Gandaki Province has prioritized the advancement of its tourism sector, as outlined in the budget for the fiscal year 2081/82 presented on Saturday. The province aims to conduct promotional campaigns to showcase key tourist destinations and attract a higher influx of both domestic and international visitors. This initiative will be carried out in collaboration with the private sector to maximize effectiveness and reach.
The budget emphasizes the development of 11 tourist destinations in partnership with Pokhara, recognized as the tourist capital, and neighboring local levels. Significant allocations have been earmarked for the conservation, enhancement, and upgrading of trekking routes such as Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi, under the initiative ‘Preservation of Trekking Routes – Promotion of Tourism’.
Religious tourism will also receive attention with provisions for promoting major pilgrimage sites including Gajendramoksha Dham, Muktinath, and Manakamana. The province plans to enhance infrastructure and capacity development for homestays, aiming to integrate rural tourism with local production and employment opportunities.
Additionally, the budget includes provisions for the construction of cycling routes from lake to lake in Jomsom (Mustang), Bandipur (Tanahun), and Pokhara, aimed at promoting tourism through cycling activities.
In efforts to bolster adventure tourism, funding has been allocated for training programs focusing on mountain climbing. The province also aims to encourage and honor its residents who achieve significant milestones in mountaineering.
The comprehensive strategy outlined in the budget reflects Gandaki Province’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism growth, leveraging its natural and cultural assets to enhance economic opportunities and promote regional development.
