Pokhara Officially Declared Nepal's Tourism Capital

In a landmark announcement on Sunday, March 17, 2024, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal declared Pokhara as the official Tourism Capital of Nepal. The declaration, made during a ceremony at Barahighat near the picturesque Phewa Lake, marks a significant step for the city and the country's tourism industry. 

Pokhara has long been a central hub for tourism in Nepal, famed for its stunning natural beauty and abundant adventure activities. Prime Minister Dahal acknowledged this, highlighting Pokhara's unique combination of natural wonders and cultural experiences. 

Dhanraj Acharya, mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan Municipality, expressed his belief that this designation would significantly boost tourism growth not only for Pokhara but also for the Gandaki province as a whole. He emphasized that Pokhara's selection followed a thorough evaluation process, aligning with similar practices in other countries where cities are recognized for their distinct character and strengths.

The Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) took this opportunity to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister, outlining key areas for improvement. A major request was the immediate launch of international flights from the Pokhara Regional International Airport. The PTC emphasized the urgency of this action, citing the poor condition of major roadways leading to Pokhara and the limited availability of international flights despite the airport's year-long operation.

The memorandum also addressed the challenges faced by tourism entrepreneurs in recent years. Citing economic downturns and declining employment, the PTC urged the government to provide support for loan repayments and revitalize the tourism sector. Additionally, they called for a restructuring of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and ensured representation from Pokhara on its Executive Board.

Furthermore, the PTC requested the government to initiate international flights from Pokhara using Nepal Airlines aircraft initially, followed by incentives to attract other airlines. Finally, the memorandum expressed concern regarding the recent ban on individual paragliding imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) following a paragliding accident. The PTC urged a review of this regulation to prevent discouragement among adventure sports enthusiasts.

The official declaration of Pokhara as Nepal's Tourism Capital signifies the government's recognition of its immense potential. By addressing the concerns raised by the PTC, Nepal can further strengthen Pokhara's position as a premier tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world and fostering economic growth throughout the region.