With the aim of promoting ailing tourism industry of the country in the post-conflict period, a year long event- Visit Pokhara Year 2007- formally kicked off Monday in the western town of Pokhara.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Pradeep Gyawali. (File photo)

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Pradeep Gyawali. (File photo)
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Pradeep Gyawali inaugurated the year long event amidst a function in Pokhara on Monday.

A press statement issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) said, the event was organized in Pokhara, the western tourism hub of Nepal, to promote the tourism industry in the post-conflict period by repositioning itself in the international market.

Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), NTB and Pokhara Tourism Council are jointly organizing the event with the objectives of enhancing the image of Pokhara as a must see tourist destination of Nepal; helping increase tourism activities in Nepal in the post-conflict political scenario of Nepal; promoting Pokhara, Lumbini, Palpa, Syangja, Tanahu and surrounding tourist destinations among others.

The event is also aimed at involving all key players and stakeholders for their active participation in enhancing the image of Pokhara and the surroundings, conserving major tourism products like Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Buddhist Circuits etc.; and identifying and supporting in the area of improving Human Resources.

Speaking at the inaugural of the event, Minister Gyawali said, “The celebration is being held to cash in on an opportunity brought about by the ongoing peace process.”

Minister Gyawali further said, “With Visit Pokhara program, the government is attempting to spur tourism sector in the Western Region. The government is in the process of unveiling new Tourism Master Plan and Tourism Policy to boost the industry.”

In response to the organizers’ request, local leaders of major political parities pledged that they would reach a consensus among all political parities not to call for general strikes in Pokhara during the year-long celebration.

“The campaign is the largest tourism event after restoration of peace in the country, and will be marked by a series of celebrations throughout the year,” NTB said.