KAILALI, March 14: Entrepreneurs of the far western region of Nepal have demanded direct flights between Dhangadhi and Pokhara, especially to cater to Indian tourists and other international tourists willing to travel to these destinations.

The entrepreneurs have demanded direct air services to and from Dhangadhi to promote and further develop tourism in the far western region of Nepal. They have requested the government to grant permission to connect the two destinations to bring in tourists from far western Nepal to Pokhara and vice versa.

Kalam Bam, president of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, Kailali, said they have demanded that the government encourage Indian tourists to visit Pokhara and tourists visiting Pokhara to further visit the far western parts of Nepal. “Direct flights will make it easy for such tourists,” he said. “We are planning to make tourists on each side visit both the places for which permission for the connection via airways is important.”

Stating that COVID-19 has put the tourism industry in trouble, he said that with the revival of tourism in the far west, economic activities will also resume in a full-fledged manner.

“Tourism has many aspects other than hoteliers,” he said, “If tourists enter the region, not only hotels benefit but also other businesses will be revived.”

Bikal Tulachan, president of Pashchimanchal Hotel Association, said, “Airway is the most important and easiest way to commute for tourists. So it would be easier for us to make tourists travel to both the destinations if direct flights are available between the two cities.”

He requested both the provincial and federal governments to grant permission to operate direct flights between the destinations. “We are prepared to operate the service and are eager to welcome tourists,” he said, adding, “But the government should allow us to do so.”               

 
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