Let's Go to Pokhara campaign concluded in Western Nepal

KATHMANDU, Dec 25:The 'Jaun Hai Pokhara" (Let's Go to Pokhara) campaign, which promotes internal tourism, has been concluded in several cities throughout western Nepal.

Since December 15th, the Hotel Association Pokhara Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board have been running a collaborative campaign to promote domestic tourism.

Laxman Subedi, president of Hotel Association Pokhara, stated that as part of the campaign, there were discussions and interactions among tourism-related businessmen in Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, and Mahendranagar. Tourism-related NATTA, TAAN, and media representatives took part in the campaign.  On that occasion, an invitation was given to visit Pokhara on behalf of the association.

President Subedi announced five packages for visitors to Pokhara and its vicinity. The 'Jaun Hai Pokhara' campaign began two decades ago and has proven to be beneficial. He stated that they have begun promotional activities abroad to bring tourism back to its old rhythm, despite the fact that 25% of businessmen have abandoned this area owing to COVID-19 and excessive bank interest.

During the discussions and interactions, businesses from both sides agreed that direct air and standard bus services are required to meet the aim of delivering Pokhara tourists to the west and receiving tourists from the west.

According to the association's general secretary, Rajendra Dhakal, the subject of harassment of Indian visitors at the border when entering Nepal was highlighted at the program in Nepalganj.

Similarly, even after the event was organized in Bhairahawa, there was no international flight from Pokhara International Airport or Gautam Buddha International Airport, and it was agreed to press for it jointly.

In the Dhangadhi interaction, it was emphasized that the direct air flight between Pokhara and Dhangadhi should be resumed, and it was discussed that tourism professionals from both regions should collaborate to develop a tourist package to attract Indian tourists to visit Nepal in Mahendranagar.

Kundan Aryal, Senior Officer of Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province Office, mentioned that the board is working with the private sector to advance tourism promotion programs and said that such programs will be continued.

Pomnarayan Shrestha, Chairman of the Pokhara Tourism Council, stressed the importance of making arrangements as quickly as possible to allow Indian tourists to carry Indian cash into Nepal. He stated that foreign flights should begin as soon as possible from Pokhara and Gautam Budh airports.

In the tourist city of Pokhara, there are 40,000 beds in 1,200 hotels, and 15,000 people are working. The hotel here has received almost 5 billion in investment, according to the association.