The 45th World Tourism Day will be celebrated in Pokhara with a series of events, including a mini street festival and a mountain race at Pumdi Bhumdi. These activities are being organized under the coordination of the Pokhara Tourism Council, with the participation of the Minister of Tourism and tourism ministers from all seven provinces. The announcement was made during a press conference held in Pokhara on Tuesday.
Taranath Pahari, President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, highlighted that the World Tourism Day celebration will focus on welcoming tourists with various events, including the mini street festival and a mountain race. He mentioned that the mini street festival, organized by REBAN Pokhara, will take place on September 27 from Ambot to Barahi Chowk, starting at 4:30 PM. The festival will feature cultural performances, musical parades, and a unique “Eat on the Street, Celebrate on the Street” theme, which aims to play a significant role in attracting both domestic and international tourists to Pokhara.
Additionally, on the evening of September 27, a grand Tal Barahi Maha Aarti will be held at the lakeside of Phewa Lake, further enhancing the festivities.
On September 28, the first open mountain race will be held, connecting the Peace Stupa and Buddha Park, organized by Pokhara Click in collaboration with the Pokhara Tourism Council. The event is part of the broader celebration, which is supported by the Gandaki Province Government, the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest, and Environment, and the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province, under the theme “Tourism and Peace.”
On September 25, the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest, and Environment of Gandaki Province will host a “Pokhara Tourism Capital Policy Dialogue” event. This discussion will bring together tourism ministers from all seven provinces, the federal tourism minister, and tourism entrepreneurs to discuss policies and strategies for enhancing tourism in Pokhara.
The press conference also highlighted other events, including a two-day homestay program on September 23-24 at Rinze Nasa Homestay in Pokhara-19, organized by VITOF Gandaki Province, aimed at promoting rural tourism and preserving local art and culture.
Furthermore, on September 26, a two-day trekking program from Pokhara to Moriyalapsibot and Bhukdeuraly will be organized by TAAN Gandaki, involving tourism entrepreneurs and journalists.
On World Tourism Day itself, September 27, a tourist vehicle rally from Fishtail Gate at Lakeside to Pokhara International Airport will be organized by the Tourist Transport Entrepreneurs Association, Gandaki Province. On the same day, tourists arriving at Pokhara International Airport and the Pokhara Tourist Bus Park will be warmly welcomed with traditional music and garlands by the Nepal Tourism Board and local tourism organizations.
NATTA Gandaki will also organize a blood donation camp at Narswar Chowk, Pokhara-06, on September 27. Additionally, a “Talk Show on Peace and Tourism” will be held at Ambot, Lakeside, organized by the Pokhara Tourism Council.
Kuman Singh Gurung, Secretary of the Province’s Industry and Tourism Ministry, emphasized the collaboration between local, provincial, and federal governments in organizing various tourism-related programs this year. Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Tourism Board, noted that while the tourism sector usually recovers within a year, Pokhara has faced challenges over the past two years due to political reasons, leading to budget allocations in areas that may not have been necessary. He assured that efforts will be made to allocate the budget more effectively in the coming year.
Former President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Pomanarayan Shrestha, mentioned ongoing initiatives to start solo paragliding in Pokhara and expressed hope that this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations would further promote tourism in Pokhara and Nepal. He urged the Nepal Tourism Board to prioritize projects that truly enhance tourism promotion.
Kundan Aryal, an officer from the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province, stated that the board will continue to give priority to other districts within the province. Krishna Prasad Dawadi, Treasurer of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Kaski, remarked that the presence of federal and provincial tourism ministers in Pokhara for the celebrations will be a milestone for the region’s tourism industry.
