A new Tourist-Friendly QR Information Service has been launched in Pokhara to improve tourist safety, accessibility to information and overall visitor experience by integrating technology into tourism management. The initiative was jointly launched by the Pokhara Tourism Council and the Gandaki Province Police Office, in collaboration with various tourism-related organisations. According to Gandaki Province Police, the campaign officially began on Monday as part of efforts to strengthen tourism security and promote smart tourism services in Nepal’s tourism capital.
QR System to Provide Instant Tourist Information
The tourist-friendly QR service was formally inaugurated by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dipendra GC, Chief of the Gandaki Province Police Office, who scanned the QR code to officially launch the digital tourist information system. DIG GC said the Gandaki Province Police has been implementing various security strategies to make tourism in the province safer, more organised and visitor-friendly. He emphasised that stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the private tourism sector is essential for promoting sustainable tourism and ensuring a secure environment for visitors.
One QR Code for Essential Travel Information
According to DSP Namraj Bhattarai, Chief of Baidam Police Office, the QR code has been designed to provide tourists with easy access to essential travel information through a single platform. By scanning the QR code, visitors will be able to access information on Pokhara’s major tourist attractions, parking areas, nearby police stations, emergency contact numbers, traffic regulations, recommended and prohibited activities, cleanliness guidelines and other basic travel rules for visiting Nepal. The QR codes will be installed at key tourist destinations, hotels, public spaces and busy locations, including Barahi Chowk, allowing visitors to obtain important information instantly during their stay.
Awareness Campaign to Promote Responsible Tourism
Alongside the digital service, authorities will distribute awareness materials to educate tourists about safety, responsible travel behaviour and local regulations. DSP Bhattarai said attracting tourists alone is not enough, stressing that all stakeholders share the responsibility of providing visitors with a safe, organised and responsible tourism environment.
He added that issues such as jaywalking, encroachment of zebra crossings, unmanaged parking and failure to follow traffic regulations have become growing challenges for tourism management in Pokhara. Authorities believe the QR information campaign will help minimise such problems by improving awareness among visitors.
Over 200 Foreign Tourists Penalised for Traffic Violations
Police also revealed that 204 foreign tourists, including Indian nationals, were penalised in the Pokhara area during the month of Jestha for violating traffic regulations. According to DSP Bhattarai, the offences included double parking, riding motorcycles without helmets, overloading vehicles, drink driving, reckless driving, speeding and parking in no-parking zones. Authorities believe providing better information through the QR system will encourage visitors to comply with local laws and reduce such violations in the future.
Tourism Stakeholders Discuss Safety and Visitor Management
An interaction programme held alongside the launch brought together tourism entrepreneurs and stakeholders to discuss issues related to tourist safety, traffic management, waste management, visitor behaviour and other challenges affecting Pokhara’s tourism industry. Participants shared recommendations on improving coordination among tourism businesses, local authorities and security agencies to enhance the overall visitor experience.
The programme was chaired by Pokhara Tourism Council President Taranath Pahari and attended by TAAN Gandaki President Krishna Prasad Acharya, Hotel Association Pokhara President Laxman Subedi, REWAN Pokhara President Bishwaraj Paudel, former Visit Pokhara Year Coordinator Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai, along with representatives from tourism organisations and security agencies.
Technology to Strengthen Pokhara’s Tourism Competitiveness
Tourism officials believe the new QR-based information system represents an important step toward modernising tourism services in Pokhara. By combining digital technology with improved safety measures and stronger coordination among tourism stakeholders, the initiative is expected to enhance visitor convenience, strengthen Pokhara’s reputation as a smart tourism destination and support the city’s long-term tourism development goals.
