POKHARA, Oct 2: Tourism entrepreneurs of Pokhara are not much hopeful of business this season. But a mega event is under preparation to give a breather to them. 

A marathon -- International Mountain Cross Country Race -- is going to be held in Pokhara targeting to invite Chinese tourists to the tourist city. The event will be held in mid-November.

The cross country race is expected to increase the arrival of Chinese tourists in the coming season. Chinese televisions will highlight the event for its promotion. It is expected to prop up tourism of not only Pokhara but the entire country. 

Entrepreneurs say the promotional campaign through Chinese televisions will result in enthusiastic arrivals of Chinese tourists in Pokhara.

The cross country race project led by Kunming Mountaineering and Exploration Association will be organized in collaboration with Paschimanchal Hotel Association Pokhara and Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 

"Tourists' length of stay in Pokhara is short," said Bikal Tulachan, president of Paschimanchal Hotel Association Pokhara, "Events like the cross country race will be helpful to increase the length of their stay."

He said Pokhara has also been famous for sports tourism, and the event will further enhance this image. "It is not that the Chinese tourists are not coming, but the mega event will play an important role in increasing their number and stay," he said.

The regional international airport is under construction in Pokhara, with a completion target of 2021. The government is preparing to celebrate 2020 as Visit Nepal Year. Gandaki provincial government aims to welcome 2 million tourists in 2022 in the province.

Chinese athletes have expressed their interest in the race. "We have prepared for the event to introduce Pokhara to the Chinese tourism market where the culture of visiting abroad is growing," said tourism entrepreneur Bishwo Shankar Palikhe who is also a past president of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "We have collaborated with international media for coverage." According to him, the event will be covered by various Chinese newspapers also.

"It is a major season, and we are eager to show the scenery of lakes and mountains that are opened for the tourist season," he said. "The athletes will start the race from the bank of Fusre Khola and go toward Pumdibhumdi that is at an altitude of 1,300 meters." The 42.2 kilometer distance will covered in about 5 hours.

Dipak Koirala, member of Gandaki Provincial Council, stressed on the need to promote the sport as an important event so that it contributes to develop Pokhara's tourism. 

 
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