Pokhara–Dubai regular flight service was the key focus of a meeting between tourism entrepreneurs and representatives of major business organizations in Pokhara and the UAE Ambassador to Nepal. The discussions centred on measures to ensure the flight service’s success and long-term sustainability, while also exploring ways to strengthen tourism and business connectivity between Pokhara and the United Arab Emirates.
Tourism Sector Sees Pokhara–Dubai Route as Major Opportunity
The meeting brought together representatives from the tourism and business sectors, including Pom Narayan Shrestha, Immediate Past President, Pokhara Tourism Council and former president of NATTA Gandaki; former Nepal Tourism Board member Basudev Tripathi; Hotel Association Pokhara President Laxman Subedi; Hotel Association Gandaki President Hari Sharma Gaire; Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Gokarna Karki; NATTA Gandaki executive member Bijay Paudel; and NATTA Central President Bharat Jung Pandey, among others.
During the discussion, participants described the Pokhara–Dubai regular flight service as an important milestone for tourism development in Pokhara, Gandaki Province, and Nepal as a whole. They emphasized the need for cooperation among tourism businesses, government bodies and other stakeholders to ensure the route operates successfully over the long term.
Tourism Entrepreneurs Seek Relaxation of PCC Requirement
A major issue raised during the meeting was the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) requirement for Nepali travellers heading to Dubai. While acknowledging that removing the PCC requirement for Nepali workers travelling to the UAE may not be immediately possible, tourism representatives specifically requested the ambassador to consider removing the mandatory PCC requirement for Nepali passengers travelling to Dubai on tourist visas. The UAE ambassador received the request positively, according to the participants.
Stakeholders Pledge Support for Sustainable Air Connectivity
Tourism entrepreneurs, the Gandaki Provincial Government, local governments and other concerned stakeholders expressed their commitment to providing necessary support to help make the Pokhara–Dubai service successful.
Participants stressed that stronger international air connectivity from Pokhara could contribute to increased tourist arrivals, greater market access and broader tourism development in Gandaki Province. They also agreed that continued coordination among the private sector, government agencies and other stakeholders would be essential to make the flight route sustainable.
