The Lumbini Provincial Government has initiated the process of drafting a tourism policy to promote tourism in the region. To ensure an effective and tourism-friendly policy, the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Transport of Lumbini has begun collecting suggestions from stakeholders and public representatives.
Tourism Minister Prachanda Bikram Neupane stated that regional-level consultations are being conducted, and the collected feedback will serve as the foundation for drafting the tourism policy. On January 12, a consultation program was held in Kohalpur, Banke, with participation from provincial assembly members, local representatives, and tourism entrepreneurs from Banke and Bardiya.
Previously, a public consultation was held under the theme “Let’s Visit Bardiya,” where tourism stakeholders shared their inputs on shaping a tourism-friendly policy. A similar discussion was organized in Bhalubang, Dang-Deukhuri, to gather further insights.
The primary goal of these discussions is to design a well-structured policy that can effectively accelerate tourism growth within the province. By gathering insights from various stakeholders, authorities aim to create a comprehensive framework that addresses key challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector. These dialogues serve as a crucial platform for identifying strategies that will enhance infrastructure, promote local attractions, and improve visitor experiences.
To ensure an inclusive and well-informed policy, further consultations have been planned in different locations. On February 18, discussions will take place in Rolpa, providing local tourism entrepreneurs and community representatives an opportunity to voice their perspectives. Similarly, another round of consultations is scheduled for February 20 in Butwal, where key industry stakeholders, government officials, and tourism experts will contribute their ideas to refine the policy framework.
These sessions are designed to facilitate constructive dialogue, allowing participants to share their insights on sustainable tourism development, economic benefits, and necessary policy reforms. The authorities are committed to incorporating diverse viewpoints to create a policy that not only promotes tourism but also ensures cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity for local communities.
By engaging stakeholders from various regions, the province aims to formulate a tourism policy that is practical, inclusive, and capable of driving long-term growth. The structured approach to these discussions reflects a proactive effort to position the province as a premier tourism destination, leveraging its natural and cultural heritage. As the consultation process unfolds, the insights gathered will play a vital role in shaping a policy that fosters innovation, enhances tourism infrastructure, and attracts both domestic and international visitors.
After gathering all recommendations, the Ministry will formulate the tourism policy and proceed with the approval process. Initially, the draft will be submitted to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Law for review. Once assessed, it will be forwarded to the Provincial Council of Ministers for further consideration. Following the cabinet’s approval, the finalized policy will be officially enacted and put into effect.
Minister Neupane highlighted that relying solely on small-scale projects would not lead to substantial tourism growth. He pointed out that such initiatives, while beneficial, may not have a significant impact on attracting a larger number of visitors. Instead, various stakeholders have proposed that prioritizing large-scale projects would be a more effective strategy for boosting tourism in the province. By channeling investments into major tourism infrastructure and development programs, the region could see a notable increase in tourist arrivals and overall economic benefits.
According to experts, large-scale projects such as developing world-class tourism hubs, enhancing transportation networks, and creating high-end hospitality services would position the province as a prime travel destination. They argue that these projects not only attract more tourists but also encourage long-term investment, job creation, and sustainable tourism growth.
Additionally, stakeholders believe that well-planned large-scale initiatives can enhance the region’s global appeal, making it more competitive with other popular travel destinations. Strategic investments in adventure tourism, heritage conservation, and eco-friendly resorts could further strengthen the province’s tourism sector in Lumbini.
Minister Neupane also stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities to ensure the successful execution of such large-scale projects. By focusing on transformative developments rather than scattered, small-scale efforts, the province can create a more robust tourism framework that benefits both visitors and residents. Lumbini emphasis remains on adopting a visionary approach to tourism development one that moves beyond fragmented investments and instead fosters impactful, large-scale initiatives that can redefine the region’s tourism potential.
