Indigenous knowledge systems and socio-cultural values for sustainable tourism development: insights from Indigenous Newars of Nepal

Abstract

Indigenous peoples have unique ontologies and worldviews that stem from their continuing connection with nature and the spiritual world that altogether shape their cultural practices including their approach to collaborating with stakeholders in Indigenous tourism initiatives. By applying an Indigenous methodology, this study ethnographically explores how Indigenous Newars’ traditional collaborative practices inherent in their Guthi system contribute to Indigenous tourism development. The study reveals that Indigenous Newars’ ontology of relationality seeps into their community’s cultural and economic practices to create a community synergy based on unilateral acts of reciprocity. This constructive collaboration cultivates a collective consciousness within Guthi, bolstering Newars’ social capital and facilitating grassroots sustainable tourism development. Moreover, the Guthi-based collaborative practices empower Newars to synthesise their rich historical legacy with emerging tourism dynamics to foster sustainable development and cultural revitalisation. Finally, this study calls for a change in basic assumptions in the existing approach to Indigenous tourism development, one that rejects the lingering colonial power dynamics to embrace and respect Indigenous Newars’ ontologies and traditional knowledges.