CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

The present study was carried out both on the basis of exploratory and descriptive
research design. It is exploratory because the study focusses on to investigate the
potentiality of selected tourism destination to attract tourists, impact of tourism to
living condition, living standard of local people and as a whole to the country itself.
On the other hand, it tries to describe the existing status, recent development,
problems and prospects.

3.2 Rationale for the selection of Study Area

Chobhar is easily accessible from Kathmandu valley. The hill of Chobhar is situated
nearly 7 kilometers southwest of Hanumandhoka Durbar Square of Kathmandu (just
2-3 km away from Balkhu, Ring road towards Dakshinkali). The selected area has
great potentiality to attract tourists but is not given due consideration by related
agencies and government. Most of the aspects of tourism as Religious/ Pilgrimage
Tourism, Rural Tourism, Eco- tourism, Cultural Tourism, Village Tourism, Agritourism,
Ethnic Tourism, Adventure Tourism, Sightseeing Tourism etc. have
potentiality there.
Present study will help to open the eyes of blind government to improve the country ’s
earnings through the shown destination – Chobhar – a hidden paradise for all
aspects of tourism.

3.3 Sampling Procedure

Mostly visited tourist spots were taken as sample place. Information was obtained by
interviewing with 3 categories of respondents – tourists, hoteliers and locals. Simple
Random Sampling was done for tourists and locals; and Census Survey was best for
hoteliers because there were only 10 hotels and resorts in Chobhar.

3.4 Nature and Sources of Data Collection

Present study is based on primary data in order to meet the stated objectives.
Secondary data was not available because this is the first study conducted on
tourism development of Chobhar.

Primary data was obtained by using questionnaire, field survey and interview. The
visitors, hoteliers and locals were interviewed, filled up questionnaires and field
survey was done.

3.5 Data Collection Tools and Techniques

To generate the primary data, the structured questionnaire, semi or unstructured
interviews and observation as well as focus group discussion methods were applied.

3.5.1 Questionnaire Survey

Three different structured questionnaires were prepared to generate the realistic and
accurate data from tourists, hoteliers and locals. The respondents were requested to
fill up the questionnaire. In case of the respondents who could not fill up the
questionnaire, the questions were asked to the respondents and answers were filled
up to collect the required data.

3.5.2 Key Informant Interview

The primary data was also collected from key informant using the semi or
unstructured interview method. The interview was taken as cross checking for data
obtained from questionnaire.
The informants were interviewed on the present status, problems and prospects of
tourism in Chobhar and this was the best method to give appropriate
recommendations for planners, policy makers and relevant agencies.

3.5.3 Field Visit and Observation

The study area was visited and the potential places in study area which may lure the
tourists wer e o bserved and the facilities, whether or not available there to
accommodate the tourists was o bserved too. The photographs of the study area
were taken while doing field survey and listed on Annexes.

3.5.4 Focus Group Discussion

Focus group discussion is a most in this research work to discuss the problems,
local people are facing and their solution to lift their standard of living. For
environmental conservation and retaining the beauty the area possesses, local

people should be aware and focus group discussion fulfills this category. It also
helps to provide the required data and recommendations to related agency.

3.6 Data Processing and Analysis

After the data was collected from field survey, data was thoroughly checked and
edited wherever needed. The different software was used to analyze data in pictorial
form. Simple statistical tools like tables, graphs, percentage were calculated for data
analysis. Descriptive method has been used for qualitative data.