By Basudev Poudel, Patna (India), April 18: Pokhara's tourism potential has been discussed in Patna of India.
At a tourism promotion programme
organized by the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Gandaki Province
with the assistance of the Pokhara metropolis, a discussion was held with Indian
tourism entrepreneurs on the agendas such as the tourism potentials of Pokhara and
its hospitality services.
On the occasion, tourism
entrepreneurs of Pokhara said Pokhara was a must-visit destination naturally
and culturally. Likewise, tourism entrepreneurs of Patna had reflected on their
experience and feeling in Pokhara.
On the occasion, Pokhara Tourism
Council Chairperson Pom Narayan Shrestha said Pokhara was one of the most beautiful
destinations in the world, adding their notion of welcoming guests as god has
added value to the tourism culture of the area.
"Pokhara is a potential
tourism destination where the general public of neighbouring India can easily visit
and take the joy of its scenic beauty", he said, adding, "Nepal has a
geographical proximity with India. Besides, both the nations have enjoyed
mutual fraternity since time immemorial".
Highlighting tourism activities,
including sightseeing of the majestic Himalayan range and tourism adventures in
Pokhara, he expressed readiness to ever welcome Indian tourists.
NATTA Gandaki province chairperson
Hariram Adhikari said India was the important tourism source market for Pokhara
and Nepal. Pokhara was worth visiting and exploring in any season, he said,
adding the objective of the promotional programme was to know problems
experienced by Indian tourists during their visit to Pokhara if any and design
solutions in the coming days.
Also speaking on the occasion, the Secretary of the Tourism Association of Bihar, Prakash Chandra termed Pokhara as
one of their preferred destinations. Most Indian tourists generally
spend a good amount of money during their visits, he suggested that entrepreneurs make online payments easy and smooth in Pokhara.
Senior tourism consultant of Patana, Sanjaya Sharma stressed the need to enhance Pokhara-Patana connectivity through direct flights. He highlighted the importance of efforts from both sides for direct air connectivity.
He also suggested making road connectivity between Pokhara and Patana easier and more convenient to promote tourism.
Vice-chairperson of Pokhara
Metropolis Tourism Development Committee, Rabindra Raj Poudel urged Indian
tourists to come to Pokhara to take the joy of diverse tourism activities including
religious visits and adventurous tourism engagement.
On the occasion, the entrepreneurs
also discussed business-to-business (B2B) partnerships and collaboration
for tourism promotion.
As informed, the Nepali delegation would reach Banaras today and discuss with the local tourism entrepreneurs and media persons. The delegation would return to Pokhara on April 21 after completing the promotional programme in Ayodhya and Gorakhpur after Banaras. (RSS)