The codes, prepared jointly by the Pokhara Tourism Council and Switzerland-based National Centers of Competence in Research, focus on operating enterprises by acquiring license from the government, promoting locally produced goods, creating uniformity in room rates and food prices, holding promotional campaigns in and outside the country, ensuring security and catering fresh food, among others.[break]
All firms related to tourism business in Pokhara have hailed the codes of conduct made public on Saturday in the presence of Ministry for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Ram Kumar Shrestha.
“These codes were introduced to ensure sustainable development of the tourism sector,” Tika Ram Sapkota, member of Nepal Tourism Board, said.
Pokhara´s tourism sector is currently growing at a rapid pace, Sapkota acknowledged. “But if entrepreneurs are not capable of managing it, they might start losing business,” he said.
The codes apply to Paschimanchal Hotel Association, Trekking Agencies´ Association of Nepal, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Restaurant and Bar Association, Taxi Entrepreneurs Association, Pokhara Bus Entrepreneurs Association, Trekking Equipment Shops Association, Embroidery and Garment Association, and Nepal Air Sports Association.
“Different codes have been prepared for different sectors related to tourism,” Sapkota said. Similarly, different codes of conduct have also been prepared for tourism journalists, labor organizations operating in tourism sector, different stakeholders and even domestic and foreign tourists visiting Pokhara.
“Tourists visiting Pokhara also have to abide by the code of conduct as they play an important role in preserving and promoting the western Nepali city´s heritage, culture and arts,” Sapkota said.
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