The annual “Jau Hai Pokhara” (Let’s Go Pokhara) campaign, organized by the Hotel Association Pokhara Nepal (HAN) in coordination with the Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province Office, concluded on Friday after successfully promoting tourism in eastern Nepal. The campaign, targeting key cities including Birgunj, Hetauda, Biratnagar, and Ilam, emphasized tourist exchange and improved connectivity to Pokhara.
Five-Day Eastern Nepal Tour
Starting on Chaitra 9 (March 23), the five-day program featured press conferences, interactive sessions, and promotional events across the eastern cities. HAN president Laxman Subedi highlighted that the campaign facilitated discussions with local tourism entrepreneurs on improving transport connectivity, including air services linking Pokhara to eastern airports such as Bhadrapur, Simara, Biratnagar, and Phalgunanda, as well as operating tourist-standard bus services.
Promotion of the 21st Fewa New Year Festival
During the tour, HAN also extended invitations to residents of eastern Nepal for the 21st Fewa New Year Festival, scheduled from April 12 to 15 at Lakeside, Pokhara. Tourists attending the festival, which celebrates tourism, culture, and cuisine, will receive discounts of up to 25% on participating hotels’ published rates, according to HAN secretary Parbati Pandey.
Enhancing Tourism Partnerships and Regional Development
Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province Office, Maniram Lamichhane, emphasized that the campaign plays a vital role in establishing Pokhara as a premier tourist destination. He noted that fostering stronger connections between Pokhara and eastern Nepal is crucial for sustainable tourism growth and economic development, while cautioning that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could affect tourism inflows.
Trekking Potential Highlighted
Krishna Prasad Acharya, president of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki, stressed the region’s trekking potential, including destinations like Annapurna, Manang, Mustang, Upper Mustang, and other religious and cultural sites. He noted that increased collaboration between eastern Nepal and Pokhara would benefit both tourism operators and visitors.
Local Participation and Inaugural Events
The campaign events were inaugurated locally by prominent leaders:
- In Ilam, by Jung Bahadur Gurung, ward chair of Suryodaya Municipality–8.
- In Hetauda, by Bhagirath Sharma, founding member of Hotel Association Makwanpur and advisor to the Federation of Hotel Entrepreneurs.
During the sessions, Prajwal Pradhan, president of Suryodaya Hotel Entrepreneurs’ Association, provided details on the Suryodaya Food Festival, while Sharma emphasized tourism’s significant contribution to national identity and economic growth.
HAN Gandaki Leadership at the Event
The program was further addressed by HAN Gandaki President Hari Prasad Sharma Gairhe, First Vice President Deepak Shrestha, and Second Vice President Ganesh Raj Pahari. The events were hosted by HAN secretary Parbati Pandey, who coordinated the campaign activities across the eastern cities.
The campaign successfully strengthened ties between eastern Nepal’s tourism businesses and Pokhara, highlighting new opportunities for collaboration, regional connectivity, and promotion of Gandaki Province as a top destination for domestic and international tourists.
