Tourism Info Nepal

Gandaki Province Stakeholders Urge Bold Action to Unlock Tourism Potential

Gandaki Province Stakeholders Urge Bold Action to Unlock Tourism Potential

Stakeholders have emphasized the need to unlock the untapped tourism potential of Gandaki Province, highlighting the importance of international visibility and collaboration among all levels of government.

Speaking at a program organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday under the theme of “Economic Diplomacy,” participants expressed that Gandaki Province is rich in diverse tourist destinations that remain underexplored. They stressed that promoting these sites on the global stage could generate employment opportunities and significantly boost the provincial economy.

Collaborative Efforts Essential

Chief Secretary of Gandaki Province, Raghuram Bista, emphasized the critical need to cultivate a positive outlook toward tourism development while systematically identifying and harnessing the region’s vast potential.

He stressed that a well-structured approach is essential for sustainable tourism growth, ensuring that untapped destinations and cultural assets are properly explored. According to him, tourism should not only be seen as a revenue-generating sector but also as a means to preserve heritage, enhance local livelihoods, and elevate Gandaki Province as a premier travel destination.

In addition, Bista highlighted the necessity of strengthening record-keeping and data management across various government and tourism-related agencies. He pointed out that maintaining well-documented and updated records would facilitate the better coordination, policy formulation, and resource allocation.

Effective information management, he noted, would help in identifying key tourism trends, understanding visitor preferences, and making informed decisions that align with both domestic and international tourism demands. Strengthening inter-agency coordination, he argued, would play a crucial role in ensuring that the Gandaki Province’s tourism sector thrives with consistency and efficiency.

Meanwhile, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Laxman Khanal, emphasized that collaborative efforts among different stakeholders are crucial for the long-term development of Nepal’s tourism industry. He shared that the ministry had already introduced multiple initiatives to promote Nepal on the global stage, aiming to attract a diverse range of travelers.

However, he underscored the need for additional facilitation and strategic interventions to maximize these efforts. While international outreach programs have contributed to enhancing Nepal’s tourism image, he stressed that further improvements in accessibility, infrastructure, and marketing strategies are necessary to achieve substantial and sustainable growth in the sector.

Secretary at the Province’s Ministry of Tourism, Kulman Singh Gurung, stated that promoting tourism could lead to significant job creation. He added that his ministry is actively collaborating with various organizations to strengthen tourism initiatives.

Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Development

Nabin Pokhrel, the officiating chief of the Nepal Tourism Board in Gandaki Province, shared that his office is implementing strategic plans to boost tourism activities. He recalled the historic first ascent of the Annapurna-I by French climber Maurice Herzog, highlighting Gandaki Province’s global significance.

Pokhrel also noted the region’s unique attractions, such as the Kaligandaki River and the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, and stressed the need for collective efforts to manage data, develop infrastructure, and embrace tourism diversity.

Role of Diplomatic Missions

Krishna Prasad Acharya, Chairman of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), emphasized the crucial role Nepal’s diplomatic missions abroad can play in promoting the country’s tourism. He urged stakeholders to leverage these missions to showcase Gandaki Province’s unique offerings on the international stage.

A Path Forward

The stakeholders called for robust collaboration among the three tiers of government and private organizations to unlock Gandaki Province’s tourism potential fully. With initiatives focusing on infrastructure, data management, and strategic promotion, the region is poised to become a key player in Nepal’s tourism sector, offering rich experiences to domestic and international travelers alike. The discussion concluded with optimism about the future of Gandaki Province’s tourism, provided all stakeholders work in unison to realize its full potential.

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