Sustainable wellness tourism for Nepal

Instead of focusing on transactional tourism, we need to provide healing, meaning and authentic experiences.

Tourism in Nepal has been facing challenges and is now at a crossroads. Tourism success does not rest on arrivals alone. For tourism to thrive and contribute to GDP, and ensure the well-being of the masses, efforts must be made to ensure lasting conservation. It is time Nepal be repositioned as a wellness-driven, regenerative destination and not simply a low-cost adventure station alluring to mass tourists. This piece is based on my recent visits to Bardiya, Dang and Bhutan. All these destinations promise unique offerings to the visitors. For instance, Bardiya is renowned for its jungle safari. The safari practices and cultural immersion activities, such as visits to Tharu villages, should be able to shape a national tourism strategy. Likewise, my visit to the Tharu Cultural Museum in Chakhaura, Dang, prompted deeper reflection on the richness of Nepal’s diverse ethnic culture. While building a museum is a praiseworthy effort to preserve tradition, heritage and legacy, it is equally important that these be maintained, thereby placing a bigger emphasis on promoting living traditions. This national indigenous museum serves popular Tharu delicacies known as dhikri , bagiya , snails and freshwater fish. Hence, tourism has to focus on selling local tastes and authentic experiences, both for domestic and international travellers.