Gandaki Province has begun a renewed discussion on developing the region into a global hub for sports tourism during the “Pokhara Tourism Sports Conference” organized ahead of the 10th edition of the Rara Pokhara Sports Award. A major discussion on sports tourism has begun in Pokhara ahead of the 10th edition of the Rara Pokhara Sports Award, with stakeholders emphasizing that Gandaki Province possesses immense potential to become a global hub for sports tourism despite challenges related to policy, infrastructure, and investment.
The discussion took place during the “Pokhara Tourism Sports Conference” organized by the Nepal Sports Journalists Forum, Gandaki, on Wednesday. The event brought together tourism experts, sports officials, adventure tourism entrepreneurs, journalists, and government representatives to explore opportunities and challenges in integrating sports and tourism development in the province.
Experts Highlight Economic Potential of Sports Tourism
During the conference, speakers stressed that sports tourism could become a major economic driver for Gandaki Province if proper planning, investment, and coordination are implemented. International Sports Press Association Treasurer Niranjan Rajbanshi said sports tourists spend significantly more than ordinary travelers, noting that international studies show sports tourists can spend between 10 and 100 times more than regular tourists. He suggested stronger coordination between tourism authorities and sports organizations to develop a comprehensive sports calendar capable of attracting international visitors throughout the year.
Rajbanshi emphasized that Gandaki Province, with its unique geography and adventure tourism potential, could establish itself as a globally recognized sports tourism destination if supported by clear state policies and infrastructure development.
Infrastructure and Policy Gaps Remain Major Challenges
Speakers at the event identified policy complications, lack of investment, and inadequate infrastructure as the main obstacles preventing sports tourism from reaching its full potential in Gandaki Province.
Tej Bahadur Gurung, founding member and secretary of the Gandaki Province Sports Council, said state investment in sports remains insufficient and fragmented due to poor coordination among government ministries.
Similarly, Pokhara Visit Year Executive Committee Coordinator Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai stressed the need for an official “sports desk” under government mechanisms to support sports branding and tourism promotion in Pokhara.
Adventure tourism entrepreneur and skydiving pilot Yashoda KC Thapa raised concerns over legal complexities and high taxes imposed on imported equipment, stating that such barriers are slowing the growth of adventure tourism activities in Nepal.
Government Commits to Long-Term Integrated Planning
Speaking at the programme, Gandaki Province Minister for Economic Affairs Jit Sherchan said the provincial government is committed to integrating sports and tourism into long-term development strategies.
He stated that future policies should move beyond short-term interests and focus on institutional development with a long-term vision extending decades into the future. “Gandaki Province has enormous potential in both tourism and sports sectors, but we now need a major policy breakthrough to utilize these opportunities effectively,” Minister Sherchan said.
He further pledged that the provincial government would incorporate practical and unified recommendations from tourism entrepreneurs and sports stakeholders into future policies and planning processes. The minister also stated that future budget allocation would be based on actual needs and detailed studies rather than political influence or personal access.
New Adventure and Sports Tourism Projects Proposed
Minister Sherchan highlighted several possible sports tourism initiatives in Gandaki Province, including promoting horse racing and skating in Dhorpatan and developing a golf course near the Muktinath Temple region in Mustang. He emphasized that integrated development of adventure tourism, sports facilities, and tourism infrastructure could significantly boost the province’s economy and create employment opportunities.
Media Urged to Promote Sports Tourism
Gandaki Province Press Registrar Bimala Bhandari stressed the important role of media in branding Gandaki Province as a leading sports tourism destination. She said sports journalism should move beyond reporting wins and losses and instead contribute actively to tourism promotion and economic development through storytelling and feature writing. “Pokhara should not only be branded as a tourism capital, but the entire Gandaki Province should be promoted as a sports tourism hub,” she said.
Bhandari also called for stronger digital media strategies to promote adventure tourism destinations, including bungee jumping in Parbat and adventure sports opportunities in Gorkha, Manang, and Mustang. She emphasized that inclusive participation, especially the active involvement of women, is essential for the comprehensive development of sports and tourism sectors.
Pokhara Sports Award to Honor 10 Individuals
During the conference, organizers also announced that 10 individuals and institutions would be honored during the 10th edition of the Pokhara Sports Award for their contributions to sports development and institutional growth.
Former presidents and founding members of the Pokhara Sports Award, including Ram Krishna Gyawali, Mohan Ghale, Binod Lamichhane, Prem Narayan Neupane, Keshav Pathak, Eakraj Giri, and Dinanath Baral, were honored with certificates and traditional khadas.
Institutions, including the Sahara Club Pokhara and the Tiger Group of Pokhara, were also recognized for their contributions to sports and tourism promotion. The 10th edition of the Rara Pokhara Sports Award is scheduled to be held on Thursday at the Pokhara Event Center.
