The Pokhara Tourism Council has welcomed the recent decision by the Government of Nepal’s Cabinet to provide incentives to airlines operating international flights from Pokhara International Airport.
In a press conference held in Pokhara today, Council President Pomnarayan Shrestha expressed his satisfaction with the Cabinet’s decision, which addresses a demand the Council had been advocating for over the past two years. “We urge the government to implement these decisions as quickly as possible,” Shrestha stated, adding, “We are confident that this decision will lead to the commencement of international flights from Pokhara International Airport.”
President Shrestha highlighted that the incentives provided to airlines will enable passengers to travel at more affordable rates, increasing the airport’s attractiveness. He further emphasized that international flights would open doors for Pokhara’s products to enter global markets. Shrestha also recalled the numerous discussions and memoranda submitted by the current executive committee of the Council to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and other relevant authorities in pursuit of this goal.
The Council also informed the press that it has been actively engaging with international airlines, Indian tour operators, film stars, politicians, and journalists to promote tourism in Gandaki Province, particularly focusing on Pokhara International Airport.
Additionally, as a member of the study committee advocating for the declaration of Pokhara as the tourism capital, Shrestha noted the Council’s involvement in discussions and observation visits concerning the delayed upgrade of the Pokhara-Muglin road.
The Council has also been organizing various events, including the ‘Pahila Ghardesh Ani Pardesh’ musical program, the Golf and Beyond event, and collaborative efforts at the PATA Adventure Mart. It has been pushing for amendments to the Tourism Act to make it more business-friendly and for the government to offer greater support to service providers in the transportation sector.
Council General Secretary Sanjaykant Sigdel reiterated the Council’s ongoing commitment to promoting and developing tourism in Pokhara and the entire Gandaki Province.
