The Role of Culture in Tourism Gentrification: A Case Study of Pokhara, Nepal since the 1970s

This thesis examines the phenomenon of tourism gentrification in Pokhara, Nepal, set against a backdrop of increasing middle-class transnational mobility under globalization. Specifically, it investigates the impact of international tourism, which began to significantly influence the region after the 1970s. This research addresses how cultural exchanges between the local community and tourists have driven tourism gentrification and transformed local culture over several decades. The study employs a triangulated research design, incorporating historiography analysis to trace the development of tourism alongside policy and stakeholder analysis, quantitative methods to delineate tourism-related infrastructure and population dynamics, and in-depth interviews with local stakeholders to capture personal and collective experiences of cultural transformation. This comprehensive approach aims to uncover the multifaceted narrative of tourism gentrification in Pokhara, focusing particularly on the role of culture in this process. Findings from this research indicate that tourism gentrification in Pokhara is influenced significantly by cultural factors, alongside the more widely recognized economic disparities brought about by globalization. Culture not only serves as a magnet attracting lifestyle-led migrants but also as a strategic tool in promoting tourism, which leads to tourism gentrification. Additionally, in communities concentrated with tourists, new forms of cultural expression emerge through co-creation processes between visitors and locals, illustrating the dynamic interplay between global influences and local traditions. The results confirm that while economic factors are critical, cultural aspects play an equally pivotal role in driving tourism gentrification. Given that tourism gentrification remains a relatively nascent concept with limited studies focusing primarily on Western cities, this research underscores the need for greater awareness of the soft elements, such as culture, that influence gentrification processes. Through its analysis of Pokhara's unique context, the study aims to contribute to broader discussions on sustainable tourism practices that respect and preserve local cultures.