NEWARI FOOD CULTURE AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION IN

NEPAL

BY
Resham Armaja

A Project Work Report submitted to Pokhara University in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree of

Bachelors in Hotel Management

At the
Apollo International College
Pokhara University

Lakhechaur Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal

August, 2021
 Declaration

I hereby declare that the project work report entitled “Newari Food Culture as a Tourist
Attraction “submitted for the BHM is my original work and the Project Work Report has
not formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma, or other similar titles.

Signature
Resham Armaja
Date: August, 2021

II
 Acknowledgement

This project is a result of dedicated effort. It gives us immense pleasure to prepare this
report on “NEWARI FOOD CULTURE AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION”.

I would like to thank my project guide, Teacher Shree Krishna Pokhrel for help and
constructive suggestion on matter in this project. I would like to extend my gratitude to
the Principal Prof. Dr. Gauri Raj Sharma, Program Director Bimal Gautam, and
Coordinator Satish Mishra sir for providing me with all the facility that was required. I
would like to thank my parents and my classmates who helped me in making this project
a successful one.

III
 Contents

1. Introduction
 Background of the Study 1
 Statement of the Problem 5

 Objective of the Study 5

 Need of scope of Study 5
 Literature Review 6
 Research Method Used 10
2. Descriptive Analysis
 Data Presentation and Data Analysis:
 Data Analysis of the table 1 and figure 1 12

 Data Analysis of the table 2 and figure 2 13

 Data Analysis of the table 3 and figure 3 14

 Data Analysis of the table 4 and figure 4 15

 Data Analysis of the table 5 and figure 5 16

 Data Analysis of the table 6 and figure 6 17

 Data Analysis of the table 7 18

 Main findings and Discussion 19

3. Summary and Conclusion
 Summary of the findings 21
 Conclusions 22

References

IV
 Lists of Table and Figure

Table
1. Tourist Arrival and Average Length Stay 12
2. Tourist Arrival by Major Nationalities 13

3. Tourist Arrival by Sex 14

4. Tourist Standard Hotel Registered in Nepal 15

5. Gross Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism 16

6. Tourist Arrival by Purpose of Visit 17
7. Popularity of Newari Cuisine Dish 18

Figure
1. Tourist Arrival and Average Length Stay 12

2. Tourist Arrival by Major Nationalities 14

3. Tourist Arrival by Sex 15

4. Tourist Standard Hotel Registered in Nepal 16

V
 5. Gross Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism 17
6. Tourist Arrival by Purpose of Visit 18

Lists of Abbreviations

AAER : Annual Exchange Rate

BHM : Bachelors in Hotel Management

FDRN : Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

GR : Growth Rate

NRs : Nepalese Rupee

NTB : Nepal Tourism Board

NTD : Nepal Tourism Department

TDB : Tourism Development Board

UNWTO : United Nations World Tourism Organization

VI
 Chapter I

Introduction

Background of the Study

Nepal is a beautiful country rich and diverse in natural and cultural resources
which is in its developmental phase. Nepal is the country of Asia continent which is
landlocked and borders Tibet in the North side and India in the South, East and West. It
has the population around 50 million with the diversified cultures and traditions. Nepal is
Federal Democratic Republic country which is a sovereign state. Even though Nepal has
a tiny area, it has the best and iconic natural beauties of the world such as Sagarmatha
which is the tallest mountain on the earth as well as cultural, traditional and religious
heritages such as Lumbini which is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Nepal covers just
0.3% landmass of the whole earth. Nepal is a Hindu country with more than 80% people
following Hinduism followed by Buddhism, Islam, Kiratism, Christianity and animism.
Nepal has never been colonized by anyone. It does not have any independency day. It
has provinces and 77 districts. There are three regions i.e. Himalayan, Hilly, and Terai.

VII
Landlocked, lacking substantial resources for economic development, and hampered by
an inadequate transportation network, Nepal is one of the least developed nations in the
world.

