26.Kumar Bhatta（Q-AOS / Academic Fellow）

Ghalegaun Tourism Model for Community Integration and Sustainability

Many marginalized communities are losing their identities, and people are leaving their settlements searching for opportunities throughout the world. Specifically, young people do not want to continue their tradition and culture, which directly hampers the sustainability of their community. Oppositely, tourism has been promoted in the communities to promote sustainable development and community integration. In this background, a case study of Ghalegaun tourism village, Nepal, has been conducted, and possible implications have been discussed here. In Ghalegaun, community-based activities not only for tourism perspectives but also for other purposes are directly linked to sustainable development. For example, community-based agriculture and craft-making activities, one door tourism management policy, exploration of local attractions and full utilization of the local resources, efforts towards conservation of natural resources and preservation of cultural heritages, modernized organic agriculture, and promotional activities are unique practices. From these results, the Ghalegaun model of tourism development and promotion is essential for sustainability for both developed and developing countries. For the proper resource management, attracting young people to follow the culture and tradition, conserve and preserve the local heritage, tourism development is one of the keywords.