पर्यटन क्षेत्र खुला रहेको सन्देश
Kaski, September 28 — Following heavy rainfall, floods along the Bhote Koshi, and severe road blockages that have brought tourist arrivals in Pokhara to a near standstill, the tourism capital of Nepal has conveyed a clear message on World Tourism Day: “Nepal is open, and Pokhara is ready to welcome tourists.”
Amid the disruption caused by natural disasters across the country, local tourism entrepreneurs organized a mini street festival at Lakeside on Sunday evening. Through this event, business operators demonstrated that tourism activities in Pokhara remain active and that the hospitality sector is prepared to host visitors despite adverse conditions.
Organized by the Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara, the festival was designed to project confidence that the destination is open. Torrential rains, disaster situations in various regions, and blockages along the vital Prithvi Highway—connecting Pokhara to the rest of the country—have led to a sharp drop in tourist numbers.
Lakeside, typically bustling with domestic and international travelers, has seen unusually low turnout in recent days. However, the festival organized for World Tourism Day brought a surge of activity to the area, giving a much-needed push toward revitalizing the local tourism industry.
The event featured a range of cultural performances, entertainment activities, and promotional programs. Highlighting Pokhara’s authentic culture, local arts, regional cuisine, and warm hospitality was central to the festival’s focus.
Basanta Gautam, President of REBAN Pokhara, stated that the event successfully demonstrated Pokhara’s safety and preparedness during a challenging period.
“The tourism sector has been severely impacted by the Bhote Koshi flooding and prolonged disruptions along the primary highway, resulting in widespread booking cancellations. Through this festival, by presenting local art, culture, cuisine, and hospitality, we have successfully sent a message that Pokhara’s destinations remain safe and fully open,” said Gautam.
Dhanraj Acharya, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City, emphasized that tourism in Pokhara should extend beyond the Lakeside area. He stressed the importance of diversifying services and tourism offerings to align with the evolving interests and expectations of travelers.
“We must expand services and tourism products based on the specific needs and interests of visiting tourists. It is essential to broaden tourism activities and connect them with new destinations and experiences,” Mayor Acharya said, adding that businesses should focus on fulfilling tourist preferences rather than offering standard packages alone.
Tourism operators noted that traffic along the Prithvi Highway—the main road corridor connecting the country’s tourism hub with the capital city, Kathmandu—has been disrupted for over two weeks, with other road routes also facing closures and heightened risks, leading directly to the decline in arrivals.
Hari Bhujel, President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, expressed confidence that initiatives like the mini street festival will help reactivate the local tourism sector. He also noted that Flydubai’s recent launch of flights on the Pokhara–Dubai route is set to yield a positive impact on local tourism.
“The introduction of Flydubai flights enhances international air connectivity for Pokhara and the Gandaki Province, facilitating passenger movement and boosting tourism promotion. Ensuring the sustainability of this route long-term will unlock economic growth not just for tourism, but across all sectors,” Bhujel remarked.
With weather conditions improving since Sunday morning following continuous rainfall, foot traffic and activity around Lakeside noticeably increased during the event.
As the impact of the monsoon and flooding subsides, local operators remain optimistic that tourist arrivals will soon rebound. On the occasion of World Tourism Day, various tourism organizations in Pokhara officially welcomed incoming foreign visitors arriving via both land and air routes.