Tourism is a collection of activities, services, and industries which deliver a travel

experience comprising transportation, accommodation, eating and drinking
establishments, retail shops, entertainment businesses and other hospitality services
provided for individuals or groups traveling away from home. Tourism is the process of
travelling from one place to another place for the pleasure. Tourism is a medium or portal
via which people around the globe can share the ideas and knowledge whilst creating an
understanding amongst them. The World Tourism Organization defines, Tourism as
being limited to holiday activity only, as people “travelling to and staying in places
outside their usual environment for more than one consecutive year for leisure and not
less than 24 hours, business and other purpose”. Tourism is a dynamic and competitive
industry that requires the ability to adapt constantly to customers’ changing needs and
desires, as the customer’s satisfaction, safety and enjoyment are particularly the focus of
tourism businesses. The tourism industry is one of the rapidly growing industries in the
world.

In Antiquity period, travelling for pleasure can be seen in Egypt as early on as

1500 BC. During the Roman Republic, spas and coastal resorts such as Baiae were
popular among the rich. The era of the Grand Tour was when tourism as we know it
really came into the play. Starting with the wealthiest in society, people travelled to learn.
It was fashionable, and soon became a status symbol in its own way. In the post-modern
era, people no longer necessarily travel just for the sake of travel but they want an
immersive experience, adventure, and the chance to give back to the local community. By
the early 21st century, international tourism has become one of the world’s most
important economic activities.

The world is facing an unprecedented global health, social and economic

emergency as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel and tourism is among the most
affected sectors with a massive fall of international demand amid global travel

VIII
restrictions including many borders fully closed, to contain the virus. The estimated
decline in internationals tourism in 2020 is equivalent to loss of about 1 billion arrivals
and US$ 1.1trillion in international tourism receipts. This plunge in international tourism
could result in an estimated economic loss of over US$ 2 trillion in global GDP, more
than of the world’s GDP in 2019.

After agriculture, tourism is the next important industry in Nepal. Tourism is one
of the mainstays of Nepalese economy. Nepal is an economically backward landlocked
country where the tourism industry plays the vital role in ups and downs in economic bar
of the nation. Tourism in Nepal acts as a treasure hunt which is full of mysteries whilst
providing pots full of gold and silvers during the journey hoping one day it will find the
greatest treasure of all. The gold and silvers are the employment opportunity for people
and medium to earn for their livelihood. Tourism represents a small but expanding1
industry. Foreign tourism is primarily confined to the Kathmandu Valley, which is the
only area equipped with the necessary hotels, food supplies, roads, and international
transport services. There are, however, many areas outside the Kathmandu Valley with
potential for the development of tourism. It is also a major source of foreign exchange
and revenue. Nepal is a hotspot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and people
seeking adventures. These days, there are also home-stay facilities where establishment
of hotel is difficult. Tourism in Nepal began with mountain tourism. Out of 8 of the
world’s 10 tallest peaks, 7 of them were successfully scaled i.e. Mt. Annapurna, Mt.
Sagarmatha, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Lhotse and
Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Manjushree, who is believed to come from either China or India, is said to be the
first tourists to visit Nepal. As per the legend, he made a valley by cutting a hill on
Chovar side with his sword letting the water to flow away.

Around 1 million tourists visit Nepal each year. Modern tourism started in Nepal
since 1950 after the advent of democracy. In the effort to make a concrete tourism
development, Tourism Development Board was formed in 1957 AD culminating to the

IX
establishment of Nepal Tourism Board in 1998. Since 1962, Nepal Tourism Department
started keeping the statistics of tourist visiting Nepal.

In 2019, Nepal received a total of 1.17 million foreign tourists with the highest
209,611 from India, followed by 169,543 from China. It only changed by +2.1% from
previous year whereas it changed by +24.8% on the year 2018. Visit Nepal 3.0 hoped to
host 2 million tourists in 2020but it ended up becoming the worst year for tourism since
1986. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis resulted in 80.78 percent drop in tourist arrivals
number since Nepal opened for the outside world in the 1950s.

Tourism is one of the most important industries in the world which gives a
significant source of economic outcomes and the possibility and opportunity for
employment. It is also a complex industry which requires huge capital investment and
resources as well. It creates a both positive and negative impact depending how it is
managed. If it is managed properly then it can have a positive impact on all social,
economic and environmental aspect. If it is not managed properly then the impact can be
negative which would be disastrous.

Overview

People have settled in the Kathmandu Valley for over 2000 years. Throughout
this period, the valley has witnessed the migration of people from the high plateaus of
Tibet, the fertile plains of the Ganges, and everywhere between. This intermingling of
people and cultures created a vibrant and diverse society within the valley. By the 12th
century, the inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley had developed a unique civilization
indigenous to the region and were known throughout the region as the Newars. They
shared – and continue to share – a linguistic and cultural community bound together by a
common language and culture called Newari.

