Expanding domestic tourism in Nepal: an analysis of homestays in the COVID-19 era

Community-based homestay (CBH) facilities were adversely affected by Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) despite its role in sustaining rural livelihood. This study aimed to assess the potential, challenges, and policies regarding domestic tourism in CBHs in COVID-19 era, focused on CBHs throughout Nepal. Seventy-seven online interviews were conducted on Facebook Messenger and ZOOM with 54 homestay owners, 12 coordinators, and 11 policymakers. The transcribed interview scripts were open-coded and thematically analyzed. CBHs initially prioritized domestic guests after seeing the high potential of domestic tourism during international travel restrictions. Domestic guests consider homestays as a learning center and a place to enjoy traditional food, culture, and hospitality. The number of guests traveling to CBHs decreased primarily due to COVID-19 and secondarily due to road problems, tourism attractions, and publicity issues. Policy measures to attract domestic guests by providing two-day weekend leave, official homestay visits of governmental employees, and other promotional offers are recommended.

Automated summary

Despite the negative impact of COVID-19, community-based homestay facilities continue to play a vital role in sustaining rural livelihood. This study conducted online interviews with homestay owners, coordinators, and policymakers throughout Nepal to assess the potential, challenges, and policies regarding domestic tourism in CBHs. The findings revealed that CBHs initially focused on attracting domestic guests due to the high potential of domestic tourism during international travel restrictions. Domestic guests consider homestays as a place to learn about local culture and enjoy traditional food and hospitality. However, the number of guests has decreased primarily due to COVID-19 and secondarily due to road problems, tourism attractions, and publicity issues. Policy measures such as providing special weekend leave, official homestay visits for government employees, and promotional offers are recommended to attract domestic guests.