Tourism entrepreneurs have raised objections to the intervention of the provincial government in organizing the ‘Far West Province Tourism Festival 2081.’ The provincial government has reduced private sector participation and decided to hold a week-long fair with the involvement of provincial assembly members, which tourism businesspeople have strongly criticized.
The provincial government’s Ministry of Tourism had allocated a budget of NPR 5 million for the festival under the Provincial Tourism Development Program. Accordingly, a 10-member main organizing committee was formed, chaired by the secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forests, and Environment, with Keshav Datt Pandey as the coordinator. The committee had planned the event from Chaitra 4-6, and a further NPR 3 million agreement was made with the Nepal Tourism Board to organize the ‘Far West Travel Mart – 2025.’
However, on 27th Magh 2081, a meeting of the provincial government’s Finance, Development, and Natural Resources Committee decided to form a new committee under the leadership of the Chief Minister, removing the private sector. Provincial assembly members were also given the responsibility of leading subcommittees.
Tourism entrepreneurs have expressed dissatisfaction with this decision, claiming that instead of supporting the tourism sector, which is recovering post-COVID, the government is sidelining them. Entrepreneurs had already met with the tourism minister, former Chief Minister Rajendra Singh Rawal, and the current Chief Minister to inform them about the festival.
Private sector entrepreneurs had participated in the ‘South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange’ held in Delhi from March 19-21 to promote the festival. They also held discussions with travel and hotel businesses from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi and sent formal invitations. Talks had also been held with tour operators from Dehradun, Nainital, and Rudrapur.
Now, entrepreneurs have strongly objected to the provincial government’s policy of undermining the private sector at this stage. In a statement issued by coordinator Keshav Datt Pandey, the government’s decision is described as irresponsible, and entrepreneurs have called for a reconsideration, stating that the government’s interference is impractical and disrespectful.
