With a focused vision to boost tourism and showcase hidden destinations, the Koshi Province Government has declared the ongoing fiscal year as “Koshi Tourism Year.” This decision was announced in the provincial government’s annual policy and budget, with a specific budget allocation aimed at tourism promotion and infrastructure development.
Under the leadership of Minister for Tourism, Forest, and Environment Sadananda Mandal, a Tourism Year Steering Committee was formed to coordinate and oversee the activities. The province is executing a range of promotional campaigns across the country through strategic outreach and stakeholder collaboration.
Two Major Promotional Campaigns Underway
The committee has launched two major initiatives:
- Destination Familiarization Tour for Domestic and Foreign Journalists
- Road Shows in Key Urban Areas
According to Basudev Baral, a committee member, these efforts aim to enhance the visibility of Koshi Province’s tourist destinations on both national and international platforms.
Baral informed that a total of 17 journalists from Nepal and India – including representatives from Sikkim, Bihar, and West Bengal – are currently visiting major tourism sites in the province as part of the familiarization tour. The media delegates are expected to help boost awareness and attraction through news, articles, and features on the visited destinations.
Diverse Destinations Highlighted: From Religious Sites to Nature Trails
The journalist team, along with committee members, has already visited several key attractions:
- Ramdhuni Temple
- Barahakshetra Dham
- Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
- Dharan’s cultural and religious sites
- Dhankuta’s Orange City
- Chotlung Park in Laligurans Municipality, Tehrathum
Speaking about Dhankuta’s “Orange City,” Baral shared, “It is formed by combining two settlements where oranges grow in abundance. The aim is to promote local agriculture while simultaneously developing it as a tourist attraction.”
Today, the group is scheduled to visit Mundum Trail in Bhojpur and Halesi Mahadev Temple, which are considered spiritual and trekking highlights of the region.
Baral, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Hotel Association of Koshi Province, stated that the overall goal is to attract at least 1 million domestic and international tourists during the Koshi Tourism Year.
Road Shows Across Major Cities
While one team is conducting destination visits, another group led by committee member Rajan Dangal is organizing roadshows to spread awareness about the tourism year in various parts of Nepal.
According to Dangal, since Ashadh 11, the team has successfully completed road shows in:
- Kathmandu (2 events)
- Lalitpur (2 events)
- Pokhara (1 event)
- Narayangadh (1 event)
- Hetauda (1 event)
These road shows include photo exhibitions, cultural displays, video presentations, and direct interaction with tourism stakeholders to promote Koshi’s potential.
Dangal noted that the campaign will continue until Ashadh 17, focusing on strengthening networks among tourism operators, media houses, and government entities.
Rs. 10 Crore Budget for Tourism in FY 2081/82
The Koshi Province Government has allocated a budget of Rs. 10 crore under the Ministry of Tourism, Forest, and Environment for tourism-related activities in the current fiscal year. This is a continuation of the Rs. 10 crore allocated in the previous fiscal year as part of the Tourism Year initiative.
Out of the total budget for the current year:
- Rs. 4 crore 47 lakh will be utilized by the ministry for infrastructure development, destination identification, and promotional activities.
- The remaining funds will be mobilized through public-private partnerships, supporting private organizations actively working in the tourism sector.
“The government’s approach is inclusive. We are encouraging collaboration with private tourism stakeholders to expand our reach and impact,” added Baral.
Province Eyes Holistic Tourism Growth
With spiritual landmarks like Barahakshetra and Halesi, natural sites like Koshi Tappu, and agro-based destinations such as Orange City, Koshi Province is positioning itself as a multi-dimensional tourism destination.
The ongoing campaigns are expected to not only enhance tourist footfall but also improve local livelihoods, support micro-enterprises, and build stronger provincial identity through sustainable tourism development.
Minister Sadananda Mandal has reiterated the government’s commitment to long-term tourism development. “Koshi Province holds immense untapped potential. Through the Tourism Year initiative, we aim to bring that to the forefront,” he said in a recent address.
The Koshi Tourism Year is more than a campaign, it is a strategic movement toward transforming Koshi into a premier tourism hub. Through a blend of media outreach, infrastructural investment, and stakeholder engagement, the province is setting a benchmark for how local governments can spearhead tourism-led economic growth. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other provinces across Nepal.
