Understanding the Ban on Solo Travel for Foreign Tourists in Upper Mustang, Nepal
Authors
Chhantyal, Nira ; Thapa, Sabina
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2024
Submitted on
2024-05-31
Pages
65
Abstract
This study examines how the ban on solo travel and the mandatory guide system in Upper Mustang, Nepal, relate to tourist safety and how well these rules work in practice. It also investigates how social media affects the way international visitors understand, accept, and comply with these restrictions. Methodologically, we use netnography (an online form of ethnographic research) by systematically collecting and analyzing texts and images from discussion forums, travel blogs, and popular social media channels about travel experiences in Upper Mustang. The analysis sheds light on how online communication shapes expectations, behavior, and narratives about the destination, and what this means for visitor experiences and for the planning and management of culturally important and ecologically fragile places. The insights can inform policy design and community engagement efforts that promote responsible tourism. The overall aim is to provide evidence to guide interventions that balance conservation with authentic and immersive visitor experiences in Upper Mustang.
Dette studie undersøger, hvad forbuddet mod solorejser og den obligatoriske guideordning i Upper Mustang, Nepal, betyder for turisters sikkerhed og for, hvor godt reglerne virker i praksis. Vi ser også på, hvordan sociale medier påvirker, hvordan internationale besøgende forstår, accepterer og overholder disse regler. Metodisk bruger vi netnografi (en form for online feltarbejde), hvor vi systematisk indsamler og analyserer tekster og billeder fra diskussionsfora, rejseblogs og populære sociale medier om rejseoplevelser i Upper Mustang. Analysen belyser, hvordan online kommunikation former forventninger, adfærd og fortællinger om destinationen, og hvilke konsekvenser det kan have for besøgendes oplevelser samt for planlægning og styring af kulturelt vigtige og økologisk sårbare steder. Indsigterne kan informere udvikling af politikker og lokale indsatser, der fremmer ansvarlig turisme. Det overordnede mål er at give viden til evidensbaserede tiltag, som balancerer bevaring med autentiske og nærværende rejseoplevelser i Upper Mustang.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords