Pokhara is leading a bold and dynamic tourism city. Stakeholders from Nepal’s tourism and hospitality sectors have emphasized the urgent need to strengthen tourism partnerships between Gandaki and Koshi Provinces, highlighting the immense potential of coordinated efforts to boost domestic travel and regional economic growth.
The discussion took place during a promotional program organized in eastern Nepal under the ongoing ‘Jau Hai Pokhara’ (Let’s Go to Pokhara) campaign. The initiative, led jointly by the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) Pokhara and the Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province, aims to encourage domestic tourism by connecting major cities across the country with Pokhara, widely recognized as Nepal’s tourism capital.
Strong Potential for Inter-Provincial Tourism Growth
Speakers at the event highlighted the complementary strengths of both provinces. Gandaki Province, home to Pokhara, is renowned for its scenic beauty, lakes, and mountain views, while Koshi Province boasts industrial hubs such as Biratnagar and proximity to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.
Participants noted that enhanced collaboration between these regions could significantly increase tourist flow, benefiting local businesses, hospitality services, and cultural exchange. They stressed that linking tourism products, from natural landscapes to religious sites, could create more comprehensive travel experiences for visitors.
Call for Institutional Mechanisms
Rajan Shrestha, President of HAN Koshi Province, underscored the importance of formalizing tourism partnerships through policy-level coordination. He proposed the formation of a provincial tourism minister-level committee to ensure effective implementation of joint initiatives between Gandaki and Koshi Provinces.
According to him, such a mechanism would not only streamline collaboration but also help in designing long-term strategies, marketing campaigns, and infrastructure development plans that benefit both regions.
Expanding Religious and Cultural Tourism Circuits
Highlighting the religious tourism potential, Bhabi Shrestha, Vice President of HAN Koshi Province, pointed out the opportunity to connect prominent pilgrimage sites across provinces. He mentioned that destinations like Bindhyabasini Temple in Pokhara and Barahakshetra in Koshi Province could be promoted jointly to attract both domestic and international tourists. By developing such religious circuits, Nepal can tap into a growing segment of spiritual tourism while encouraging longer stays and increased travel spending.
Shrestha further emphasized that a well-structured partnership could facilitate the exchange of large numbers of tourists between the provinces, ultimately strengthening Nepal’s overall tourism ecosystem.
‘Jaun Hai Pokhara’ Campaign Gains Momentum
Laxman Subedi, President of HAN Pokhara, highlighted the longstanding success of the ‘Jaun Hai Pokhara’ campaign. He shared that the initiative has been actively promoting domestic tourism for over 25 years by reaching out to major cities across Nepal and encouraging travel to Pokhara. According to Subedi, the campaign has played a crucial role in sustaining tourism during off-peak seasons and in times of global uncertainty, including the post-pandemic recovery period.
Special Offers and Upcoming Festival
To further attract visitors, Subedi announced that the much-anticipated Fewa New Year Festival will be held in Pokhara from Chaitra 29 to Baisakh 1. The festival, celebrated around the iconic Phewa Lake, features cultural performances, food stalls, and recreational activities, making it a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists.
On the occasion of the festival, hotels in Pokhara are offering attractive packages, including up to 25 percent discounts on accommodation. Tourism entrepreneurs believe that such incentives, combined with targeted promotional campaigns, will significantly increase visitor numbers during the New Year period.
A Step Toward Sustainable Tourism Development
The program concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to strengthen inter-provincial cooperation and create sustainable tourism models that benefit local communities. By leveraging their unique strengths and working collaboratively, Gandaki and Koshi Provinces are expected to emerge as key drivers of Nepal’s tourism growth.
Industry experts believe that such partnerships, if effectively implemented, could serve as a model for other provinces, ultimately contributing to a more integrated and resilient tourism sector nationwide.
