Deadline: 07-May-2026
The Sustainable Tourism Project in Nepal provides Low Value Grants to support community-led tourism initiatives that boost employment, entrepreneurship, and local livelihoods. The programme focuses on inclusive growth, targeting women, youth, and marginalized groups through skills development and infrastructure improvements. It promotes sustainable tourism models across key destinations like trekking routes and eco-tourism villages.
Overview
The Sustainable Tourism Project in Nepal supports inclusive economic growth by funding community-driven tourism initiatives.
Through a Low Value Grant Agreement mechanism, the programme enables local organisations to implement projects that enhance tourism services, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Improve tourism services and infrastructure
- Generate employment and entrepreneurship opportunities
- Promote inclusive participation (women, youth, marginalized groups)
- Increase domestic and international tourism
- Strengthen sustainable and community-based tourism models
Key Focus Areas
1. Tourism Development & Services
- Upgrading tourism facilities and service standards
- Enhancing visitor experience
2. Employment & Entrepreneurship
- Skills training for local communities
- Business development for tourism enterprises
3. Inclusive Growth
- Targeting women, youth, and marginalized groups
- Supporting equitable participation in tourism
4. Policy, Marketing & Digital Transformation
- Strategic branding and promotion
- Digital tools for tourism growth
- Policy advocacy for sector development
5. Thematic Tourism Areas
- Nature-based tourism
- Culture-based tourism
- Adventure tourism
- Watershed-based tourism
- Eco-friendly tourism villages
6. Infrastructure Development
- Local improvements (e.g., Thamel alley enhancement)
- Tourism corridor development
Priority Locations
The project prioritises high-potential tourism regions, including:
- Kanchenjunga Base Camp
- Manaslu region
Other tourism destinations may also be considered based on potential and relevance.
Key Concepts Explained
Low Value Grant Agreement
A funding mechanism providing smaller grants for targeted, community-level projects with defined outcomes.
Co-Investment Model
A shared funding approach involving public and private stakeholders to maximise impact.
Community-Based Tourism
Tourism initiatives owned and managed by local communities to ensure economic and social benefits.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Community-based organisations (CBOs)
- Tourism trade associations
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate experience in tourism or community development
- Work with local communities, especially marginalized groups
- Have capacity to implement and manage projects
What Projects Are Supported?
Eligible initiatives include:
- Skills training and capacity-building programmes
- Entrepreneurship and livelihood development
- Community tourism projects
- Local infrastructure improvements
- Eco-tourism and sustainable tourism initiatives
How the Programme Works
Step-by-Step Process
- Identify Project Area
- Select location aligned with tourism potential
- Design Proposal
- Define objectives, activities, and beneficiaries
- Submit Application
- Include detailed implementation and budget plan
- Evaluation & Approval
- Based on relevance, feasibility, and impact
- Implementation
- Execute activities as per grant agreement
- Monitoring & Reporting
- Submit progress, financial, and impact reports
Responsibilities of Grantees
Selected organisations must:
- Coordinate with local governments and tourism authorities
- Conduct public hearings and audits
- Ensure transparency and accountability
- Document success stories and lessons learned
- Mobilise additional resources where possible
Expected Outcomes
- Improved tourism infrastructure and services
- Increased employment and income opportunities
- Stronger local entrepreneurship
- Enhanced community participation
- Sustainable and inclusive tourism growth
Why This Programme Matters
- Boosts Nepal’s tourism-driven economy
- Supports vulnerable and underserved communities
- Promotes sustainable and eco-friendly tourism
- Strengthens local ownership and participation
- Enhances global competitiveness of tourism destinations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- कमजोर alignment with tourism priorities
- Lack of community engagement
- Poor coordination with local authorities
- Incomplete reporting and documentation
- Overlooking sustainability and long-term impact
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on clear livelihood impact
- Engage local communities from the start
- Align with priority tourism themes
- Provide realistic budgets and timelines
- Demonstrate sustainability and scalability
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the grant?
Community-based organisations and tourism trade associations in Nepal.
2. What is the main objective?
To support inclusive tourism development and improve local livelihoods.
3. Which areas are prioritised?
Regions like Kanchenjunga Base Camp and Manaslu, along with other high-potential destinations.
4. What types of projects are funded?
Training, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and community tourism initiatives.
5. Is collaboration required?
Yes, coordination with local authorities and stakeholders is essential.
6. What reporting is required?
Regular progress, financial, and impact reports must be submitted.
7. How does the programme ensure sustainability?
Through community ownership, co-investment, and stakeholder engagement.
Conclusion
The Sustainable Tourism Project in Nepal offers a strategic opportunity to develop inclusive, community-driven tourism initiatives. By combining funding, capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration, the programme helps create sustainable livelihoods while strengthening Nepal’s tourism sector for long-term growth.
For more information, visit Nepal Tourism Board – Trade.