Tourism - a crucial part of Nepal's future - Sarika's thoughts

Tourism can be a double-edged sword, especially for a country like Nepal. The potential for exploitation through voluntourism and "poverty tourism" is high as is the impact on the environment. However, it is also a wonderful opportunity for Nepal if managed carefully. We explored this crucial topic in detail with the kids recently through the CSU debating competition.

Sarika, one of our class 10 students and one of our debaters, followed up with her thoughts on the benefits and risks of tourism in Nepal.

Tourism is good for Nepal

Sarika Bohara, class 10, KVS

Nepal is a beautiful mountainous country. Nepal is rich in natural resources like lakes, forests, rivers and mountains. So there is a great prospect for tourism in Nepal.

 

Our culture and natural things are loved by the tourists. Every year thousands of tourists visit Nepal for pleasure and recreation. This is very beneficial to Nepal. Tourists spend a lot of money. Young people can get employment guiding them and helping them. Similarly, tourists buy Nepalese products which preserves traditional arts and handicrafts. We can spread our culture all over the world. Our hospitality and kindness also inspires tourists.

 

Despite all the positive parts, there are also some problems with developing tourism in our country. There is no security for tourists. There are not good hotels in all parts of the country. Naturally beautiful places are not easily accessible by road. Some of the other problems created by tourism include increased pollution, diseases and drugs and a negative effect on local culture and the environment. When more tourists come to nepal, they use plastic good containers and throw them wherever they want. Nepalese young people are fascinated by foreign cultures and they try to copy the cultures of the tourists. There are such things in their culture which are not suitable for us. Due to the influence, our local culture disappears. Also, to make room for roads and lodges and restaurants, deforestation takes place and wildlife is disturbed.

 

Overall, tourism carries a lot of potential for Nepal to earn foreign currency and create employment. The government should support this important area for the future of our country.