POKHARA, Jan 13: A study committee formed by the Gandaki provincial government has recommended declaring Pokhara as the tourism capital of Nepal in mid-February. The Gandaki provincial government had formed the study committee in November to study the feasibility of designating Pokhara as the tourism capital. The committee was formed under the coordination of Dr Krishna Chandra Devkota, vice chairman of Gandaki Province Planning Commission. Other members of the committee include tourism experts Dr Ramji Sharma and Basu Dev Tripathi. The members of the study committee represent ministries of industry, tourism and environment, planning, Pokhara Tourism Council, media among others. 

The report submitted by the committee to Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Surendra Raj Pandey also recommends setting a timeframe to ensure minimum basic requirements before declaring Pokhara as tourism capital.

Dr Krishna Chandra Devkota, the coordinator of the study committee formed to declare Pokhara as the tourist capital, said that the report suggested declaring Pokhara as the capital of the province by holding a formal program in the presence of stakeholders and the general public. 

The committee has also put forward recommendations for short-term, medium-term, and long-term planning once the declaration is made. The report has also suggested that the work to be done within two years should be short-term, the work to be done within five years should be medium-term, and the work that will take more time should be considered as a long-term plan.

Under the short-term plan, it has suggested completing the roads which are currently under construction, to increase the number of boats in lakes including Phewa lake with eco-friendly options and to improve its quality, to complete the construction of footpaths around the Phewa lake, to arrange green areas and parks. Similarly, it is suggested to arrange suitable accommodation for all types of tourists in the short-term plan.

In the medium-term plan, the committee has suggested to specialize tourism and diversify accommodation and develop skilled manpower to cater to different types of tourists. “For this, we have asked to diversify accommodation including home-stay, two-star, three-star, four-star, five-star, seven-star hotels. We have also suggested creating professional manpower to make tourism hospitality on par with the global trend,” he said.

Similarly, in the long-term plan, the report suggests creating an environment to keep track of tourists and monitor them by using smart technology. The report also suggests creating an environment to prolong the stay of tourists. 

The committee has identified 20 key infrastructures to make Pokhara a tourism capital. It outlines how to identify, protect and promote natural and physical destinations that attract tourists. 

In order to add facilities for the tourists, the committee has suggested increasing tourism activities, improving the conditions of service providers as well as the legal structure, and creating an environment that guarantees public safety. Similarly, it has pointed out the need to encourage innovation, development and beautification, and to promote local dishes, fairs, and festivals for effective marketing to attract tourists.

"Declaring the capital does not mean that people's living standards will rise or tourists will suddenly increase," said committee coordinator Devkota, adding, "It will help in the branding of Pokhara, it will get first priority in the plans made by the three-tier government, and it will also help in the marketing and promotion of Pokhara." He claims it will create an investment-friendly environment as well.

Along with the recommendation of Pokhara as tourism capital, the committee has also suggested construction of Firke Khola Corridor, construction of Seti River Corridor, construction of Begnas, Fewa lake cycling routes, construction of Arogya Dham, conservation and promotion of biodiversity of Panchase forest, construction of botanical garden, park, and upgrading and expansion of road network in order to attract tourists. It also suggested identifying, protecting and promoting new trails.

Devkota informed that the committee has also suggested commercial flights to Pokhara International Airport, public shuttle buses from there, encouragement of electric vehicles to reduce pollution, making a documentary in Nepali and English languages about Pokhara's tourist destinations and making Pokhara free from stray animals.

For the implementation of the given suggestions, the committee has asked the Gandaki Provincial Government to cooperate and coordinate with the Pokhara Metropolitan City. 

Chief Minister Surendraraj Pandey said that Pokhara will be declared a tourism capital within the timeframe mentioned in the committee's report after reviewing the report. "Pokhara is indeed the tourism capital," he said. “But now we will formally announce it.” He said that he will cooperate with Pokhara Metropolitan City, tourism-related organizations and nearby municipalities for the effective implementation of the report.

 
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