Beyond Ruins: The Role of Cultural Capital in Post-Disaster Tourism Revival in Kathmandu Valley

Abstract

This study offers an in-depth analysis of the nexus between cultural capital, tourism, and disaster recovery, with a particular focus on the aftermath of the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Utilizing Yin's (2003) case study methodology, the research illuminates the multifaceted role of cultural capital—embracing its embodied, objectified, and institutionalized facets—in driving post-disaster recovery processes within the tourism sector. Results underscore the intricate challenges and benefits faced by tourism post-earthquake, emphasizing the critical interplay between local cultural heritage and economic vitality. The study identifies the indispensable contributions of institutional cultural capital in spearheading reconstruction efforts and fostering community collaboration. Recommendations highlight the importance of international partnerships, diversified tourism strategies, and community engagement for bolstering post-disaster resilience. While the research enriches the current discourse on cultural capital and disaster recovery in Kathmandu Valley, it advocates for expanded investigations encompassing diverse hazards, tourism modalities, and capital forms to guide sustainable post-disaster development strategies.

This master’s thesis is written in the manuscript style and contains the following sections: Chapter 1 – Introduction; Chapter 2 – Literature Review; Chapter 3 – Research Design and Methodology; Chapter 4: Manuscript titled Beyond Ruins: The Role of Cultural Capital in Post-Disaster Tourism Revival in Kathmandu Valley; Chapter 5 – Conclusions and Future Research Needs; References; and Appendices.