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Impact of climate change on tourism in Nepal : Labour perspectives

English (英語)

神戸大学都市安全研究センター研究報告

30

91-104

神戸大学都市安全研究センター

2026-03

This study investigates the impact of climate change on the tourism industry of Nepal, with a specific focus on its workforce. The study conducted in Kathmandu, Kaski (Pokhara), and Kapilvastu (Lumbini), the study gathered data from 168 respondents, including tourist guides, porters, trekkers, and hotel workers affiliated with trade unions. Embedded mixed method with a primary qualitative approach, the research aimed to identify the direct impacts on workers' livelihoods. The findings reveal that climate change is profoundly affecting Nepal's tourism, primarily through the rapid melting of the Himalayas—a key tourist attraction—and increased weather unpredictability. Workers have observed drastic changes over a decade, including the disappearance of established trekking routes, a higher frequency of avalanches and landslides, and shifts in natural events. These environmental changes have led to a significant decline in tourist numbers, shortened trekking seasons, and increased instability of trekking work. Consequently, tourism workers face reduced income, forcing many to seek alternative employment in agriculture or construction, live on savings or debt, and leave the industry entirely. The study highlights critical worker issues such as a lack of insurance, inadequate earnings, and the physical dangers of a more unpredictable mountain environment. Based on these findings, the report offers key recommendations for recovery and resilience. These include promoting local cuisine to enhance economic benefits, ensuring fair labour practices and social security for workers, enforcing transparent and ethical practices by trekking agencies, and investing in worker training.

Workers

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