The 45th World Tourism Day is being celebrated in Nepal with a series of engaging events, particularly in the tourism capital of Pokhara. Various tourism-related organizations have come together to host festivities aimed at promoting the significance of tourism in the region.
Among the highlighted activities, the Hotel Representative Society of Pokhara organized a special welcome event at the tourist bus park for all arriving visitors. Chairman Madhav Lamsal announced that society members would be on hand to greet tourists arriving via land routes. In a show of hospitality, the society is also offering discounts of up to 50% on room rentals for visitors who have not booked hotels in advance.
Additionally, a Mini Street Festival is set to take place in Pokhara today, organized by the Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal (REWAN). The festival will run from Ambot to Barahi Chowk along the lakeside, featuring cultural performances accompanied by music and dance. REWAN Secretary Birendra Sherchan expressed confidence that the festival would play a crucial role in attracting both domestic and international tourists to Pokhara.
REWAN President Bishwaraj Paudel elaborated on the festival’s offerings, which will include various cultural displays showcasing local ethnic traditions, costumes, and dances, as well as documentaries highlighting tourist attractions and a range of local and international cuisines.
At the International Mountain Museum in Ratopahiro, the museum is also celebrating World Tourism Day by offering a 25% discount on entry tickets for all visitors today. Executive Director Nirmala Kumari Nyaupane announced that the first visitors or groups to arrive would receive a grand welcome without any ticket charges. The museum, a hub for mountain tourism, culture, and civilization, will be open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. It will also unveil a historic photo exhibition and a book launch on Saturday, featuring 40 photos collected by Russian writer and mountaineer Yuri Rodichev.
This year, the UNWTO has designated the theme “Tourism and Peace” for World Tourism Day, with various programs organized by the Pokhara Tourism Council scheduled from Ashwin 9 to 12. The events will include policy dialogues, accommodation programs, hiking excursions, rallies, blood donation drives, and recognition ceremonies for significant contributors to the tourism sector.
To ensure the day’s success, a Main Celebration Committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey. This year’s slogan, “Promoting Accessible Tourism for All,” aligns with Nepal’s focus on “Tourism and Peace,” highlighting the importance of inclusivity and harmony in the tourism industry.
On this significant day, Tribhuvan International Airport will welcome international tourists, and programs honoring individuals and organizations contributing to tourism will be held, including a morning rally and a blood donation drive.
Minister Pandey emphasized Nepal’s exceptional natural, cultural, and religious diversity, which makes it a unique tourist destination. The country attracts millions of foreign visitors annually, drawn by its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and adventure tourism opportunities, such as trekking, mountaineering, and religious tourism.
As Nepal celebrates World Tourism Day, it underscores the vital role tourism plays in the nation’s economy and cultural exchange, inviting the world to experience its unmatched beauty and heritage.
