‘Unlock tourism potential in Gandaki Province’

Gandaki: The stakeholders have stressed the need to unlock tourism potential in Gandaki Province.

During a programme organized by the Foreign Ministry on ‘economic diplomacy’ here Monday, the participants viewed that although there were many tourist destinations in the province, they were awaiting full exploration for international visibility. Once the tourism potential is unlocked and the international market is informed about the tourist destinations of Gandaki Province, it would not only create employment but also boost the province’s economy, they argued.

The robust collaboration and activism of the three tiers of government was sought for it.

On the occasion, the Chief Secretary of Gandaki Province, Raghuram Bista, viewed positive thoughts that could be fostered and tourism potential explored in the region. Record management in each agency is equally important to enrich information on tourism, he mentioned.

Joint Secretary at Foreign Ministry, Laxman Khanal, said all sides could work in unison to develop tourism in the province. The ministry had forwarded various programmes to promote Nepal’s tourism in international markets, he said, adding that further facilitation was required on it.

Secretary at tourism ministry in province, Kulman Singh Gurung, said employments could be generated by promoting tourism activities. For it, the ministry was working in collaboration with various organizations.

Moreover, officiating chief of Nepal Tourism Board in province, Nabin Pokhrel, said his office was working in a planned manner to spur tourism activities in the region. He reminded the first ascent of the Annapurna-I peak by a French national, Maurice Herzoj. The Gandaki Province is a home to various tourist destinations, including Kaligandaki and Dhorpatan, he informed.

According to him, all stakeholders could work together for collecting and managing data, building necessary infrastructures and adopting tourism diversity.

Chairman of the Trekking Agencies Association Nepal (TAAN), Krishna Prasad Acharya, viewed Nepal’s diplomatic missions abroad could play their parts for promotion of tourism at home.