In a strategic effort to revive and strengthen domestic tourism, the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) Pokhara, in collaboration with the Gandaki Province Office of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), has launched a promotional campaign targeting major cities in eastern Nepal. The initiative, titled “Jau Hai Pokhara,” aims to attract more domestic travelers to Pokhara by showcasing its diverse tourism offerings and encouraging internal travel.
Promotional Drive Across Eastern Cities
According to HAN Pokhara Chairman Laxman Subedi, the campaign has already commenced and will continue until March 27, covering key urban centers such as Birgunj, Hetauda, Biratnagar, Ilam, and surrounding areas. The campaign is designed to directly engage with potential domestic tourists and inspire them to visit Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most popular travel destinations.
Subedi stated that the promotional drive includes a series of interactive programs, business-to-business engagements, and collaborative initiatives with tourism entrepreneurs. These activities aim to strengthen ties between tourism stakeholders and promote Pokhara’s hospitality sector, adventure tourism, and cultural attractions.
Focus on Tourism Packages and Partnerships
As part of the campaign, organizers are also unveiling attractive and affordable travel packages tailored specifically for domestic tourists. These packages are expected to make travel more accessible and appealing, especially for middle-income travelers and families seeking short holiday experiences within the country.
The campaign emphasizes partnerships among hotels, travel agencies, transport operators, and other tourism-related businesses. Through coordinated efforts, the stakeholders aim to create a seamless travel experience and highlight Pokhara as a year-round destination.
Subedi further noted that such initiatives are crucial in sustaining tourism growth, particularly in the post-pandemic recovery phase, where domestic tourism has become a key driver of the industry.
Fewa Mahotsav to Add Momentum
Adding to the excitement, HAN Pokhara is also preparing to host the 21st edition of the Fewa Mahotsav on the occasion of the Nepali New Year. The festival, held annually in Pokhara, is a major attraction that celebrates local culture, cuisine, and tourism products, drawing thousands of visitors from across the country. Organizers believe that the ongoing promotional campaign will significantly boost participation in the upcoming festival, further strengthening Pokhara’s image as a vibrant tourism hub.
Support from Nepal Tourism Board
Chief of the Gandaki Province Office of the Nepal Tourism Board, Mani Raj Lamichhane, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in promoting tourism. He stated that joint initiatives like “Jau Hai Pokhara” have played a vital role in revitalizing tourism activities and increasing visitor flow in various cities.
Lamichhane expressed confidence that the campaign would not only encourage domestic travel but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the tourism sector by supporting local businesses and generating employment opportunities.
Driving Domestic Tourism Growth
With a focus on engagement, accessibility, and promotion, the “Jau Hai Pokhara” campaign reflects a broader strategy to strengthen Nepal’s domestic tourism market. By reaching out directly to travelers in different regions, the initiative seeks to build a strong connection between destinations and potential visitors.
Tourism experts believe that such targeted campaigns are essential for sustaining momentum in the sector, particularly during off-peak seasons. As Pokhara continues to position itself as a leading destination for leisure, adventure, and cultural experiences, initiatives like this are expected to play a key role in ensuring steady growth in visitor numbers. The campaign underscores the growing recognition of domestic tourism as a pillar of Nepal’s tourism industry, paving the way for more inclusive and resilient development in the years ahead.