Newari civilization flourished during the reign of the Malla Kings from the 12th
to the 18th century. The Malla Kings profited from being a major destination along the
trade route between India and Tibet, and invested heavily in their arts and culture. Part of
the valley’s exports included skilled craftsmen like sculptors, painters and carvers to

X
India and Tibet. Together, the wood works contain the centuries of love and dedication
that these craftsmen had towards this artistic tradition.

With a keen aesthetic sense, the Malla kings invested heavily in the arts and
encouraged a rich tradition that encapsulated all forms of art. Testaments to their deep
involvement within the cultural landscape of the valley are evident in the number of
architectural and cultural monuments that remain standing to this day in the valley. The
seven world heritage zones and more than 3000 temples and shrines that dot the
Kathmandu Valley all date back to the Malla era, and give a clear testament to the artistic
sense of the Newars.

Statement of the Problem

Nepal has been unable to link tourism and gastronomy. Sadly, even Nepalese do
not know much about the Nepalese food. There is not any firm record on Nepal’s
culinary heritage. Perhaps recipes are at the risk of being lost. It’s assumed by the tourist
that Nepali cuisine is highly similar to Indian, even though it is different. In embracing
commercial global cuisine, Nepal ethnic food culture and heritage are been forgotten.
Tourist has little to none knowledge about the Nepali cuisine. Nepali food culture is not
internationally marketed which result unknown of the cuisine in the world.

Objective of the Study

 To know how food culture can be used as tourist attraction in Nepal

 To find the solution of preserving the food culture
 To spread the knowledge of food culture in the world

Need of scope of the Study

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 The research has to be done on the field where food culture and tradition helps to
attract the tourist in the Nepal. The field can be hotel, restaurant, lounge and home-stay
where they provide cultural food of the local. The research is important to know the exact
problem and the solution for the food culture as a tourist attraction. It shows the direction
for the correct ways to attract the tourist in Nepal with the help of food culture of Nepal
from around the world. It helps to know how we can preserve the food culture. Research
finds out where we are lacking on providing the knowledge to the tourist and what would
be the best way to relay the information about the -Nepali food culture to the tourist. It
will also helps on planning the strategies for marketing the food culture in the
international market. This project will help the next researcher in the findings.

Literature Review

Despite having an extensive food and drink culture, Nepal has not been able to tap
the immense potential in gastronomic tourism. Nepal is home to a large number of ethnic
groups who have their own rich tradition of delicious cuisines that have been developed
over centuries of practice. Leaving aside Thakali and some Newari delicacies, it’s very
hard to find traditional food varieties in even areas with high tourist inflow across the
country. At present, the menus of hotels and restaurants are mostly dominated by
international dishes, and it seems that this hasn’t concerned Nepali hospitality
entrepreneurs in terms of providing a unique experience to foreign visitors (Neupane,
2018).

According to Food Culinary webpage, Newars is indigenous to the Kathmandu

Valley; cater the best snacks in the country. Their cuisine makes much use of buffalo
meat, however, their vegetables soup, made of potato and bamboo shoot, is something
else. They have a large variety of meat dishes using every part of what’s available like
liver, intestine, lungs, etc. They are especially cooked during feasts but are popular dishes
in little eateries where people go to drink and ask for these as snacks.

XII
 An analysis of the relevant tourism literature and the promotional material of
various destinations indicate that the role of food in the marketing of destinations has
until recently received very little attention globally and locally. All indications, however,
are that local food holds much potential to enhance sustainability in tourism; contribute to
the authenticity of the destination; strengthen the local economy; and provide for the
environmentally friendly infrastructure. This paper will highlight the key findings of the
preliminary study regarding the utilization of food as a key or supportive attraction by
destination-marketing organizations (Du, Heath, & Alberts, 2003).

The common perception of food as a mere attraction in tourism is challenged by

stressing the complications and impediments experienced by tourists in the local culinary
sphere in unfamiliar destinations, even when attracted to the local cuisine. Hygiene
standards, health considerations, communication gaps, and the limited knowledge of
tourists concerning the local cuisine are discussed, while the role of ethnic restaurants at
home in preparing tourists for the food abroad is questioned. The authenticity of dishes in
such establishments and the varieties of culinary experience are considered (Avieli, Nir,
Cohen, & Erik, 2004).

