Pokhara's tourism potential discussed in Patna

Pokhara's tourism potential has been discussed in Patna of India.

At a tourism promotion program 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 neighboring India can easily visit and take joy in 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 in 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 program 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 Patna, 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 joy in 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 a promotional program in Ayodhya and Gorakhpur after Banaras.

(Basudev Poudel)

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