Chitwan's Charming Celebration: The 18th Elephant and Eco-Tourism Extravaganza"

KATHMANDU, Nov 27:The 18th Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival 2081 is set to take place from December 26th to 30th ( Poush 11th to 15th) in Sauraha, a key tourist hub renowned for its biodiversity and wildlife. The festival, a major event for Chitwan's tourism industry, aims to revitalize the local economy, which has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic downturn. 

Organized every year by the Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, United Hatti Operation Cooperatives Society Ltd and the Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal  including the Ministry of Forests, Nepal Tourism Board, Chitwan National Park, and various local stakeholders the festival will be held in Sauraha.

Binayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), expressed confidence that the festival would contribute to Chitwan's overall tourism development, which is known for its wildlife safaris. 

President of Regional Hotel Association Chitwan, Ganga Giri, said that the festival this year will be different and grander than the past.

A total of 80 elephants both private and government-owned will participate in various activities under the festival. The festival is expected to cost around Rs 13.5 million.

Bheshraj Duwadi, coordinator of the Sauraha Tourism Promotion Committee, stated that the event will be important in recognizing Sauraha's tourism in the international community.

Senior Director of Nepal Tourism Board, Hikmat Singh Ayer emphasized that the elephant festival is important for tourism promotion andthat  the NTB and other stakeholders should work together to market it.

The Elephant Festival, first initiated in 2055, was halted for three years due to the pandemic but returns this year with a focus on boosting tourism and celebrating the unique relationship between Chitwan and its elephants. The festival is expected to increase tourist arrivals by 25-30% and highlights the importance of elephants in both tourism and conservation.

Notably, this year’s festival will also emphasize eco-friendly practices, with a focus on reducing plastic usage and promoting digital technology for better tourism experiences. A series of exciting activities will showcase the region's biodiversity, local culture, and tourism potential.

**Key Programs:**
1. Biodiversity and Wildlife Tourism Capital Declaration Program
2. Elephant Decoration Competition
3. Elephant Forest Feast
4. Elephant Football Penalty Competition
5. Elephant Musical Walk
6. Elephant Health Testing Camp
7. Municipal-Level Boat Race Competition
8. B2B with Domestic and Foreign Travel Agencies
9. Interactive Program on the Challenges and Opportunities of Tourism in Chitwan
10. Cultural Performances and Tableau Display, including Local Costumes and Art Culture

The event is organized by the Regional Hotel Association Nepal Chitwan, with the support of the Nepal Tourism Board, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Cooperatives, and several other local organizations. The main sponsor is Gorkha Brewery Pvt. Ltd.

For further information, please contact the organizer or visit the official event website.