If a culture is to prove sustainable in the face of tourism, then traditional and

ethnic foods must be preserved along with other art forms (Reynolds, 1993). In addition,
local culture becomes a tourism resource using indigenous foods, arts, and crafts as
tourism attractions. Food is one example of a local cultural resource that has the potential
to facilitate a number of community benefits (Kalis, 2012).

According to the well essential website, food is the great unifier that
connects us across cultures and generations. Food can quite literally propel you to
another time, another country, another culture without even leaving your dinner
table, which is why food culture is such an important way that we as people are able
to connect and relate to one another. Food culture (by definition) refers to the
practices, attitudes, and beliefs as well as the networks and institutions surrounding
the production, distribution, and consumption of food. Food culture is the
connection, beliefs, and experience we have with food and our food system. It

XIII
incorporates our cultural heritage and ethnicity, but is not limited to it. Our food
culture is as much about our ethnic cultural heritage, as it is about our
environmental culture and the way our surrounding impact the foods we eat and the
way we experience them.

In recent years, gastronomy has established itself as one of the key elements for
the enhancement, sustainable and consolidation of tourist destinations. Food tourism
studies have emerged in recent decades, focusing on food destination, food tourists and
hygiene issues, using both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Gastronomic tourists
experience a complete sensory experience, especially in terms of flavor, suggesting,
according to Cohen and Avieli. Henderson presents three research lines around the
relationship between tourism and gastronomy: food as a tourism product, the marketing
of food to tourists, and food tourism as an instrument of destination and general
development (Beltrán, Javier, Tomás, & Santa, 2016).

The ethnic food heritage of the Newars is rapidly changing. This article examines
the impact of community-based home stay tourism on the indigenous Newar community
in Panauti through the lens of the local gastronomic heritage. Semi structured interviews
and participant observations were used as qualitative methods during first authors' 3-
month stay in the home stay destination. The findings identify and discuss the significant
influence of home stay tourism on the food culture of the host families. The bottom-up
tourism approach characteristic of community home stays has helped to sustain many
elements of the traditional ethnic gastronomy in Panauti's rapidly changing food culture.
Alongside this, tourism has helped to adapt the indigenous culinary heritage to influences
from other food cultures, making it more eclectic and dynamic (Chitrakar, Neil, & Julia,
2020).

An investigation into the glorifying heritage of these eight SAARC nations pinpoints
towards their rich food and culinary heritage that is yet to be explored to carve them as food
destinations that would definitely help ameliorating tourism too. The Global Report on Food
Tourism of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reveals results from a
survey on food tourism marketing promotion, from which internet marketing tools, such as

XIV
websites have been effectively utilized to promote food tourism in a particular destination
(Duggal & Dahiya, 2015).

Food culture has been evolved as a result of traditional wisdom and empirical
experiences of generations over a period of time, based on agro-climatic conditions,
ethnic preference, socio-economic status, religious and cultural practices. A variety of
fermented foods and alcoholic beverages as well as foods produced by micro organisms
are prepared and consumed. Food culture imparts meaning to the act of travel and
bestows happiness upon the traveler. The promoters have to focus on the specific food
culture of a region in a presentable form where tourists can find local cuisine in menu,
signifying the food culture of a region (Tamang, 2001).

Newari Cuisine can be used as a tool to promote Gastronomy Tourism in

Kathmandu. Today, travelers are more informed, more experienced, have more
disposable income and more leisure time to travel, and thus tourism allows them to
escape the daily routine of their usual environment and immerse themselves in a world of
freedom and novelty. Thus, more and more tourists in the world are looking for concrete
learning experiences, and in this endeavor the gastronomic experience, in highly diverse
ways, is playing an increasingly prominent role. Newari Cuisine, being the most ethnic
and the most popular cuisine of Kathmandu Valley may play a role of the biggest tool of
marketing Kathmandu as a destination for Gastronomy Tourism. Globally, food and
tourism are increasingly being combined and the development of gastronomy as a
tourism product has become a trend recently (Shrestha & Khanal, 2020).

