The Village Tourism Mart commenced in Pokhara on Friday with an aim to boost rural tourism and promote homestay-based hospitality across the country. The three-day event is being organized by the Gandaki Province Office of the Nepal Tourism Board, in collaboration with the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) of Gandaki Province.
The mart has brought together tourism entrepreneurs, homestay owners, and stakeholders from various parts of Nepal. Notably, representatives from 27 homestays operating across Gandaki Province, along with delegates from Koshi Province and Bandipur, are actively participating in the event.
During the mart, homestay owners are showcasing the services they provide to guests and sharing insights through various discussion sessions centered around the development and challenges of tourism. These sessions aim to enhance knowledge-sharing and collaboration among rural tourism stakeholders.
Government Support for Village Tourism
Inaugurating the mart, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forests and Environment of Gandaki Province, Mitra Lal Basyal, emphasized the government’s commitment to village tourism. “The development of tourism is a key priority of the provincial government,” he said. The Minister also assured that the government will allocate the necessary budget to support the growth of homestays and rural tourism infrastructure.
Connecting Urban Tourists with Rural Hospitality
Speaking at the event, Mani Raj Lamichhane, Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Province Office, highlighted the importance of rural-urban tourism connections. “This mart can serve as a bridge for urban residents to experience the unique culture and hospitality of Nepal through homestays,” he said.
The Tourism Mart is designed not only to showcase rural tourism opportunities but also to foster discussions among stakeholders from media, tourism, and industrial sectors. These discussions are expected to generate actionable strategies for enhancing village tourism.
Potential and Future of Village Tourism
VITOF Chairperson Shova Sapkota expressed optimism about the impact of the mart on rural tourism. “We believe this event will make homestay businesses more effective and help promote the concept of village tourism across the country,” she stated.
Chairperson of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Tara Nath Pahari, added that every place in Nepal possesses unique tourism potential. “By developing village tourism, we can explore and showcase the hidden gems of our rural areas,” he said.
The mart is set to continue through Sunday, featuring exhibitions, cultural programs, and consultations aimed at enhancing the visibility and viability of village tourism in Nepal.
