Pokhara as tourism capital: What stakeholders say?

The Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC) Office is preparing to implement the declaration of Pokhara as the Tourism Capital of the country.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal formally declared Pokhara as the tourism capital of the country in collaboration with the Gandaki Province Government and the Pokhara Metropolitan City.

The aim is to meet 20 different indicators, including utilizing natural beauty and adventure tourism, to establish Pokhara as an internationally recognizable tourism brand. In light of this, the PMC has started collecting suggestions from local stakeholders through formal and informal interactions and dialogues.

Kuman Singh Gurung, member secretary of the committee formed to prepare a report on the National Tourism Capital, said that the committee has recommended prioritizing the branding of local resources.

Local stakeholders have shared their views on the benefits that Pokhara Valley and the Gandaki Province can get with the declaration of Pokhara as tourism capital and the challengers involved. 

Tourist fees should be utilized by Pokhara itself

Dr Ramji Sharma, Academician

Pokhara, known for its natural resources like lakes and biodiversity, is also an entry point for world-renowned trekking routes like the Annapurna Round Trek. Almost half of the tourists coming to Nepal come for trekking. However, permit fees paid by foreigners in Pokhara go to the federal government's fund. Pokhara Metropolitan City Office should initiate policy changes to collect royalties from tourists directly.

Call to promote ‘Organic Pokhara’ brand

Manohar Kadariya, Head, Agriculture Division, PMC

Locals are excited about agriculture. Especially after the covid pandemic, many people are returning to their villages to pursue innovative farming. However, there is a lack of encouragement and a proper market for their products. Tourists are interested in organic food. So we should inspire local people to grow organic food and vegetables so that our tourism enterprises can serve organic food to tourists. 

Local resources should be promoted

Dr Indra Prasad Tiwari, Professor, Pokhara University

If we are to ensure a good flow of tourists, effective management of local resources is very important. A strong guideline and system should be established to keep the area clean and mobilize locals to develop their areas. The provincial and local governments must set certain standards for this.

Basic facilities like restrooms should be built 

Hareram Adhikari, Travel Agency Operator

There are very few public restrooms in Pokhara. Travelers often feel uncomfortable asking for restrooms at private homes and shops. If we fail to arrange basic necessities like this, declaration of Pokhara as tourism capital would have no significance.

Public transport should be made effective

Shova Kanta Poudel, Taxi Entrepreneur

Many taxi drivers in Pokhara are unwilling to set standard fares. This is leading to unfair competition among taxi operators and leaving a negative impact on tourists. Certain codes of conduct should be prescribed for taxi drivers as they deal with guests directly. They should meet certain qualifications and maintain good manners.

Religious places should be promoted 

Dhruba Nath Adhikari, Social Worker, Lekhnath

Pokhara is rich in cultural and religious diversity. It is known as a city of cultural and religious integrity. Many tourist destinations here have historical and religious significance. We can attract more tourists by promoting these attractions. 

Other lakes should also be promoted

Birbhadra Kandel, Hotel & Restaurant Association, Lekhnath

Pokhara is known as the city of lakes. But many lakes here are not being utilized for tourism promotion. We can attract many tourists by branding and promoting these lakes. This way we can develop new tourism products for the tourism capital. 

Home Stays Should Be Encouraged 

Udaya Subedi, Homestay Management Committee

Pokhara and surrounding areas are known for medicinal plants, food, and hospitable people. Homestays can be a very good product for foreign tourists. So the provincial and local governments should bring policies for registration and regulation of home stay facilities.