According to we all Nepali, food is very important part of the ritual and religious
life of the Newars. The food items served to the guests during festivals and feasts have
own symbolic significance. Different sets of ritual dishes are placed in a circle around the
staple rice flakes to represent and honor different sets of deities depending on the festival
or life-cycle ceremony. At meals, festivals and gatherings, Newars sit on long mats in
rows. Typically, the sitting arrangement is hierarchical with the eldest sitting at the top
and the youngest at the end.

XV
 The importance of the food to the Newars is also expressed in the Nepali
proverb: “Parbate bigryo mojale, Newar bigryo bhojle”. Literally, this says, Parbate
(Brahmin/Chettri) ruin them by (excessive) pleasure, whereas the Newars ruin
themselves by excessive feasting. Newari Cuisine is often categorized into three parts,
first the regular meal, that is Ja [Daily Rice Meals served with Ken (Lentil Soup)
and Tarkari (Vegetable Dishes)], second being the regular snack dishes, that is Baji
[Beaten Rice eaten with Vegetable or La (Meat Dishes) as the Afternoon Snack] and the
third one, being the most elaborate one is Bhoye [Feast including varieties of meat an
vegetable dishes with beaten rice] (Shrestha & Khanal, 2020).

Research Method Used

Research Methodology is a way to find out the result of a given problem on a

specific matter or problem that is also referred as research problem. In Methodology,
researcher uses different criteria for solving/ searching the given research problem.
Different sources use different type of methods for solving the problem. The business
dictionary defines research methodology as the process used to collect information and
data for the purpose of making business decisions.

The generic approach to follow the research naturally, anthropologically,

ethnographically and via direct observation is called qualitative research which is also
known as ‘Investigative Research’. This method focuses on looking at variables in the
natural setting as they found and the interaction amongst the variable is important.
According to Brian and Bell, ‘Quantitative research is defined as entailing the
collection of numerical data and exhibiting the view of relationship between theory and
research as deduction, a predilection for natural science approach, and as having an
objectivist conception of social reality’.

XVI
 Primary data is a type of data that is collected by researchers directly from main
sources through interviews, surveys, experiments, etc. Primary data are usually collected
from the source- where the data originally originates from and are regarded as the kind of
data in research. The source of primary data are usually chosen and tailored specifically
to meet the demands or requirements of a particular research. Also, before choosing a
data collection source, things like the aim of the research and target population need to be
identified.
Secondary data refers to data that is collected by someone other than the primary
user. Common sources of secondary data for social science include censuses, information
collected by government departments, organizational records and data that was originally
collected for other research purposes. Secondary data analysis can save time that would
otherwise be spent collecting data and, particularly in the case of quantitative data, can
provide larger and higher-quality databases that would be unfeasible for any individual
researcher to collect on their own.
The researcher decided to use and follow both qualitative and quantitative
methodologies for the research purpose of this project work. The ‘qualitative research
methodology’ would be used for the secondary data. The qualitative data to collect for
the project work which are used here. The ‘quantitative research methodology’ was used
to collect the information and data for the secondary data. Information such as numbers,
figures and facts were collected using quantitative research methodology. The random
information collected was later transformed into useful, clear and easily readable table
and graphs. All the sources used in the project work for the information and data are all
well cited and they are mentioned. They are given credit in the bibliography section as
well.
The data source used by the researcher was secondary data sources as websites,
online papers, and journals, research done by others authors, online surveys, and online
document. These kinds of data are cost effective and easy to find. They are accessible
remotely as well which consumes less time.
This project work has used the table and bar graph as a statistical tool to represents
the finding from the research done by the researcher.

XVII
 Chapter II
Descriptive Analysis

Table 1: Tourist Arrival by Air and Land in Nepal

Total By Air By Land
Year
Number GR % Number Percent Number Percent
2015 538,970 -32 407,412 75.6 131,558 24.4
2016 753,002 40 572,563 76 180,439 24
2017 940,218 25 760,577 81 179,641 19
2018 1,173,072 25 969,287 82.63 203,785 17.37
2019 1,197,191 2.05 995,884 83.19 201,307 16.81
Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2019
Figure 1: Tourist Arrival by Air and Land in Nepal
1400000

1200000

1000000
NO. of Tourist Arrival

Land Air
800000
Total
600000

400000

200000

0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Year

Table 1 is showing that the tourist arrival decreased at 2015 by 32% and again started
to take its peak in following years by the increment of 40%. In 2017 and 2018 there was

XVIII
increment of 25% in tourist arrival. There was only 2.05 % increment in 2019 from 2018.
It shows each year there is more tourist arrival from the land rather than air.

