The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Gandaki Province Office, plans to host a two-day event called “Rural Tourism Mart” in Pokhara on Jestha 9 and 10, 2082 (May 23–24, 2025) in order to promote rural tourism in Gandaki Province. The purpose of the event is to draw attention to and advertise the distinctive features of community homestays and new travel destinations from all 11 districts of the province.
At least two homestays from each district will be transported to Pokhara to take part in the mart, according to Mani Raj Lamichhane, the head of NTB’s Gandaki Province Office. In addition to promoting homestays, the event aims to increase awareness of local attractions and tourism products that are frequently overlooked because of a lack of marketing. According to Lamichhane, Pokhara is the perfect place to highlight rural tourism options because it is both the capital of tourism and a significant transit hub.
The market focuses particularly on recently launched homestays that have great potential but haven’t gotten enough exposure because of bad press and restricted access to marketing channels. The main objective of NTB is to assist these homestays by giving them exposure, networking opportunities, and assistance with business promotion.
A minimum of 22 homestays will be chosen through an application process and given individual stalls to advertise their services, according to Taranath Pahari, chairperson of the Pokhara Tourism Council. Homestay owners will be able to communicate with prospective partners, travel companies, and visitors at these booths.
In cooperation with the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, and Environment of Gandaki Province, the Pokhara Tourism Council, and the Homestay Federation Nepal (HOFEN), Gandaki Province, the Village Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal (VITOF-Nepal) is co-organizing the event.
NTB has also released an open call for applications from community homestays, registered businesses, companies, and non-governmental organizations in Gandaki Province. The deadline for interested parties to apply is Baisakh 26, 2082 (May 9, 2025).
The following documents are needed for the application:
i. A current certificate of company or firm registration, including a recent renewal
ii. Certificate of Permanent Account Number (PAN)
iii. Fiscal Year 2080–81 tax clearance certificate (not necessary for newly registered entities).
