The Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey, emphasized that the development of the tourism sector is a top priority for the government. He made this statement while inaugurating the 29th General Assembly and 13th Convention of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) Gandaki Province held in Pokhara yesterday.
Chief Minister Pandey assured that the government is committed to resolving legal and other issues in the tourism sector through coordination with tourism-related organizations. He expressed confidence that the declaration of Pokhara as the tourism capital has contributed to the branding of Pokhara and will further support the overall development of Gandaki Province. Additionally, he mentioned that the government is focusing on the development of sports tourism and religious tourism in the province, with plans underway to construct high-altitude sports fields in Manang and Mustang.
To further promote tourism in Pokhara, the government is preparing to organize a conference soon, which will include the tourism ministers from all seven provinces and the federal tourism minister. Provincial Assembly member Prakash Baral stressed the importance of developing tourism as an industry.
NATTA Central President Kumar Mani Thapaliya highlighted the significant contribution of Gandaki Province to Nepal’s tourism sector and emphasized the need to enhance infrastructure and activities to extend tourists’ stay. NATTA Gandaki Province President Hari Ram Adhikari stated that NATTA is actively promoting tourism within the country and abroad, focusing on Pokhara and the entire nation.
President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Pomnarayan Shrestha, noted that Nepal’s prosperity is achievable through tourism. The event also saw participation from NATTA Lumbini President Rachana Pant, Koshi Province President Punya Bhattarai, Madhes Province President Mohan Sharma Lamichhane, Sudurpashchim Province President Padam Bikram Singh, and Vice President of Pokhara Metropolitan City Tourism Development Committee, Ravindra Raj Poudel, among others. They all highlighted the need for the government to formulate tourism-friendly policies.