The 43rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Hotel Association Pokhara Nepal (HAPN) was successfully held on Tuesday in Pokhara. The meeting was inaugurated by the association’s founding president, Haridhoj Tulachan, who praised the association for its positive contributions to promoting tourism. Tulachan also recalled the history of HAPN’s establishment and emphasized the need for the association to continue advancing the interests of local hoteliers and tourism businesses.
Clarifying Misconceptions About 24-Hour Operations
During the AGM, HAPN President Laxman Subedi addressed widespread misconceptions regarding Pokhara’s nightlife, specifically the claim that the city operates 24 hours a day. Subedi stated that the narrative of “Pokhara 24/7” had become detrimental to the local tourism industry, as many internal tourists were misled into expecting round-the-clock services.
He clarified that only businesses capable of adhering to the 42-point code of conduct, agreed upon by various stakeholders, are permitted to operate 24 hours. Subedi expressed concern over tourists ordering food at 2 a.m., causing difficulties for businesses that are not staffed for overnight operations. He stressed that although campaigns had once promoted the idea of being open 24/7, the reality does not reflect such arrangements.
Promotional Initiatives and Tourism Growth
Subedi also highlighted the association’s successful promotional campaigns, including “Let’s Go Pokhara,” “Chaliye Pokhara,” and “Pokhara: Pure & Perfect.” These initiatives have contributed to a significant increase in domestic tourism, raising the percentage of Nepali tourists visiting 3% to 40%.
He further noted that HAPN has supported ongoing events such as the White Tiger Festival and has engaged in discussions with foreign ambassadors to explore direct international flights from Pokhara, enhancing the city’s connectivity and global tourism potential.
Addressing Environmental Assessment Challenges
In another discussion, Subedi voiced concerns over government-imposed Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for hotels with more than 25 beds, describing the requirement as burdensome for operators. He noted that smaller hotels struggle to comply, which has affected the renewal of licenses for several properties.
Association Reports and Future Programs
During the AGM, HAPN Secretary Parbati Pandey presented upcoming programs and initiatives, while Treasurer Netra Prasad Paudel (Ramesh) shared the financial report of the association. Additionally, Tarun Agrawal of Vishal Group provided insights into electric vehicles being distributed and promoted by his company. The session concluded with First Vice President Dipak Shrestha expressing gratitude to all attendees.
Partnership for Sustainable Tourism
As part of the AGM, Hotel Association Pokhara and United Society Nepal signed an agreement aimed at establishing Pokhara as a sustainable tourism destination. The project will receive technical support from Swisscontact Nepal, reinforcing HAPN’s commitment to sustainable tourism development in the region.
