Chitwan’s tourism entrepreneurs are working towards declaring the region as the “Tourism Capital of Biodiversity and Wildlife” in recognition of its unique ecosystem. Discussions and coordination are ongoing with the Ratnanagar Municipality and the Bagmati Province government to make this announcement official.
The declaration is expected to take place during the 18th Elephant and Tourism Festival 2081, which will begin on Poush 11 (December 26, 2024). The event organizers, the Regional Hotel Association of Sauraha, have confirmed that the festival will coincide with the announcement. According to the festival’s coordinator, Ramkumar Aryal, the formal declaration will be made during the inauguration ceremony by President Ramchandra Paudel. The process for this declaration will begin once Ratnanagar Municipality’s board meeting approves it and the proposal is submitted to the president by the province government. Organizers are hopeful that the declaration will be made during the festival.
In a press conference held to provide details about the festival, Aryal shared updates on the event’s activities. Unlike previous years, the popular elephant race and elephant calf football competition will not take place this year. Instead, new events such as the Elephant Decoration Competition, Elephant Picnic, Elephant-Friendly Football Penalty Contest, Elephant-Friendly Musical Walk, and Elephant Health Checkup Program will be featured. Additionally, local-level boat races, a B2B meeting with domestic and international tour and travel agencies, and an interaction session on the tourism potential of Chitwan, both historically and in the present day, will also be held.
Approximately 80 elephants are expected to participate in this year’s festival, which will be an attraction for both domestic and international tourists. The organizers anticipate a 30% increase in the number of tourists attending the festival compared to the current low season. According to Ganga Giri, the president of the association, tourism in Sauraha has been slower than usual, with only 30% occupancy in local hotels. The festival is seen as a way to attract more visitors and lengthen the stay of international tourists by connecting the elephant tourism experience with the broader tourism sector.
Durga Prasad Ghimire, the president of the Mrigkunj Central Community Forest User Committee, emphasized that linking culture with tourism would make the festival a success. However, some animal rights activists have expressed concerns about forcing elephants to participate in various activities, which led to changes in the program. Furthermore, some conservationists have raised objections about the festival being held in an area near the park’s core zone.
Despite these concerns, the festival is expected to be a significant boost to Chitwan’s tourism sector and promote the region as a hub for biodiversity and wildlife tourism.