Figure 1 shows that tourist inflow in Nepal is increasing each year by certain
numbers. It is also showing that tourist arrival from land is on the average of 73.45%
whereas there is 26.5% from the air.

Table 2: Tourist Arrival by Major Nationalities

Nationality 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
China 64675 104005 104664 153633 169543
% 12 13.81 11.1 13.1 14.2
India 75124 118249 160832 194323 254150
% 13.9 15.7 17.1 16.57 21.2
Sri Lanka 43117 57521 45361 69640 55869
% 8 7.64 4.8 5.94 4.7
U.S.A 53897 53645 79146 91895 93218
% 10 7.12 8.4 7.83 7.8
U.K 24469 46295 51058 63466 61144
% 3.8 6.15 5.4 5.41 5.1
Others 277688 373287 499157 600115 563267
% 52.3 49.58 53.2 51.15 47
Total 538970 753002 940218 1173072 1197191
Source: Nepal Tourism Statistic, 2019
In table 2, it is found that Indian comes in top of arriving in Nepal as tourist. After
that China comes in the second as the tourist arrival of the Nepal. Other three remaining
part of the top 5 major nationalities changes each year. Data of 2018 shows that top most
tourist arrival in Nepal is India with 16.57%, followed by China with 13.1% and USA
with 7.83%. In the last year, Indian tourist was 21.2%, whereas there was 14.2% Chinese
tourist\. There was increment from both the countries by comparison of 2018 and 2019
data. But there was also some decrement from some countries like Sri Lank and UK.

XIX
Figure 2: Tourist Arrival by Major Nationalities
300000

250000

China
200000
India

Sri Lanka
150000
U.S.A

100000 U.K.

50000

0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Figure 2, shows that each year there is increment of tourist arrival from the India
and China also has increment in last three years. Other countries tourist arrival is
changing fluctuate each year.

XX
Table 3: Tourist Arrival by Sex
Sex
Male Percent Female Percent
Year Total
2015 2,089,158 53.6 249,813 46.4 538,971
2016 399,091 53 353,911 47 753,002
2017 509,585 54.2 430,633 45.8 940,218
2018 624,928 53.3 548,144 47.7 1,173,072
2019 634,392 53 562,799 47 1,197,191
Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2019
Table 3 is showing that each year there is high percentage of male tourist arrival
than female tourist arrival. In the average of five years, there is 53.44% of male tourist
arrival and 46.56% of female tourist arrival in Nepal.
Figure 3: Tourist Arrival by Sex
700000

600000

500000
No. of Male and Female

400000

300000 Male
Female
200000

100000

0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Year

Figure 3 present that male tourist arrival in Nepal is more than female in the five
year i.e. 2015-2019. But there is not much of a difference between male and female
tourist arrival. There is almost the same level of tourist arrival from both sexes in the
Nepal.

XXI
Table 4: Tourist Standard Hotel Registered in Nepal
Star Hotel Tourist Standard Hotel Total
Hotel Bed Hotel Bed Hotel Bed
Year
2015 116 9710 957 27240 1073 36950
2016 120 10071 985 28171 1105 38242
2017 125 10697 977 29136 1102 39833
2018 129 11146 1125 29710 1254 40856
2019 138 13200 1151 30799 1289 43999
Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2019
Table 4 shows there were only 116 star hotels at the year of 2015. In 2016, there
was only increment of 4 star hotels. After that there was increment of 5, 4 and 9 star
hotels in the following years. There were overall 1073 hotels in total of star hotel and
tourist standard hotel. Next year it increased by 32 hotels. In 2017, 3 hotels decreased at
overall but there was increment in the star hotel. There was increment of 152 and 35
hotels in the year 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Figure 4: Tourist Standard Hotel Registered in Nepal
1400

1200

1000
Hotels Registered

800

600 Star Hotel

Tourist Standard Hotel
400

200

0
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Year

XXII
 In the figure 4, it shows that there is fewer star hotel compared to the tourist
standard hotel. It is also telling that each year tourist standard hotel registered in Nepal is
increasing.

