Despite continuous rainfall, the 45th World Tourism Day was marked with several events in Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital. Various tourism-related organizations held diverse programs to celebrate the occasion, though some events were impacted by the weather.
Taranath Pahari, President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, stated that while the council had planned to welcome tourists arriving on the first flight at Pokhara Airport, the event was canceled due to the heavy rainfall. However, the council proceeded with other activities, including an interaction session on “Tourism and Peace.”
Jeewan Raj Sapkota, General Secretary of the council, confirmed that welcoming tourists at the airport is a regular feature of World Tourism Day celebrations in Pokhara, alongside the provision of special packages for visitors arriving by air and road. The interaction program focused on promoting peace through tourism.
The Nepal Association of Tours and Travel Agents (NATTA) Gandaki Province also contributed to the celebrations by organizing a blood donation drive, collecting 45 units of blood. NATTA Gandaki Province President, Kishor Dahal, mentioned that the organization also welcomed the first tourist arriving by road and honored them.
Additionally, the Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association (NTVA) Gandaki Province organized a vehicle rally featuring 60 tourist vehicles, starting from Lakeside and proceeding to Pokhara International Airport. According to Baburam Pandey, the former president of NTVA Gandaki Province, the rally aimed to raise awareness about preserving the identity of tourist vehicles despite the introduction of new embossed number plates.
On the eve of World Tourism Day, the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Gandaki Province hosted a homestay promotion program at Rinje Nasa Homestay in Pokhara-18. VITOF Gandaki President, Shobha Sapkota, highlighted the importance of homestays in promoting rural tourism.
The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki Province organized a trek from New Bridge to Sarau, passing through several scenic spots including Moriyalapsibot and Bhukdeuraliphat. TAAN Gandaki President, Krishna Prasad Acharya, emphasized the significance of trekking in boosting the region’s tourism.
Additionally, the International Mountain Museum in Pokhara hosted a Himalayan photo exhibition and other activities, as confirmed by the museum’s Executive Director, Nirmala Neupane. Meanwhile, the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara organized a street festival at Lakeside to add to the festivities.
The series of events in Pokhara demonstrated the city’s commitment to promoting tourism, even in the face of challenging weather conditions.
