Pokhara’s hospitality sector witnessed a moment of recognition as the Hotel Executive Club Pokhara honored hotel entrepreneur Basanta Gautam for his significant contributions to the industry. The award was presented during the club’s 11th annual general meeting, acknowledging Gautam’s long-standing role in job creation and the development of the hotel and restaurant business in Pokhara.
The recognition ceremony saw the presence of Hari Dhwaj Tulachan, founding president of the Hotel Association, Laxman Subedi, president of the Hotel Association Pokhara, Taranath Pahari, president of the Pokhara Tourism Council, and Rajkumar KC, president of the Hotel Executive Club Pokhara. They honored Gautam with a certificate of appreciation and a ceremonial shawl.
Basanta Gautam has been actively involved in Pokhara’s tourism industry since 1994, starting his career in the restaurant business before expanding into hotel operations. Currently, he is the proprietor of Temple Tree Resort & Spa, a well-known establishment in Lakeside, Pokhara. The Hotel Executive Club has previously honored prominent hoteliers such as Hari Poudel, owner of Hotel Barahi, and Hari Gaire, proprietor of Pokhara Resort.
During the event, Hari Dhwaj Tulachan emphasized the increasing number of hotels in Pokhara and urged stakeholders to focus on attracting more tourists to sustain the industry. Similarly, Laxman Subedi pointed out that while investments in tourism have surged, hospitality standards have been declining. He stressed the need to preserve Nepali hospitality traditions to enhance visitors’ experiences.
Taranath Pahari addressed the need for international flights from Pokhara Airport, citing the huge investments in the city’s tourism sector and the necessity of operational expansion.
In his acceptance speech, Basanta Gautam acknowledged the growth of hotels and restaurants in Pokhara but highlighted the shortage of skilled manpower in the sector. Rajkumar KC, Tulsi Lamichhane, and Madhav Baral, representing the Hotel Executive Club, emphasized the importance of quality service and the club’s commitment to advancing the hospitality industry.
The event underscored Pokhara’s efforts in enhancing its tourism infrastructure while addressing key challenges for sustainable growth.
