Service with a Smile: deconstructing the experiences of Nepali expedition workers in the Himalaya

Adventure tourism research in developing countries is well established (Stevens 1993, Goodwin 2003, Nepal 2009, Simkhada, Teijlingen, Regmi and Bhatta 2010) but few studies capture the voice of Nepali workers within the trekking industry to greater understand socio-cultural impacts on mountain regions. The Himalayan Research Expedition (HRE 2011) organised through Carnegie Great Outdoors, part of Leeds Metropolitan University’s extensive outdoor programming provided the perfect vehicle to capture the interface between trekkers and Nepali workers. Approximately 33 Nepali workers were involved in focus groups and interviews and their views of working in the industry sought. Most of the research occurred during the HRE 2011 and difficulties associated with this are highlighted. Three key theories are considered within the underlying theme of the tourist gaze (Urry 2011, Lim 2008). Hall’s concepts of the ‘postmodern subject’, ‘othering’ and ‘west is best’, MacCannell (1973) concept of ‘staged authenticity’ and Goffman’s (1959) ‘presentation of self’ all gave rise to rich and thick examples of all three concepts drawn from the HRE 2011. Western lifestyles seemed readily adopted by many Nepali workers of status (Surdars, local Sherpa Guides and Climbing Guides) and socio-cultural and environmental concerns were raised by interviewees. Trekkers searching for the untouched, uncommodified life (Moran, in Lim 2008: 3) are juxtaposed with many Nepali workers seeking the very experiences of Western culture from which trekkers are keen to escape. Continuing to protect the lure of the region for trekkers requires careful consideration for all who value this unique experience.

http://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/1566/1/2013_Adventure...