Study of Agritourism Development and Promotion : Case study of Kirtipur, Nepal

Agritourism is a value-added way to keep agricultural land in production, to capitalize on rich agrobiodiversity and the locations near tourist-generating areas. To analyze the potentiality of agritourism this study was carried out in 2008 in Kirtipur Municipality. Ninety five farmers, 5 from each ward and 8 politicians of Kirtipur were selected randomly to identify knowledge and perception. Also visitors, hotels and restaurants (H&R), travel agency and tour operators (TATO), and tourism or agriculture institutions/organizations (TAI/O) from Kathmandu valley each of twenty were surveyed. Overall, study provides a better understanding of concept of agritourism, agritourism packages, agricultural activities, attractions and obstacles that are important in agritourism development and promotion. Nepal has great potential in agritourism development sector. However, agritourism development committee should be established in collaboration with different government bodies, farmers, tourism institutions and others.