Bagmati province Chief Minister Kiran Thapa has said that developing Bhaktapur as a major tourism hub will be his key priority with expansion of tourism activities across the district and an increase in employment with tourist guide training. Speaking at a welcome and felicitation programme arranged by Bagmati Club, in Bhaktapur on Wednesday, Chief Minister Thapa said the district has great potential to be developed as a destination for both domestic and international tourism. Thapa said efforts would be made to develop tourism in various areas of Bhaktapur and not restrict visitors to specific locations.
Bhaktapur tourism to expand beyond historic core said by Chief Minister Thapa
Chief Minister Thapa said he is working to promote tourism in Bhaktapur, Changunarayan, Nagarkot, Ranibikot, Suryabinayak and Madhyapur Thimi, with the aim of establishing the district as a tourism hub. These destinations will offer a combination of heratige, culture, nature and recreation, complementing Bhaktapur’s existing appeal for tourists and encouraging them to visit other areas as well.
Bhaktapur, known for its distinctive Newar architecture, traditional settlements, temples, courtyards and cultural heritage, as well as destinations including Changunarayan and Nagarkot, offer opportunities for heritage, nature and scenic tourism. The proposed focus on multiple destinations will be aimed at creating a broader tourism circuit within the district.
Tourist guide training to create employment
A key feature of the proposed tourism development plan is tourist guide training. Chief Minister Thapa said training programs would be established in Bhaktapur with the aim of increasing employment opportunities while developing skilled human resources for the tourism industry. Professional guides play an important role in helping visitors understand a destination’s history, architecture, traditions, religious sites and local culture.
Increasing the number of trained guides could also strengthen the visitor experience while creating employment opportunities for young people to participate directly in the tourism economy. The initiative could also contribute to the promotion of Bhaktapur’s cultural and heritage attractions by creating a larger pool of people equipped to communicate the district’s history and local traditions to visitors.
Province eyes integrated development of Bhaktapur
In addition to tourism, the Chief Minister said making Bhaktapur a center for education and health services will also be a priority. He said efforts would be made to improve specialized medical services in the district so that residents do not have to travel to Kathmandu or Dhulikhel for treatment. He said coordination would be undertaken among hospitals operating in Bhaktapur, including public and private institutions with the aim of providing expanded specialized services. He also emphasized the need to strengthen educational opportunities so that people can pursue different levels of study within the district.
For the tourism sector, however, the proposed development of multiple destinations and investment in tourism-related skills could have a wider impact on Bhaktapur tourism. Improved human resources, destination promotion and the development of attractions across the district could position Bhaktapur as a more comprehensive tourism destination within the Kathmandu Valley. With its combination of heritage tourism, cultural tourism, religious attractions and scenic destinations, Bhaktapur has the potential to provide visitors with a broader travel experience. The provincial government’s proposed focus on tourism development and tourist guide training is expected to support that potential while linking tourism growth with local employment opportunities.
