In a strategic move to promote tourism development and enhance public safety, the Hotel Association Pokhara Nepal (HAPN) has appointed local coordinators across major tourist zones, including Lakeside and Damside, along with several adjoining streets and neighborhoods.
According to the Association, a total of 28 streets and six residential areas (tole) within the key tourism belts have been brought under the coordination network. Each coordinator will work closely with local business owners and residents to strengthen collaboration and finalize the formation of subcommittees dedicated to tourism management, cleanliness, and security initiatives.
Hotel Association Pokhara President Laxman Subedi informed that, in addition to Lakeside and Damside, coordinators have also been designated for areas such as Khaharechowk, Gairachautara, Hallanchowk, Jarebar, and Thadopasal. This marks one of the most comprehensive local-level coordination efforts ever launched by the Association to ensure sustainable growth and safety within the city’s tourism ecosystem.
Reviving Tourism After the Gen-Z Movement
President Subedi noted that the initiative is part of a broader plan to restore the tourism sector to its previous vitality, following disruptions caused by the recent Gen-Z movement that had affected local tourism flow. “Our main goal is to revive the tourism environment, ensure the safety of tourists, business operators, and residents, and promote harmony within the tourism community,” he stated.
He emphasized that the coordinators’ appointments are not targeted against any individual or group but are aimed at safeguarding the collective interests of local businesses, promoting tourism development, and strengthening security measures in key tourist areas.
Subedi also mentioned that sporadic incidents of theft and disturbances in recent months had raised concerns among hoteliers and residents, prompting the need for a structured security and cooperation mechanism through the new coordination framework.
Enhancing Awareness and Quality Service Delivery
The Hotel Association believes that strengthening communication between tourism entrepreneurs and local residents is essential to sustaining a safe, welcoming, and thriving tourism environment. The coordinators are expected to raise awareness among business operators regarding ethical business practices, tourist-friendly behavior, and the provision of quality hospitality services.
President Subedi expressed that hoteliers and tourism professionals must unite to uphold the standards of Pokhara as a leading international destination. “Our campaign is focused on developing trust, improving service delivery, and creating a secure atmosphere for all visitors,” he said, highlighting that the initiative represents a proactive and collective approach rather than a reactive measure.
Comprehensive Security and Maintenance Measures
The newly appointed coordinators and subcommittees will take a hands-on role in improving local infrastructure and safety. The Association outlined a detailed list of responsibilities that include:
- Ensuring all CCTV cameras in hotels and neighborhoods are operational.
- Repairing or replacing damaged security systems and street lighting.
- Supporting local authorities in maintaining road conditions, including fixing potholes and uneven surfaces.
- Collaborating with security personnel to boost morale and maintain vigilance.
- Coordinating with the municipality and police to ensure round-the-clock monitoring in tourist-heavy zones.
Through these measures, the Hotel Association Pokhara aims to develop a culture of preventive security and local empowerment, ensuring that the tourism infrastructure remains functional and visitor-friendly.
Promoting a Safe and Vibrant Pokhara
Pokhara, often regarded as the tourism capital of Nepal, has faced multiple challenges in recent years, from natural disasters and political movements to fluctuating tourist arrivals. The appointment of street and neighborhood coordinators signals a renewed commitment to building a safer and more organized tourism environment that benefits both visitors and locals.
The Association hopes the initiative will not only mitigate safety concerns but also attract more domestic and international travelers by reinforcing Pokhara’s reputation as a peaceful, well-managed destination. The coordination model may also serve as an example for other major tourism hubs across the country seeking to balance development with community-based safety mechanisms.
As Pokhara prepares for the upcoming tourism season, local hoteliers and business owners have expressed optimism that the newly formed coordination network will help improve daily management, cleanliness, and tourist confidence, all crucial elements for sustaining the city’s tourism-driven economy.
