, policy and other
institutional support?
9. Role of male and female in home-stay and entrepreneurship?
10. Did you receive any complaints from the visitors regarding the services and the facilities?
11. What are you doing to promote your home-stay program?
12. How many guests did you receive this year compared to the last year? What's the trend?
13. Do you agree that home-stay program is making significant contribution in natural and cultural
resources conservation: if yes, how if no, what is not working?
14.How women are empowered from HS program And what is the role of women in it?
15.How youths are empowered and what's the contribution of HS program
16. Do you think the rules and regulations of Government of Nepal are in favor of home-stay program if
not what should it be?
40
ANNEX-2
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR HOUSEHOLD SURVEY
Date:
Data collector: ....................
1. Household No
a. Name of Respondent.................................... Name of HH head……………………….
b. Age of Respondent ..............................years Age of HH head …………………………
c. Sex of Respondent: i. Male ii. Female
d. Education of Respondent............................. Education of the HH head...................
e. Religion: i. Hindu ii Buddhist
iii. Muslim iv. Christian v. Othes
f. Ethnicity: i. Bhramin ii. Chhetri
iii. Tharu iv. Others
g. Family Size .........................
j. Land holding (in Kattha) of the Respondent family:
i. Khet………………… ii. Bari …………………
iii. Gaderi……………… iv. Kharbari…………… v. Other-………
Q.2. How long have you (family) been living here? ............... Years
Q.3. Do you provide home-stay service in your home?
i. YES ii. NO [if answer is NO then go-Q4]
If yes, i. Motivational Factors:
a) Improve family Income
b) Use free time in constructive work
c) Conservation of nature
d) Conservation of culture- cultural exchange
ii. How long have you been providing this service?............ Years
iii. What is the monthly flow of guests in peak seasons? ……..…. Guests
b. Management: i. Private ii. Community
41
If private, i. Certified ii. Not certified
c. How many tourists you can accommodate a day?...............
d. Average length of stay per tourist in your homestay?.....................days
e. In which months you receive highest number of tourists in your home-stay? ...........................
f. What percentage of tourists coming to your home-stay is domestic? …………………Percentage.
g. What are the basic facilities you are providing?
S.N Facilities YES NO
1 Private Bedroom
2 Kitchen Access
h. Did you get any loan facility to establish home-stay? If any other facility mention.
Yes No
If yes i. Local cooperatives ii. Government iii Private Bank
iv WWF v. Others
Q. 4. If you are not operating a home-stay service, please list three most important reasons of not
operating a homestay?
a) First most important reason: …………………….
b) Second most important reason: …………………
c) Third most important reason: ………………….
Economic aspect:
Q.1. What are the major sources of your family income (record last year income)? Specification
of each income category.
S.N Income sources Amount in Rs./year Rank
1. Agriculture
2. Livestock
3. Remittance
4. Pension
5 Tourism(homestay) activity
6. Service
7. If others specify
2. How many people are directly involved in tourism activity? What do they do?
S.N. Heading of income No of people involved
Male Female
1. Running home-stay
2. Selling handicraft
3. General store
4. Renting out vehicle
42
5. Guide to tourism
6. Transportation service
7. If others specify
3. What % of the total income from the tourism activity is saved?
i. Less than 25% ii. 25-50% iii. more than 50%
4.What are the infrastructures developed in your community through home-stay?
a...............................
b……………………
c………………….....
5.How many guests visit the home-stay per month and their monthly flow?
6.Contribution of homestay on economic sector.
S.N Impacts Yes No
1 Increase the income of local people
2 Create jobs to local people
3 Improvement of infrastructures
4 Generations fund for investment in other community
development activities
7. Money spent by those tourists in different activities? Rank them.
S.N Activities Rank
1 Elephant Ride
2 Jungle Safari
3 Souvenirs
4 Cultural dances
5 Exploring homestay
6 Cart ride
9. Homestay in site increasing the land price in area?
Social aspect
1. What are the institutions established after the home-stay program?. .
2. Community people‟s relation improved after the home-stay program?
i. very good ii. good iii. same iv. worst
3. Contribution of home stay on social sector
Impacts Yes No
Provide community pride
Help to enhance the standard of life
Helps to provide better education
Helps to build community based organization
43
Women empowerment
3. What types of skill and capacity building trainings are provided to the local people?
S.N. Activities Supporting
organization
Duration of the
training
Participant/hh
Male Female
1 Tourist guide
2 Handicraft training
3 Organic farming
4 Hospitality
management
5 If others specify
Cultural aspect:
1. What type of cultural activities are conducted?
(Temple visit, festival celebration, dance programs, cultural food , Tharu museum visitetc.)
2. How home stay program has helped youth empowerment?
Activity YES NO
Job oriented training program for youths
Direct involvement in HS program
Education and involvement
If others specify
3. Home-stay has contributed in conservation of culture?
i. Yes ii No iii. Don't know
Environmental impacts:
1. Contribution of tourism on environment sector.
S.N Impacts Yes No
1 Raise awareness of the need of conservation
2 Foster environmental education
3 Introduction of alternative source of energy
4 Helps to study the potential pollution of the area
5 Plantation activities
6. Sanitation program
2. Consumption of fuelwood
a. high b. medium c. low
3.Type of Pollution and their level
S.N Pollution High Medium Low
1 Air
2 Water
3 Noise
44
4 Land
5 Solid waste
Other Questions:
1.Does HS guests hosting affect your family privacy?
2. Did you find any home stay guests not respecting your moral and cultural values?
3. How comfortable are your kids with having HS guests routinely in your house?
4. What governmental support you want for the support of HS program?
45
ANNEX-3
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR VISITORS SURVEY
1. Name of Visitor: 2. Date of Visit:
3. Sex of the visitor 4. Age of the Visitor:
5. Address of the visitor:
6. Have you previously visited homestay? a. First time b. Second time
c. Numerous time d. Not sure
7. How do you come to know about this homestay?
a. Friends and Relatives b. Program, committees & organization c. Travel agents
d. Advertisement
8. Level of satisfaction
S.N. List of things or activities
Satisfied(1) Neutral(2) Dissatisfied(3)
1 Service and hospitality 1 2 3
2 Food and taste 1 2 3
3 Culture and cultural dance 1 2 3
4 Tourist information center 1 2 3
5 Transportation facility 1 2 3
6 Communication 1 2 3
7 Attraction and activities 1 2 3
8 Security 1 2 3
9 Price of food and services
1 2 3
10 Local place and environment 1 2 3
9.what factor must be considered to increase tourist satisfaction:
Options Yes No
Decrease in Price
Increase in Quality
Increase in activities
Increase in services
10.Would you like to visit again? a. Yes b. No c. Don't know