Table 5: Gross Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism by Fiscal Year

Total Earnings (Net received) % change
NRs.(million) AAER US$(million) in US$
Fiscal Year
2015/16 41,765.4 106.35 392.7 -27.8
2016/17 58,526.9 106.21 551.0 40.3
2017/18 67,094.6 104.37 642.9 16.7
2018/19 75,808.56 113.04 670.6 4.3
2019/20* 42,736.91 375.7

XXIII
Source: Nepal Tourism Statistics, 2019. * 1st six month of FY 2019/20

Table 5 represent that in the fiscal year of 2015/16, Nepal has one of the worst
earning by foreign exchange from tourism with -27.8% change in US$. Upcoming year,
Nepal had 40.3% change in US$. Nepal has improved the gross foreign exchange
earnings from tourism each year but percentage change in US$ was decreasing.
Figure 5: Gross Foreign Exchange Earnings from Tourism by Fiscal Year
80000

70000

60000

50000
Total Earning

40000

30000

20000

10000

0
2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19
Year

Figure 5, shows that each year there is increment on gross foreign exchange earnings
from tourism. In the last first year, 2018/19 has the highest earning from tourism foreign
exchange and the lowest earning is from 2015/16.

Table 6: Tourist Arrival by Purpose of Visit

Year Holiday Pilgrimage Others Total
2018 703843(60%) 129180(14.4% 340049(25.6%) 1173072(100%)
)
2019 778173(65%) 171937(14.4% 247081(20.6) 1197191(100%)
)
Source: Tourism Nepal Statistics, 2019

XXIV
 Table 6 shows that most of the tourist that comes in the Nepal is for the holiday
pleasure purposes. In 2019, there was 65% of tourist for the holiday pleasure. Pilgrimage
purposes tourist came in the third at the year 2019 with14.36%.

Figure 6: Tourist Arrival by Purpose of Visit

900000

800000

700000

600000

500000
Tourists

Holiday
400000 Pilgrimage
Trekking and Mountaineering
300000 Others
200000

100000

0
2018 2019
Year

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 In figure 6, it is shown that tourist that comes to visit in the Nepal for the holiday
pleasure has dominant in the figure. It also shows that the tourist that came to Nepal for
other purposes decrease drastically in just one year.

Table 7: Popularity of Newari Cuisine

Popular Least popular Not popular
Samay Baji Dakula Tha kha
Choila Yakula Thal-thale
Chatamari Takula Rajkhani
Yomari Sapu Mhicha Phashi
Source: Nelomasi, 2019

Table 7 shows that there are popular foods of the Newari as well as foods that are
not popular among the public. Samay Baji is a collection of dishes that has beaten rice,
fried dried soybeans, spiced and sautéed spinach, fried boiled eggs, a potato curry, sel-
roti, bara, a meat curry or dried meat and a dry pickle of sliced garlic and ginger. Yomari
is steamed dumpling that has sweet fillings such as chaku.

Major Findings and Discussion

 The tourist flow decrease by -32% in 2015 due to earthquake which affected the
tourism sector. Next year, the tourist arrival increase as the Nepal promoted the
tourism sector in the international market. In the last four year, the inflow of the
tourist is increasing. But in the 2020 there is decrease of tourist arrival because of
lockdown which results on ban of international airport due to the COVID-19.
 Most of the tourists come via land rather than air in Nepal. Top 2 tourist
nationalities of the Nepal are Indian and Chinese which are from our neighbor
countries. Therefore, they choose to come through land to visit Nepal because as
we have open border, there is not much of a long process to cross the border. It is
also cheaper to travel through land rather than air. That’s why the data shows high
tourist arrival through land than air.

