Example tourism dissertation topic 3:

An evaluation of the success of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project in Nepal and its continuing effects on eco- and adventure tourism.

The Annapurna Conservation Project Area in Nepal seeks to redress the balance lost in the expansion of trekking tourism over the last thirty years. This thesis examines the success of the project in restoring cultural and ecological integrity to the area, without any diminution of the economic benefits that the region needs for survival. A particular focus is the success of tourism training projects among the indigenous residents of the area, and the effect of such training on tourism, given that eco- and adventure tourism continues to rise. Using both secondary research methods and primary research (through interviews) the thesis offers considerable scope for creativity and research rigour.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Baral, N., Stern, M.J. and Hammett, A.L. (2012). ‘Developing a scale for evaluating ecotourism by visitors: A study in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Vol. 20(7), pp. 975-989.
• Khadka, D. and Nepal, S.K. (2010). ‘Local responses to participatory conservation in Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’, Environmental Management, Vol. 45(2), pp. 351-362.
• Nyaupane, G.P. and Thapa, B. (2004). ‘Evaluation of ecotourism: A comparative assessment in the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, Nepal’, Journal of Ecotourism, Vol. 3(1), pp. 20-45.