A photo exhibition and interaction program focusing on “Russia’s Role in Nepal’s Tourism” was held at the Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Province Office in Pokhara to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia. The event brought together representatives from the Russian diplomatic mission, Gandaki Provincial Assembly, Nepal Tourism Board, tourism entrepreneurs, academics, researchers, and organizations promoting Nepal–Russia friendship. Discussions centered on the seven-decade relationship between the two countries and explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in tourism, culture, education, research, and people-to-people exchanges.
Reviewing Seven Decades of Nepal–Russia Relations
The program also revisited the historical development of Nepal–Russia relations. Participants recalled that diplomatic ties between Nepal and the then-Soviet Union were established during the reign of King Mahendra, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tanka Prasad Acharya. The diplomatic initiatives involving Soviet leaders Nikita Khrushchev and Nikolai Bulganin were also highlighted. Participants further discussed how bilateral cooperation expanded during King Birendra’s reign, particularly in education, technical assistance, healthcare, and development. The long-standing relationship was presented as a foundation for expanding cooperation in tourism and other sectors in the years ahead.
Focus on Russia’s Contribution to Its Tourism
Tourism lecturer and PhD researcher Subash Malla presented research on Russia’s contribution to and influence on its tourism development. He placed particular emphasis on Pokhara’s tourism sector and the potential for expanding tourism cooperation between the country and Russia. Malla highlighted the scope for stronger engagement with the Russian tourism market and greater cooperation to attract more Russian visitors to the country. Similarly, Assistant Professor and PhD researcher Ujjwal Adhikari emphasized the need to strengthen academic cooperation between the two countries. He called for greater collaboration in education, research, and knowledge exchange, which could also contribute to broader tourism and cultural relations.
Greater Focus on Russian Tourists
Pokhara Tourism Council President Taranath Pahari highlighted the importance of Russian tourists to its tourism industry. He stressed the need for more effective tourism promotion, destination marketing, and institutional cooperation to increase its visibility in the Russian market. Pahari also emphasized that additional initiatives are needed to establish Pokhara as an attractive destination for Russian travelers. He pointed to the city’s tourism attractions and its potential to benefit from stronger connections with the Russian market.
Nepal Tourism Board Calls for Coordinated Promotion
Senior Director and Chief of the Gandaki Province Office in Pokhara, Maniraj Lamichhane, discussed the role of tourism institutions in promoting Nepal in international markets.
He stressed the importance of coordinated promotional campaigns and institutional initiatives to strengthen its presence in the Russian tourism market. According to him, closer cooperation among tourism organizations could help the country more effectively promote its destinations and tourism products to Russian travelers.
Russian Diplomatic Representative Highlights Future Cooperation
Anastasia Khokhlova, Counselor at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nepal and Head of Russian House Kathmandu, highlighted the longstanding friendship between Nepal and Russia. She called for further expansion of cooperation in tourism, culture, education, and people-to-people relations. She also emphasized the importance of building on the existing relationship to create new opportunities for collaboration in the coming years.
Gandaki Sees Scope for Wider Collaboration
Gandaki Province Assembly Deputy Speaker and chief guest of the program, Bina Kumari Thapa, highlighted the importance of Nepal–Russia relations and the potential for Gandaki Province and Pokhara to deepen ties with Russian institutions and cities. She noted that cooperation could be expanded across tourism, culture, education, and other areas, creating opportunities for stronger institutional and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
Contributions to Nepal–Russia Friendship Recognized
The interaction program was chaired by Keshav Raj Lamsal, president of the Nepal–Russia People’s Friendship Society. The society’s founding president Kusum Keshav Parajuli, Mitra Kunj Vice President Engineer Laxmi Prasad Tripathi, executive committee member Ananta Kumar Shrestha, and others also shared their views during the event. The program was conducted by the society’s General Secretary Moti Bhujel. Individuals and organizations that have contributed to promoting Nepal–Russia friendship and cooperation were also honored with certificates of appreciation and tokens of appreciation.
Tourism Opportunities from Stronger Nepal–Russia Ties
The event highlighted the potential for the country to further develop the Russian market through targeted promotion, stronger institutional partnerships, and greater cultural and tourism exchanges. With Pokhara positioned as one of its major tourism destinations, increased engagement with Russian travelers could provide opportunities to diversify its international visitor markets while strengthening tourism cooperation between Nepal and Russia.
