Aiming to unlock the potential of rural tourism and connect local tourism entrepreneurs with broader markets, the Third Village Tourism Fair is set to take place in Pokhara’s Lakeside on May 23 and 24 (Jestha 9 and 10).
The fair is being organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Gandaki Province Office, in collaboration with the Village Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal (VITOF) Gandaki. The event will focus on promoting village-based tourism services, particularly homestays, and will serve as a key platform for marketing rural tourism experiences.
Strengthening the Role of Rural Tourism in Gandaki’s Prosperity
Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday, Maniraj Lamichhane, Chief of NTB Pokhara, highlighted that the event is aimed at enhancing the visibility and market access of rural tourism services. He emphasized that the tourism industry is a cornerstone of Gandaki Province’s prosperity and that village tourism can play a vital role in its sustainable development.
“The main objective of the fair is to link homestays and tourism services available in villages with the tourism market, explore the potential of village tourism, and create local employment opportunities to curb youth migration,” Lamichhane said.
Fair Highlights: Promotion, Dialogue, and Culture
The two-day event will feature 25 stalls showcasing services offered by community homestays and local tourism entrepreneurs. These stalls will provide visitors and potential tourists with a chance to directly engage with tourism service providers from various rural regions.
As part of the fair, dialogue sessions will be organized to discuss topics such as the opportunities, challenges, and prospects of village tourism, and the roles of journalists, entrepreneurs, and local authorities in promoting it.
In addition to business and tourism discussions, the fair will also celebrate Nepal’s cultural diversity through traditional performances by various ethnic groups. According to Shobha Sapkota, Chairperson of VITOF Gandaki, these performances aim to preserve and promote local cultures as essential elements of rural tourism.
Connecting Policy Makers, Entrepreneurs, and Tourists
The fair is expected to draw participation from policymakers, local government representatives, students, domestic and international tourists, and professionals from the tourism industry. Organizers believe that this convergence will contribute to greater awareness and professionalization of community-based tourism, particularly homestays, in rural areas.
Sapkota stated that the event would also support the marketing of local products and services, while boosting the identity of tourist villages across Gandaki Province. The platform will offer direct exposure to potential visitors, tour operators, and investors interested in promoting authentic rural experiences.
A Step Toward the Vision of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’
Organizers are optimistic that the Third Village Tourism Fair will play a pivotal role in expanding the scope of rural tourism and achieving the national goal of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’. By promoting community-based tourism and supporting local entrepreneurship, the fair aligns with the broader national vision of inclusive and sustainable economic development through tourism.
The Nepal Tourism Board and VITOF Gandaki have also stressed the importance of collaboration between public and private stakeholders to ensure the long-term viability of rural tourism.
