Cultural Tourism Investment in Nepal

A Project for the Nepal Investment Board and International Finance Corporations assessing the potential of attracting sustainable tourism and higher yield visitors for cultural tourism in key areas of Nepal’s tourist regions. Nepal has numerous Buddhist and Hindu cultural and pilgrimage sites and 8 cultural World Heritage Areas, but has a shortage of infrastructure and suitable accommodation for higher end visitors. After an initial analysis of many different opportunities, a detailed feasibility assessment was made of 10 potential tourism opportunities and products. An investment promotion plan was developed for each opportunity to indicate the actions needed to be taken by both the government and investors. This included planned items – such as restoration works, attracting foreign investment and investment approval processes.