In response to the growing global demand for experiential and community-based tourism, the Koshi Provincial Government, with technical support from ECRDP, initiated the development of a Community-Based Tourism Development Policy and Strategy. This initiative was designed to unlock the potential of Nepal’s rural and culturally rich communities, aiming to empower them through tourism-based livelihoods and sustainable development.
The workshop and policy formulation process emphasized inclusive stakeholder engagement, integrating insights from local communities, municipal leaders, NGOs, tourism professionals, and private sector actors.
- To establish a provincial-level policy framework that promotes sustainable and community-led tourism.
- To identify institutional, regulatory, and infrastructural gaps impacting tourism development.
- To promote economic diversification, especially among youth, women, and marginalized groups.
- To align community-based tourism (CBT) strategies with Nepal's national goals, SDGs, and Vision 2030.
Session Themes | Details |
Situational Assessment | Reviewed existing policies, global best practices, and local capacity gaps. |
Policy Rationale and Definition Building | Developed working definitions of Community Tourism and Community Tourism Enterprises (CTEs). |
Stakeholder Consultations | Engaged communities, local governments, NGOs, and tourism industry experts. |
Framework for Implementation | Defined roles of OCMCM, PLGSP, and CTP (Community Tourism Partners). |
Action Planning | Developed draft phasing plans, branding guidelines, and tourism product prioritization. |
- Inclusive and Gender-Responsive tourism development model
- Phased implementation strategy with capacity-building for selected municipalities
- Establishment of community tourism toolkit, codes of conduct, and product standards
- Promotion of eco-tourism, heritage tourism, and cultural homestays
- Linkage with national tourism marketing platforms and export market readiness
- A provincial policy document was drafted with strong local ownership.
- Municipalities began mapping potential tourism zones based on natural and cultural assets.
- A list of priority communities was identified for piloting community tourism ventures.
- Enhanced inter-agency coordination through the establishment of a Secretariat under OCMCM.
- Local CBOs and municipalities expressed strong readiness to co-develop tourism packages.
