In a significant step toward regional tourism development, Gandaki and Koshi provinces have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting tourism, developing infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, leveraging human resources, and strengthening institutional collaboration between the two provinces.
The MoU was signed during the Koshi Province Tourism Year 2082 inter-province promotion program, goodwill visit, and interaction, organized in Pokhara by the Ministry of Tourism, Forests, and Environment of Koshi Province in collaboration with the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), Gandaki Province.
High-Level Officials Witness the Signing
The agreement was signed by Tikaram Paudel, Acting Secretary of the Ministry, and Dr. Indra Prasad Sapkota, Tourism Secretary of Koshi Province, in the presence of Minister of Industry and Tourism, Gandaki Province, Mithralal Basyal, and Minister of Tourism, Forests, and Environment, Koshi Province, Bhim Parajuli. Their participation highlighted the strategic importance both provinces place on coordinated tourism promotion and regional development.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism
The memorandum is designed to advance sustainable tourism development in both Gandaki and Koshi provinces. Among its key initiatives are inter-provincial exchange visits targeting government employees and community school teachers, aimed at sharing knowledge, best practices, and tourism promotion strategies.
At the government level, the MoU emphasizes joint promotion packages, while at the private sector and business level, it encourages the development of affordable and accessible tourism offerings. The collaboration seeks to create a win-win scenario for both provinces by fostering regional tourism growth and supporting local economies.
Industry Perspectives and Future Benefits
Kishor Dahal, Chairperson of NATTA Gandaki Province, expressed optimism regarding the MoU, stating that its execution would benefit both provinces by enhancing tourism infrastructure, attracting more visitors, and building stronger inter-provincial partnerships. He highlighted that collaborative efforts between public institutions and private stakeholders are key to unlocking the full potential of Nepal’s provincial tourism markets.
The MoU represents a forward-looking framework for cooperation, positioning Gandaki and Koshi provinces as leaders in coordinated tourism promotion, infrastructure development, and human resource capacity building. Through these efforts, both provinces aim to increase domestic and international tourist inflows, enhance community engagement, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Nepal’s tourism industry.
With this partnership, Gandaki and Koshi provinces are not only strengthening inter-provincial collaboration but also setting an example for other provinces to follow, emphasizing the role of strategic planning, shared expertise, and coordinated promotion in achieving Nepal’s tourism growth objectives.
