BIRATNAGAR, Oct 2: In an overdue campaign to promote the Internal Tourism Year 2019, Gandaki Province has invited the residents of Province 1 to visit different destinations of Gandaki with their entire family. 

A delegation from Gandaki including its chief minister Sherdhan Rai and other ministers extended the invitation through Sherdhan Rai, chief minister of Province 1, on Monday. 

Accepting the invitation, Rai conveyed it to his province residents, asking them to visit Gandaki once in their lifetime. He said: “We request all the people of the province to visit Gandaki Province at least once, where Pokhara – a major tourist destination of the country – lies.” 

Rai added that the government of Province 1 was willing to coordinate with Gandaki to promote tourism so that more international and domestic tourists visit both the provinces.

According to Rai, the provincial government is lobbying with the central government to initiate direct flights with Gandaki. “Direct flight between Pokhara and Biratnagar will help boost tourism in both the provinces. We are also preparing for Visit Nepal Year 2020,” he added. “Province 1 consists of the world’s highest mountain – Mount Everest – and the lowest place of Nepal – Kechana Kawal – offering plenty of variety for tourists. The provincial government is planning to promote 16 places as tourist destinations.”

Fadindra Adhikari, a tourism entrepreneur from Biratnagar, said that both the provinces were making much progress in tourism. 

Sanjiv Koirala, Gandaki provincial head of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said that collaboration on promotion of tourism would be beneficial for both the provinces. He said: “It is important to discuss our opportunities, and come together so that we both can grow.”

According to Chiranjivi Pokharel, chairperson of Tourism Promotion Council, the way of happiness for Gandaki Province is due to tourism. 

Bikas Lamsal, minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Gandaki Province, said that the provincial government has started campaign to reach all seven provinces of the country to invite people to visit Gandaki. 

The 80-member team reached Biratnagar after passing through Palpa, Butwal, Nawalpur, Bhairahawa, and Birgunj. Next, they are planning to visit Kakadbhitta and then Janakpur to extend invitations to the locals there. They will visit other provinces in the next phase. The provincial government has collaborated with 11 districts and 50 municipalities of different provinces to promote tourism.

 
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