Lumbini in State Policies and Programs and its Impact on Tourism Promotion

Abstract

The state’s primary responsibility is to excavate, protect, develop, and promote heritage sites. This duty is reflected in the policies and programs implemented by the government. Planned development initiatives in Nepal began in 1954, leading to the formulation of sectoral policies. In the 1960s, as international interest in Lumbini grew, the Government of Nepal initiated efforts to conserve, develop, and promote tourism in the Lumbini area. Since then, Lumbini has been consistently included in five-year plans, annual programs, and various tourism promotion initiatives in Nepal. The tourism policy and strategy of the government of Nepal have focused on positioning Lumbini as a premier tourist destination in the country. Following the establishment of Lumbini Province, the provincial government has actively promoted tourism in the sacred Buddhist sites. The collaborative efforts of both the national and provincial governments have been instrumental in establishing Lumbini as a significant Buddhist religious site globally and a prominent spiritual tourist destination in Nepal. This article aims to analyze the integration of Lumbini tourism within the policies, plans, and programs of the Government of Nepal. It will explore the impact of these initiatives on the development and promotion of tourism in Lumbini. The insights provided in this article will serve as valuable guidance for stakeholders involved in shaping policies and programs for the holistic advancement of Lumbini and tourism promotion. Additionally, it will offer valuable information for scholars interested in studying the latest developments in Lumbini.