The Hotel Association Pokhara has formally drawn the government’s attention to the long-standing demand for recognizing the tourism sector as an industry, calling for the implementation of policy commitments made in the current national budget. A five-point memorandum was submitted today to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha during his visit to Pokhara, highlighting key issues affecting tourism entrepreneurs and the overall development of the sector.
Call for Policy Implementation
Association President Laxman Subedi stated that although the current budget includes provisions to grant tourism the same status and facilities as other industries, the commitments have yet to be implemented. Through the memorandum, the association urged the government to translate these policy assurances into concrete action, stressing that such recognition is vital for the sustainability and growth of Nepal’s tourism economy.
Demand for International Flights from Pokhara
One of the major demands raised by the association is the immediate expansion of international flight operations from Pokhara International Airport. Currently limited to domestic services, the airport has yet to realize its full potential as a regional international gateway. The association called on the government to initiate direct flights to various cities in India and China and to expand the domestic air network linking Pokhara with neighboring provincial cities and internal tourist destinations. According to tourism entrepreneurs, improved air connectivity would significantly enhance tourist inflow, reduce travel barriers, and strengthen Pokhara’s position as a major tourism hub.
Relief Measures and Regulatory Concerns
The memorandum also highlighted regulatory and financial challenges faced by hotel businesses. The association demanded the cancellation of mandatory environmental studies for small and medium-scale hotels built before 2072 BS, stating that such requirements are impractical and impose unnecessary financial burdens on long-established establishments.
Additionally, the association urged the government to provide proper relief packages for hotels directly affected by the Gen Z movement and other recent disruptions, which have negatively impacted business operations. It also emphasized the need to exert pressure on relevant authorities to complete the upgrading of major highways connecting Pokhara within the stipulated timeframe, as poor road conditions continue to hinder tourism mobility and logistics.
Government’s Assurance
Receiving the memorandum, Minister Anil Kumar Sinha assured the association that discussions are underway regarding granting industry-level facilities to the tourism sector and that implementation is expected soon. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to launching international flights from Pokhara, stating that the government is actively working toward making the airport fully operational for international services.
Gandaki Province Minister for Industry and Tourism Mitralal Basyal echoed similar concerns, noting that the provincial government has repeatedly drawn the federal government’s attention to the airport’s operational delays. He emphasized that further delays are no longer acceptable and that full-scale international operations must begin without prolonged postponement.
Stakeholders Share Perspectives
The interaction program also featured contributions from several tourism and business stakeholders. Former Nepal Tourism Board member and association advisor Bishwoshankar Palikhe, Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Gokarna Karki, Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province Office Chief Maniram Lamichhane, and Pokhara Tourism Council First Vice-President Hari Bhujel, among others, shared their views and recommendations. They collectively stressed the importance of policy reforms, infrastructure development, and coordinated efforts between federal, provincial, and local governments to ensure sustainable tourism growth.
Toward Sustainable Tourism Development
The Hotel Association Pokhara believes that granting industry status to tourism will open doors to tax relief, financial incentives, and improved access to credit facilities, thereby enabling businesses to reinvest in quality services and infrastructure. The association maintains that such measures are essential to strengthen Pokhara’s competitiveness, attract both domestic and international tourists, and create long-term employment opportunities.
By submitting the memorandum and engaging in dialogue with government leaders, the association aims to ensure that Pokhara’s tourism potential is fully realized. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the government’s assurances will soon translate into action, marking a positive step toward sustainable and inclusive tourism development in the Gandaki Province and beyond.
