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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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The Role of Digital marketing in promoting adventure tourism, A study of Pokhara, Nepal

Author

Term

4. term

Education

Publication year

2025

Submitted on

Pages

78

Abstract

Dette speciale undersøger, hvilken rolle digital markedsføring spiller for at fremme adventureturisme i Pokhara, Nepal, i kølvandet på COVID-19. Formålet er at kortlægge, hvordan lokale virksomheder i dag bruger digitale strategier, hvilke udfordringer de møder, og hvilke tiltag der kan styrke deres online tilstedeværelse og konkurrenceevne. Studiet anvender en mixed methods-tilgang: en spørgeskemaundersøgelse blandt 100 turister om brugen af sociale medier, søgemaskineoptimering (SEO), online rejseplatforme og influencer‑markedsføring, samt interviews med 10 virksomhedsejere om implementering og forståelse af digitale strategier. De kvantitative data er analyseret med frekvensanalyser og de kvalitative med tematisk analyse. Fundene viser, at sociale medier (især Facebook, Instagram og YouTube) har stor indflydelse på turistens beslutninger, og at SEO og onlineannoncer øger synligheden. Samtidig oplever virksomheder mangel på kvalificeret personale, begrænset viden, økonomiske begrænsninger og hård digital konkurrence. Rejsende efterspørger mere personligt, troværdigt og visuelt appellerende indhold. Specialet anbefaler investering i indhold af høj kvalitet, brug af analyseværktøjer til målrettede kampagner, aktiv inddragelse af kundefeedback samt uddannelse i digital markedsføring for små virksomheder. En vedvarende, strategisk brug af digital markedsføring kan understøtte genopretningen og styrke Pokharas globale position inden for adventureturisme.

This thesis examines the role of digital marketing in promoting adventure tourism in Pokhara, Nepal, in the aftermath of COVID-19. It aims to assess how local businesses currently use digital strategies, identify challenges, and propose practical steps to strengthen online presence and competitiveness. A mixed-methods design was used: a survey of 100 tourists on social media, search engine optimization (SEO), online travel platforms and influencer marketing, and interviews with 10 business owners on the execution and understanding of digital strategies. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency analysis and qualitative data using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that social media (notably Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) strongly influence tourists’ decisions, while SEO and online advertising enhance visibility. Businesses face shortages of skilled staff, limited knowledge, financial constraints, and intense digital competition. Travelers seek more personalized, trustworthy, and visually engaging content. The study recommends investing in high-quality content, leveraging analytics for customized campaigns, incorporating customer feedback into planning, and providing digital marketing training for small businesses. Continued, strategic use of digital marketing can aid recovery and enhance Pokhara’s global competitiveness in adventure tourism.

[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]