Tourism in Asia has come a long way, especially in the countries that share the Himalayan range. In addition to Bhutan and India, a new wave of tourism has emerged in Nepal, focusing on sustainability, local empowerment, and community development. Women have been working collaboratively with several communities and organisations in recent years to boost Nepal tourism. This transformation is the growing role of women in leading homestay initiatives in Nepal, particularly in mountain regions. Tangting, a beautiful village hidden in the lap of the Annapurna and Lamjung mountains, has over 14 homestays run exclusively by women. This is a great initiative from Nepalese women that is changing how tourism is practiced and uplifting the entire community by providing economic opportunities and ensuring environmental health.
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The Rise of Women-Led Homestays in Nepal
Homestays have become a popular alternative to hotels. In Nepal, more than 1,000 homestays have been attending guests and providing them with a home-like feeling. Over 500 rural areas in Nepal offer homestay experiences, including Ghandruk Homestay in Kaski District, Ghale Gaon Homestay in Lamjung District, Panauti Homestay in Kavrepalanchok District, and Thumki Namje Homestay in Dhankuta (Budhathoki, 2014). Here, tourists stay with the local families, experience the traditional lifestyle, and immerse themselves in the culture. And what makes these homestays stand out in Nepal is the increasing involvement of women in economic activities. The rise of women-led homestays in Nepal is breaking the barriers and reshaping the local economies.
Organisations like the Nepal Tourism Board, Madi Municipality, and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) have supported these initiatives. Through training and awareness programs, they have empowered women in Nepal to manage their homestays, from hospitality to sustainable practices.
Sustainability & Environmental Conservation
As the global tourism community shifts toward more sustainable practices, Nepal homestay initiatives have adopted this trend. In 2023, Jean van der Hoeven, an expert in hospitality, tourism, and recreational services, trained women in hospitality, cleanliness, and waste management. He also provided suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the homestays by focusing on attracting more international tourists.
Besides this, homestay owners also make tourists aware of the local culture and practices that promote eco-tourism activities, such as trekking, wildlife exploration, and visiting the local farms that practice organic agriculture. By introducing such activities, women preserve natural beauty and educate tourists about the importance of environmental responsibilities. As a result, many tourists participate in tree plantations with the locals and/or homestay owners.
Advancement at the Door
When the initiative of homestays in Nepal was at its peak, the Hans Blankert Fund was a pump. This fund provided a small contribution for machinery, equipment, or tools to enhance business innovation, growth, and success. Access to laptops and other advanced technology & tools has significantly helped women homestay owners in Nepal to thrive in their businesses. With laptops and the internet, women of the Tangting Community Homestay Committee could expand their market reach globally by listing their homestays on platforms like Airbnb, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com, attracting international clients. The digital presence boosts bookings and helps them manage reservations more efficiently. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, online booking has increased by 30% in rural areas since digitalisation.
In addition, digital payment systems, such as eSewa and PayPal, have simplified the process by making transactions secure and faster. What else boosted homestay initiatives in Nepal is the training programs available on online platforms like Udemy. Such courses help women acquire new skills that assist them in business expansion and growth.
Is it the Future of Nepal Tourism?
Surprisingly, in the modern world, where everything is advanced, many people are taking a U-turn to traditional life. Sustainability, eco-friendliness, and rural lifestyles are again taking hold. Considering this, homestay initiatives led by women in Nepal expect to have a lasting impression. By providing economic opportunities, promoting environmental conservation, and preserving cultural heritage, women reshape Nepal tourism and empower their & Asian communities. These communities may significantly impact tourism and the nation’s wealth with continued support. However, there is no data on how many homestays contribute to economic growth.
As the trends continue to evolve, staying homestay in fashion is uncertain. Nevertheless, it can be, as homestays promote sustainability and provide business to locals.
