Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Deepak Raj Joshi has said that Nagarkot has emerged as a model tourism destination developed with the investment and initiative of the private sector. Speaking at a documentary handover ceremony organized at the NTB auditorium on Thursday on the occasion of Nagarkot Visit Year 2082, CEO Joshi committed to rebranding Nagarkot and promoting it at the international level.
Nagarkot: A Destination Built on Cooperation
CEO Joshi highlighted that Nagarkot has been established as a unique example of a tourism destination where cooperation thrives despite competition among hotel entrepreneurs. “Even amid competition in the hotel business, Nagarkot has stood out as an excellent model of collaboration. The documentary created in partnership will be showcased to international tourists at various events abroad,” he stated.
He also underlined that significant private sector investment, coupled with improved road connectivity, has boosted Nagarkot’s appeal as a premier tourist spot. Joshi urged all stakeholders to prioritize quality services for visitors, ensuring memorable experiences that would further strengthen Nagarkot’s global image.
Documentary to Promote Nagarkot Internationally
The documentary titled “Beyond Sunrise, Sunset and the Himalayas” was prepared with the joint efforts of major hotels in Nagarkot, including Club Himalaya, Hotel Country Villa, Hotel Mystic Mountain, Kavya Himalayas, and Solti Tayo Resort. The film was officially handed over to the Nepal Tourism Board, Nagarkot Visit Year 2082 Committee, and the Nagarkot Naldum Tourism Development Committee.
Depicting Nagarkot’s historical sites, natural beauty, and tourism potential, the documentary aims to contribute to the promotion of tourism both nationally and internationally. It will serve as a key promotional tool in international tourism events, helping attract more foreign visitors.
Hoteliers Emphasize Branding Beyond Sunrise and Sunset
Club Himalaya operator and senior hotel entrepreneur, Yogendra Shakya, expressed confidence that the documentary would play a vital role in boosting Nagarkot’s recognition as a model destination. He explained that the initiative reflects a new spirit of cooperation, with four municipalities joining hands for the first time to promote a single tourism destination.
Shakya remarked that investment in Nagarkot ranges from traditional hotels to new high-standard facilities, making it a model for replication in other destinations across Nepal. Recalling the past, he said, “When I first came here in 1988, Nagarkot was a barren hill with a clear Himalayan view. But now, climate change has begun melting the snow. It is time to rebrand Nagarkot beyond just sunrise and sunset, exploring its broader dimensions.”
Local Governments Call for Joint Promotion
Mandandeupur Municipality Mayor Tok Bahadur Baiba emphasized the importance of promoting Nagarkot, which lies at the confluence of four municipalities spanning three districts. He said that Nagarkot’s strategic location and growing popularity make its promotion crucial for the wider tourism economy of the region.
Similarly, NTB member Narendra Dev Bhatt lauded the role of the private sector in Nagarkot’s development, describing it as a destination where “even the visually impaired can experience the beauty of the Himalayas.” His remark highlighted the accessibility and inclusivity that Nagarkot aspires to achieve as a global tourist attraction.
Public-Private Partnership as a Model
NTB Senior Manager Suman Ghimire stated that the documentary created for Nagarkot Visit Year 2082 represents an exemplary model of public-private partnership. He added that alongside the documentary, other promotional campaigns and nearly 54 international events are planned to position Nagarkot more attractively in the global tourism market.
“The campaign is not just about a single video; it is a broader movement to enhance Nagarkot’s branding and visibility. The collaborative effort between the private sector and government institutions reflects how Nepal can elevate its tourism destinations collectively,” Ghimire explained.
Rebranding Nagarkot for Global Recognition
As one of Nepal’s most renowned hill stations, Nagarkot has long been famous for its panoramic Himalayan views, particularly sunrise and sunset. However, stakeholders now emphasize the need to expand its identity. With diverse natural attractions, cultural heritage, and new high-standard tourism infrastructure, Nagarkot is being repositioned as a destination that offers more than scenic beauty.
CEO Joshi reiterated that NTB will take the lead in presenting Nagarkot at international tourism fairs, conferences, and promotional campaigns. By branding it as a destination combining natural beauty, hospitality, and accessibility, Nepal aims to strengthen Nagarkot’s standing in the competitive global tourism market.
The handover of the documentary “Beyond Sunrise, Sunset and the Himalayas” marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to rebrand and promote Nagarkot. The initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between the private sector, local governments, and national tourism institutions.
With private investment, improved infrastructure, and strong promotional campaigns, Nagarkot is poised to become not just a sunrise and sunset viewpoint but a comprehensive tourism hub offering diverse experiences. Stakeholders believe that with sustained branding and international promotion, Nagarkot can emerge as a global model of tourism development in Nepal.
