Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has reiterated his commitment to advancing international flight operations from Pokhara International Airport. Speaking at the inauguration of the 26th Pokhara Road Festival, organized by the Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara, on Saturday, Minister Gurung highlighted the government’s endorsement of a 20-point action plan to operationalize both Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.
Minister Gurung stated that the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation is tasked with implementing the action plan. He emphasized the necessity for relevant ministries to arrange facilities like medical tests, visa permits, customs clearance for imports and exports, and other measures to ensure seamless international flight operations from Pokhara.
The Minister also proposed the establishment of air connectivity between Pokhara and six other provinces, envisioning Pokhara as a hub for education and healthcare. He suggested the development of a data center in Pokhara and underscored the potential of promoting tourism through mountain flights over the breathtaking ranges of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu.
Calling for proactive efforts, Minister Gurung urged the provincial government to reduce dependency on federal assistance and accelerate tourism and development initiatives independently.
In her address, Provincial Minister for Agriculture and Land Management, Padma GC Shrestha, lauded the natural heritage of Gandaki Province and stressed the need to capitalize on its tourism potential. Similarly, Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya noted that key developmental projects had been expedited after Pokhara was declared the provincial capital.
The festival, presided over by REBAN Pokhara President Bidhwaraj Poudel, aims to promote internal tourism and extend the stay of foreign tourists, according to the association’s central President Sangharsha Bista.
Running until January 1, the festival features cultural shows, duet song competitions, concerts, and exhibitions of national and international cuisines. Highlights include a Mo:Mo eating competition, tug-of-war, and a boat race, among other attractions. Dialogues on tourism development will also be held, and exhibitors promoting handicrafts, locally produced goods, and eco-friendly products will be provided stalls free of cost.
The festival is expected to further bolster Pokhara’s reputation as a premier tourist destination while encouraging sustainable tourism practices.
