Expanding domestic tourism in Nepal: an analysis of homestays in the COVID-19 era

Community-based homestay (CBH) facilities were adversely affected by Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) despite its role in sustaining rural livelihood. This study aimed to assess the potential, challenges, and policies regarding domestic tourism in CBHs in COVID-19 era, focused on CBHs throughout Nepal. Seventy-seven online interviews were conducted on Facebook Messenger and ZOOM with 54 homestay owners, 12 coordinators, and 11 policymakers. The transcribed interview scripts were open-coded and thematically analyzed. CBHs initially prioritized domestic guests after seeing the high potential of domestic tourism during international travel restrictions. Domestic guests consider homestays as a learning center and a place to enjoy traditional food, culture, and hospitality. The number of guests traveling to CBHs decreased primarily due to COVID-19 and secondarily due to road problems, tourism attractions, and publicity issues. Policy measures to attract domestic guests by providing two-day weekend leave, official homestay visits of governmental employees, and other promotional offers are recommended.