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 Each year most of the tourist arrives from the India and followed by the China,
other countries fluctuate each year. Most of the tourist comes to visit pilgrimage
places as Nepal has lots of Hindu religious related to Indians. So, Nepal has most
of the Indian tourist and also because of easier transportation. Nepal has less
tourist other countries because poor marketing in the international market of
tourism.
 Nepal has more male tourist arrival than the female tourist. The average numbers
of tourist arrival of male in the last five year is 53.44% whereas female has
46.56%. There is not huge difference between male and female tourist arrival in
Nepal.
 There are 138 star hotels and 1289 tourist standard hotels that are registered in
Nepal till the date of 2019. The growth of the star hotels and tourist standard
hotels are slow. It is due to tourist arrivals do not match the development. The
numbers of total hotels are registered few each year because there is little
increment in the tourist arrival.
 Nepal had to bear huge loss in foreign exchange earnings due to earthquake in the
year 2015 which results in having -27.8% changes in US$. Next year, it recovered
and since then Nepal increased the foreign exchange earnings till the 2019. It
shows that there are better earnings from the foreign exchanges. There is again
decrement in 2020 due the COVID-19 because there was not any inflow of tourist
due ban for international travel for almost a year.
 Most of the tourist comes to Nepal for the holiday pleasure purpose and then
comes for the trekking and mountaineering in the last two years. Holiday pleasure
contributed 60% and 65% in the last two years. Most of the tourists arrive for
holiday purposes because Nepal is full of natural beauty, tourist can be relaxed
and refresh from the nature beauty and they can visit in the cheaper price.
 There are different types of Newari dishes. Some are popular among the public
and some are not eaten by most of the people or even don’t know about that dish.
Among popular Newari dishes Choila, Samay Baji, Yomari, and so on. Among
least popular there is Dakula, Yakula and so on. Some dishes are not popular
because it is not as their preference.

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XXVIII
 Chapter III

Summary and Conclusion

Summary

This study focused on finding the tourism development in Nepal. From Various
empirical studies as well as data collected it was focused on the Newari food culture as a
tourist attraction in Nepal. From the literature review, researcher found that Newari
cuisine makes much use of buffalo meat. They have a large variety of meat dishes using
every part of what’s available like liver, intestine, lungs, etc. Food is very important part
of the ritual and religious life of the Newars. The food items served to the guests during
festivals and feasts have own symbolic significance.

The tourist arrival in 2015 decrease and again started to increase each years. In
2020, there is again decrement due to corona. There is huge difference between the
tourist arrival through land and air where most of the tourist are through land. There is
average of 53.44% male tourist arrival whereas there is average of 46.56% female
tourists.

There are total of 1289 tourist standard hotel registered in Nepal where there are
only 138 star hotels in 2019. The increment of the hotel is slow due to low inflow of
tourist in Nepal. Each year there is increment of foreign exchange earnings from tourism
since 2016. Nepal had to bear huge loss in 2015 due to earthquake and again Nepal has to
be in huge loss due to COVID in 2020.

Most of the tourist visits for the purposes of holiday pleasure as Nepal is filled
with the natural resources which gives tourist to lose in nature. After that, tourist comes
for the trekking and mountaineering purposes. Out of world’s 10 tallest mountains,
among that Nepal have 8 of them. Therefore, Nepal has high tourist arrival for
mountaineering reason.

There are many types of dishes in the Newari cuisine among them Choila, Juju
Dhau, Samay Baji, and so on are the most favored dishes by the public. Tha kha, Dakula,

XXIX
Yakula, and so on are not preferred by most the people.

Conclusion

The overall research done for this project work points out that the tourism
industry of Nepal needs an upgrading with the facts. If that is done, then only the tourism
in Nepal would be better and the lifestyle of people will change as well. The fact that the
tourism of Nepal still relies on old and primitive ways is a negative factors. That is why it
is crucial at this moment to change those in order to attract more tourists and for the
safety purposes as well.

There must be a political stability in the country. The country where the
government is unstable and changing time and again, it would be impossible to maintain
a certain rule on anything and the government works won’t progress further. Only when
there is one and stable person to run the country, then only it can work in peace and with
full dedication.

Food tourism research is very popular in Europe but not in Nepal, one of the most
richest destinations, where people consume Chaurasi Benjan (84 different dishes)
consumed by Hindus, Samay Baji of Newari culinary and many more different types of
food and drinks by different ethnic groups. The main reason of not studying on food
tourism in Nepal is because there has not been developed food as a tourism product in
scientific way.

Food and tourism are two sides of coin. There is tremendous scope for developing
tourism by traditional and indigenous food and vice verse. Food scientists and
technologists have ample role to play in this sphere. Food technologists-tourism
partnership is necessary strategy.

Therefore, this is high time that Nepal tourism authorities should learn,
understand and come up with its indigenous strategies to identify, protect and promote
the aspects of food tourism in Nepal.

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