Pokhara celebrated World Tourism Day

KATHMANDU, Sep 29:On Wednesday, Pokhara celebrated World Tourism Day with a variety of events. The 44th World Tourism Day was observed in Pokhara through a variety of programs organized and promoted by the Pokhara Tourism Council, the umbrella organization of Pokhara tourism professionals, the Ministry of Industry and Tourism, the Ministry of Forestry and Environment, Gandaki Province, Pokhara Metropolitan City and the Nepal Tourism Board.

Pokhara celebrated the day with a mini street festival, visitor welcoming, tree planting, blood donation, and other activities. REBAN Pokhara staged a short road festival in the Lakeside area from Barahi Chowk to Khare Chowk. The hotels and restaurants in the area kept their kitchens on the road and fed the tourists from the road during the festival, which was organized to eat and have fun on the road.

Various national and international food dishes, cultural programs reflecting Nepal's various ethnic and religious cultures, an exhibition of adventure sports and tourist attraction documentaries, domestic and handicraft materials, live band, Panchebaza, Gandarbha singing, and other activities were presented in the street during the festival. On this occasion, Indian tour operators and media representatives have also arrived in Pokhara. Naveen Srivastava, the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, also attended the program in Pokhara.

Tourists arriving in Pokhara by air and car were welcomed with garlands and presents, as well as panche bajaa. Tourist associations in Pokhara greeted the first visitors to Pokhara International Airport and Pokhara Tourism Bus Park. Surendraraj Pandey, Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, asked the Indian ambassador to provide the necessary support for international flights from Pokhara International Airport. He underlined the importance of connecting Nepal and India conveniently by road and air. He stated that if the Korla and Triveni border crossings are active, not only the province, but also the entire country's economic sector, will be operational, thus everyone must take initiative in their respective sectors.

The program's main guest, Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, stated that cultural links between the two countries can enhance the number of tourists, as well as brotherly relations. He stated his willingness to take the required steps and provide support to enhance the number of Indian visitors visiting Nepal.