To boost tourism in Panauti, the Panauti Tourism Development Centre has introduced a free ‘Panauti Heritage Passport’ for visiting tourists. This initiative was launched on the occasion of World Tourism Day and aims to promote the town’s rich religious and historical sites.
According to Purushottam Karmacharya, Chairman of the Centre, the passport includes details about key religious and historical landmarks, local festivals, and heritage trails, making it a helpful guide for visitors. The passport is also embedded with a QR code to facilitate easy access to important areas.
Karmacharya emphasized the significance of this initiative, not only for enhancing tourist experiences but also for revitalizing Panauti’s heritage. The program also seeks to create self-employment opportunities for local residents. Plans include heritage area beautification projects, the operation of free tourist transport services, and training for locals in producing traditional crafts such as sukul (straw mats).
This move reflects Panauti’s ongoing commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, which was proposed for UNESCO World Heritage status 25 years ago.
