Govt committed to developing Nepal as tourist hub: DPM Shrestha

POKHARA, June 06:Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha stated that the government is committed to developing Nepal as a tourist destination.

On the occasion of the 74th Annapurna Day, at a dinner hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Provincial Office, to welcome ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions from various countries in Pokhara on Sunday, he stated that a target of 1.6 million tourists has been set for the coming year, and that the government is identifying and promoting new tourist destinations.

"The government is planning to develop a tourist circuit along with the identification of new destinations and tekking route," said Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha. "Nature, culture, tradition, geographical diversity, etc. are our tourist heritage."

He asked that ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic mission raise awareness about tourism in Nepal in their communities and countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha, citing the mantra 'Atithi Devo Bhava', stated that Nepalis are well-known around the world for their hospitality.

He stated that people from all over the world visit Nepal to experience its natural and cultural heritages, including Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam Buddha, and Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain.

Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha stated that Pokhara, the tourist hub, is becoming as an equally important destination for adventure tourism activities.

He believes Pokhara may be further enhanced through meditation, yoga, and spiritual tourism. 

On June 3, 1950, French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal ascended Annapurna I, which stands at 8,041 meters. Annapurna Diwas is observed every year in honor of the same day.