The 33rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 19th General Convention of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), Gandaki, has concluded with tourism stakeholders calling for increased tourist arrivals, stronger coordination among government levels, and greater investment in trekking infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, said Gandaki Province ranks first in terms of its contribution to Nepal’s tourism sector. He also highlighted the province’s significant contribution to the country’s overall revenue.
Focus on Tourist Numbers Before Quality Tourism
Niraula emphasized that Nepal should focus not only on quality tourism but also on increasing the overall number of visitors. He said the country needs policies capable of attracting tourists across different income groups. According to him, once tourist demand and arrivals increase, Nepal can place greater emphasis on attracting high-value and quality tourists.
He also praised the contribution of local residents and tourism entrepreneurs to the development of tourism in Pokhara, urging stakeholders to turn current challenges and disappointment into opportunities. He stressed the need for coordination and cooperation among the federal, provincial and local governments to accelerate tourism development.
Government to Work with TAAN on Trekking Routes
Niraula said the government would collaborate with TAAN on the development of trekking routes, tourist safety, identification of high-risk trails and post-disaster recovery of tourism infrastructure. He also emphasized identifying and developing new trekking routes and said the government was moving ahead with efforts to update tourism-related laws in line with changing needs.
He added that the process of bringing the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) within a proper legal framework and managing it more systematically is also underway. Niraula further said preparations are being made to observe 2027 as the Wellness Tourism Year and stressed stronger collaboration between the government and private sector for tourism promotion.
TAAN Calls for Strategy to Boost Arrivals
TAAN Central President Sagar Pandey said Nepal should currently prioritize policies aimed at increasing tourist arrivals. He stressed that tourism promotion should not focus exclusively on international visitors and that the contribution of domestic tourists should also be recognized.
Pandey called for a clear policy on the definition of tourism, source markets and target visitors. He also emphasized stronger government-private sector cooperation to promote trekking tourism. He said Nepal should first adopt strategies to increase tourist arrivals and demand before placing greater emphasis on quality tourism.
Stakeholders Highlight Trekking Infrastructure and TIMS
Other speakers at the event included Hira Devi Sharma, chairperson of Modi Rural Municipality in Parbat; Yubaraj Adhikari, chairperson of Dordi Rural Municipality in Lamjung; Santosh Pokhrel, executive committee member of the Nepal Tourism Board; Hari Bhujel, president of the Pokhara Tourism Council; and Surya Bahadur Bhujel, acting president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry. They discussed tourism development, expansion of trekking routes and trails, and issues surrounding TIMS and trekking tourism management.
Journalists Honored
During the event, journalists Sagar Raj Timilsina, Sandesh Timilsina, Bishwo Bhandari, and Sandesh Shrestha were honored with a cash prize of NPR 10,000 each, along with a shawl, and a certificate of appreciation for their contribution. Former TAAN presidents and advisers were also honored during the program. The AGM and convention was chaired by TAAN Gandaki President Krishna Prasad Acharya. Vice President Tirtha Raj Subedi delivered the welcome remarks, while Secretary Gopal Krishna Sangroula moderated the program. The convention concluded without the selection of a new leadership team, which remains pending.
