In honor of Pokhara’s pioneering tourism entrepreneur, the late Hutraj Shrestha, two outstanding individuals contributing to Nepal’s travel sector will be awarded the ‘Hutraj Shrestha Memorial Tourism Award’ by the Tourism Entrepreneur Women Association Nepal (TEWAN).
As announced, veteran tourism entrepreneur Haridhwoj Tulachan and young travel leader Urmila Gurung will be honored during TEWAN’s 4th General Assembly to be held on Thursday, June 6 (Jestha 22) in Pokhara. Each awardee will receive a cash prize of NPR 15,505, a certificate of recognition, and a traditional Dosalla shawl as part of the award.
Honoring a Lifetime of Dedication
Haridhwoj Tulachan, now 81 years old, is a pioneer in Pokhara’s tourism industry. Having established the iconic Dragon Hotel, Tulachan has played an instrumental role in promoting tourism, social service, and cultural preservation for over six decades. His contributions extend beyond business, including the founding and leadership of numerous religious and community organizations, marking him as a luminary in Nepal’s travel legacy.
Youth Leadership Rooted in Tradition
Urmila Gurung, 36, has become a symbol of youth leadership and dedication to rural tourism development. Despite the conveniences of urban life in Pokhara, she chose to return to her native Sirubari, Nepal’s first officially recognized tourism village in Syangja district. For over a decade, Gurung has led efforts in hospitality management, homestay development, and cultural preservation. Her impact extends nationally, as she also conducts homestay management training programs across different villages in Nepal.
Selection Process and Award Fund
The recipients were chosen based on the recommendation of a selection committee led by tourism expert Sanjya Kant Sigdel, and including members Tika Ram Sapkota, Kamala Giri, Tumla Shrestha, Prabhat Raj Shrestha, and Pritam Raj Shrestha.
The award is sustained by an endowment fund initiated by Tumla Shrestha, the wife of the late Hutraj Shrestha. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, she donated NPR 551,111 to establish the fund and recently added NPR 100,000, ensuring the award will be distributed annually using the fund’s interest.
“A Salute to the Dedicated Souls”- Kamala Giri, TEWAN President
“We are proud to present this award for the first time,” said Kamala Giri, President of TEWAN and a founding member. “This year, we are honoring two exceptional talents. From next year onward, the award will recognize one individual from within Nepal who has made a remarkable contribution to tourism. This is how we will honor the true workers of our industry.”
This initiative marks a significant step in recognizing individuals who embody the spirit of dedication, cultural preservation, and innovation in Nepal’s ever-evolving travel sector.
