Tourism Info Nepal

Koshi Province Chief Minister Emphasizes Tourism Development for National Transformation

Koshi Province Chief Minister Emphasizes Tourism Development for National Transformation

Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki has emphasized that the development of the tourism sector will lead to a significant transformation of the country. During the inauguration of a trekking trail-based tourism development project in Biratnagar today, organized by the Provincial Ministry of Tourism, Forest, and Environment, he stated that the project would contribute to infrastructure development in the hilly areas, create employment opportunities, improve access to education and healthcare, and ultimately end migration.

Chief Minister Karki highlighted that tourism is the top priority for Nepal’s development and prosperity. He also mentioned that the province’s policy and budget for the fiscal year 2081/82 includes tourism sector development. He shared that the four trekking trails inaugurated today are expected to be completed by the month of Shrawan, 2085 (2028 AD) and will serve as a “game changer” for the nation, province, and municipalities.

Karki further emphasized that tourism is the only sector capable of driving economic development, establishing identity, and bringing global recognition to Nepal. He expressed confidence that within the next five years, the province would achieve significant economic prosperity.

Provincial Minister for Tourism, Forest, and Environment, Sadananda Mandal, stated that the trekking trail project would not only promote the tourism business but also provide employment to the marginalized communities in the region.

Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nepal, Dr. Daniel Muehly, expressed her continuous support for the successful implementation of the constitution and federalism in Nepal. She expressed confidence that the project would contribute to the development of 29 municipalities and the economic prosperity of the region’s citizens.

During the event, Ministry Secretary Bishal Ghimire and Fikkal Municipality Mayor Netra Prasad Kafle shared their views on how the trekking trail would improve economic conditions, employment, and access to development in the region. Dr. Man Bahadur Bishwokarma, the program coordinator, presented a working paper on “Tourism Context and Possibilities in Koshi Province.”

On the same occasion, a trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the provincial government, the Swiss government, and the heads, deputy heads, and executive officers of the 29 municipalities. The project, initiated with the Swiss government’s support, aims to be completed by Shrawan 2085 and focuses on tourism development based on trekking trails, taking into account the new possibilities for tourism in the province.

The total cost of the project is NPR 2.45 billion, with contributions from the Swiss government (NPR 1.35 billion), the Koshi provincial government (NPR 458.7 million), the 29 municipalities (NPR 446.7 million), and the Nepal government (NPR 199.2 million).

The project includes trekking trails such as the Chiyabari Trail (Ilam, Fikkal, and Shree Antu), the Phalgunanda Trail (Fikkal, Chhintapu, Sandakpur, Maipokhari, and Ilām), the Laligurans Trail (Tumlingtar, Khadbari, Num Gufa Pokhari, Basantpur, Jaljale, Tinjoore, and Milke), and the Mundhum Trail (Tababhanjyang, Tyamkedanda, Chakhewa, Dalsing, Dhotre, Jaljale, Haspokhari, and Mayungdanda).

Secretary Ghimire further noted that this project would play a vital role in the province’s prosperity and development. The Swiss government has been collaborating with the Koshi provincial government on various projects since 2076 (2019 AD).

Press + K to search