Discussion with American Ambassador about tourism promotion of Pokhara

POKHARA, May 01: In Pokhara, representatives from tourism-related organizations met with the US ambassador to Nepal, Dean R. Thompson, to discuss mutual cooperation.

During the discuss, Rajendra Dhakal, General Secretary of Hotel Association Pokhara Nepal, and Dharmaraj Panthi, President of Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN Gandaki), provided information regarding Pokhara's tourist status.

Dhakal, General Secretary of HAN Pokhara stated that they are concerned about the safety of American people and visitors and that they have previously worked closely with the American Embassy and are confident about future collaboration. He also stated that the number of American visitors visiting Nepal has lately increased.

Dhakal stated that the HAN Pokhara is delighted to welcome Ambassador Dean and officials from the American Embassy to the lovely tourist city of Pokhara, and that Pokhara will soon become Nepal's tourism capital. On the occasion, Secretary General Dhakal also stated that this region is known for its stunning lakes, mountains, and unique culture.

Reminding that the HAN Pokhara has been working towards improving the quality of tourist service facilities for almost four decades, Dhakal informed that only five trillion rupees have been invested in the hotel industry of this region.

Dhakal reminded that the HAN Pokhara has been trying to improve the quality of tourism service facilities for over four decades, and that only five trillion rupees have been invested in the hotel industry of this region. He also stated that the organization's goal is to alleviate poverty through providing employment and bolstering the country's economy.

He stated that the tourism business in Pokhara has also been affected by the Covid-19, but that there is no scarcity of tourist service facilities that are providing even under challenging situations. Dhakal stated that there is no difficulty in Pokhara in terms of tourist infrastructure, stating that the new international airport has begun operation and that the upgrading of the Prithvi Highway would be done in some time.

Dhakal stated that they intend to collaborate with the embassy in order to welcome and host American bloggers, travel writers, and journalists in Pokhara. He stated that this is the opportune moment for investment in Pokhara's tourist sector, and that the HAN Pokhara can play a key role in facilitating bilateral commercial gains.

During the program, American Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson stated that tourism is an important sector for the economy of Gandaki Province and Pokhara, and that the US is willing to collaborate with it. In a discussion with Pokhara tourism businessmen, Ambassador Thompson stated that tourism is the most important source of revenue for the Nepalese economy.

"Tourism is an important industry for the Nepalese economy." 'There is still a chance of mountain tourism,' he remarked in a meeting with businesspeople, 'rather, we can collaborate in the generation of trained workforce needed for tourism.' He also stated that the youthful generation in Nepal has chances.

As trekking tourism is important to Nepal, Ambassador Thompson expressed concern about the issue of mandatory guides for trekking tourists.

Following that, Dharma Raj Panthi, president of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN Gandaki), the umbrella organization for the trekking industry, informed that trekking guide had been arranged for the safety of the tourists going on the trek.