The Hotel and Restaurant Association Lekhnath has elected a new executive committee under the leadership of Suresh Lamichhane during its 18th Annual General Meeting and 7th Convention, held on Monday. The new committee was unanimously selected to lead the association, which plays a pivotal role in promoting tourism and hospitality development in the Lekhnath region.
Newly Elected Leaders
The convention saw Bishnu Hari Subedi elected as Vice President, Shakti Shree Koirala as General Secretary, Mukti Subedi as Treasurer, and Rojendra Subedi as Secretary. The committee members include Prakash Sapkota, Nirmala Thakali, Amrit Lamichhane, Rabi Bhakta Thapa, Anil Dhakal, and Om Shrish Magar.
An election committee, headed by the association’s advisor and former president Damodar Bhakta Thapa, with former presidents Krishna Prasad Timilsina and Arjun Lamsal, supervised the voting process to ensure a transparent and fair election.
Focus on Tourism Development
The program was inaugurated by Maniram Lamichhane, Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Province office, who emphasized the importance of developing tourist destinations in the Lekhnath area to extend the stay of tourists visiting Pokhara. He highlighted that enhancing the local tourism infrastructure and attractions could contribute to a more fulfilling visitor experience.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Ward Chairman Dhaknath Kandel of Pokhara Metropolitan City–31, Januka Parajuli, President of Lekhnath Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Vice President Hari Bhujel of Pokhara Tourism Council, Nawraj Adhikari, Chief of Pokhara Metropolitan City’s Business Promotion Center, and Damodar Bhakta Thapa, Co-Coordinator of Pokhara Visit Year. All emphasized that promotion and development of tourist sites in Lekhnath could encourage tourists to spend more time in the region.
Reports and Presentations
During the program, Bibhadra Kandel, the outgoing president of the association, presided over the session. Treasurer Shakti Shree Koirala presented the financial report, while Suresh Lamichhane provided the progress report and future plans of the association.
The association currently represents over 100 hotel and restaurant businesses operating in the Lekhnath region, an area known for its seven lakes, often referred to as the “Garden City of Lakes.” The association has been actively working to promote Lekhnath as a major tourist destination, coordinating initiatives and campaigns to attract domestic and international visitors.
Promotion and Advocacy Initiatives
The Hotel and Restaurant Association Lekhnath has played a leading role in tourism development through initiatives such as the “Jaau Hai Begnas” promotional program, among others. These programs focus on marketing the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities to visitors, enhancing the overall appeal of Lekhnath as a travel destination.
The association also works closely with local government, tourism boards, and business organizations to ensure sustainable tourism development that benefits both the local community and the hospitality sector. Its efforts aim to strengthen Lekhnath’s identity as a key tourism hub in the Gandaki Province, supporting Pokhara’s broader tourism ecosystem.
With the new executive committee under Suresh Lamichhane’s leadership, the association plans to intensify its development and promotional activities, expand member engagement, and continue advocating for improvements in local tourism infrastructure. The committee’s efforts are expected to further enhance Lekhnath’s visibility as a vibrant tourist destination and contribute to the long-term growth of the hospitality industry in the region.
The association’s sustained focus on collaboration, promotion, and community engagement positions it as a central driver of tourism growth in Lekhnath, ensuring the area continues to attract visitors and support local economic development.
