Mitra Lal Basyal, the Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest, and Environment of Gandaki Province, emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts from all stakeholders to ensure regular international flights from Pokhara International Airport.
Speaking at a New Year 2082 (Bikram Sambat calendar) greetings exchange program organized by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki, Minister Basyal called upon tourism entrepreneurs and the private sector to take active initiative in realizing this long-standing goal.
While addressing the gathering, Minister Basyal highlighted the significance of expanding international flight routes to boost regional tourism and economic activities. “It is not just the government’s responsibility; everyone, including the tourism sector and private investors, must come together to make international flights from Pokhara a consistent reality,” he said.
He further acknowledged the ongoing international flights to China and urged that similar efforts should be made to establish flight connectivity with other neighboring countries. “There are immense opportunities to connect Pokhara with nearby international destinations. All stakeholders must identify potential routes and work collectively to turn them into regular services,” he added.
Minister Basyal also expressed concern over the current state of tourism and shared his commitment to uplift the sector. “I am deeply concerned about how to revitalize tourism in Gandaki Province. The role of tourism entrepreneurs is crucial in this mission,” he said.
Local Fees Hindering Tourism Growth
Speaking at the same event, Krishna Prasad Acharya, President of TAAN Gandaki, raised concerns over the negative impact of local government-imposed fees on the tourism industry. According to him, such fees have created unnecessary burdens on both trekking agencies and tourists, potentially discouraging travel to the region. Acharya called for a review and adjustment of such policies to make Gandaki Province more tourist-friendly.
Acharya also directed the attention of the Gandaki Provincial Government toward the need to actively operate and promote Pokhara International Airport. Despite its operational status, the airport is yet to see a significant volume of regular international flights. He urged the government to work with international partners and the private sector to utilize the airport to its full potential.
Voices from the Tourism Community
The event saw participation from key figures in the tourism sector who also shared their perspectives on how to enhance tourism in Gandaki Province and Pokhara in particular. Indra Prasad Basyal, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest, and Environment, Gandaki Province, expressed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with tourism stakeholders to overcome existing hurdles.
Mani Raj Lamichhane, Head of the Nepal Tourism Board’s Pokhara Office, highlighted the importance of collaborative promotional campaigns and improved infrastructure. He noted that better air connectivity could play a transformative role in boosting not only Pokhara’s tourism but also that of the entire Gandaki Province.
Chief of Ward Police Office Baidam, Santosh Niraula, stressed the need for ensuring tourist safety and maintaining a peaceful environment, both of which are essential for building a positive image of Pokhara among international travelers.
Former Nepal Tourism Board Member Basu Tripathi reflected on past efforts to establish Pokhara as an international hub and called for renewed focus and investment in tourism infrastructure.
Senior Vice President of Pokhara Tourism Council, Hari Bhujel, highlighted the need for long-term planning, innovation in tourism products, and sustainable development to keep pace with global trends.
Likewise, President of the Hotel Association Pokhara, Lakshman Subedi, emphasized the importance of coordination between hoteliers, tourism agencies, and government bodies. According to him, aligning their objectives could help deliver better services and attract high-end tourists.
Former TAAN Gandaki President Dharmaraj Panthi echoed the need for expanding international connectivity and called for immediate attention to road and trekking infrastructure. President of the Women’s Of Tourism Entrepreneurs Forum (WOTEF), Uma Bhandari, spoke about the growing role of women in tourism and the need for gender-sensitive policies that empower female tourism professionals.
TAAN Gandaki Secretary Gopal Krishna Sangroula concluded the discussion by urging the government and tourism community to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete plans to bring international tourists directly to Pokhara.
Moving Forward
Pokhara International Airport, inaugurated with high hopes and international support, has not yet reached its potential. Limited flight operations, logistical constraints, and lack of effective promotion have hindered its growth. However, the commitment shown by Gandaki Province officials and the tourism community in this event signals a strong willingness to transform Pokhara into an international travel hub.
Minister Mitra Lal Basyal’s call for unified action comes at a crucial time. If acted upon with strategic planning and stakeholder collaboration, the dream of making Pokhara a regular gateway for international travelers could soon become a reality.
The event served as a significant platform for dialogue and collective reflection, setting a tone for proactive engagement in the upcoming year. As Gandaki Province steps into 2082 B.S., there is renewed hope that with coordinated efforts, Pokhara can emerge as a vibrant, accessible, and globally connected tourist destination.
