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•· Better quality of life for the local people due to increased wealth generated by involvement in tourism
•· Tourist's appreciation of cultures & ways of life.
•· Money earned by Sherpas used to improve homes, and to improve schools and healthcare.
•· Sherpas diet has improved as they have access to western food.
•· The birth rate has fallen because men are away from home for long periods on trekking expeditions.
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•· Tourism is now the largest cash generating industry in the country. Current GNP per capita is $US 220. (UK is $US 17,800)
•· Sherpas now earn higher incomes as porters, cooks and guides
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•· Due to erosion and deforestation, National Park set up in 1976 by the Nepalese government to protect the environment and stop logging.
•· Money from tourism used to finance mini-hydro electric schemes, which supply power to lodges thereby reducing the need to fell trees for fuel.
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•· Local people are becoming westernised in terms of food, fashion and culture. There is a risk that local traditions will gradually be eroded away.
•· Local periods away from villages has reduced the ability of Sherpas to abide by Buddhist rituals. They have abandoned traditional robes in favour of western dress.
•· Children who should e in school are working in the tourism industry to earn money for their families.
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•· Fewer people involved in agriculture. As a result food prices have increased as demand outstrips supply. Market stalls that once sold food now sell souvenirs to the tourists.
•· Divide between rich and poor. Those not on trekking trail remain poor.
•· Increased foreign ownership of accommodation now threatens Sherpa domination of the lodge industry.
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•· Valleys once covered with trees are now bare, as the wood is needed for fuel. 15 porter loads are needed to warm rooms and provide hot showers. Each foreigner consumes 3 times as much wood as a Sherpa.
•· Wood is also used to build new accommodation to house the visitors. Many trees are chopped down but few are replanted. Trees also grow slower at high altitudes.
•· Litter is a problem caused by tourism. The by-product of the goods bought to satisfy the western tourists. The biggest problem is glass bottles. No one will take them down the mountain. Many bottled drinks are sold to tourists who don't trust the water.
•· Human waste pollutes the waterholes used by local people for drinking, washing and bathing. Consequently disease spreads. Chemical soaps used have polluted streams.
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