Kathmandu, June 10
The governments of all seven provinces have decided to form their own tourism boards to boost tourism in their respective provinces.
The Policy and Programme of all seven provinces has highlighted the need to form provincial tourism boards under the model Public Private Partnership model adopted by the federal tourism board.
The provincial government officials say they will start their tourism board in the coming fiscal year to market and promote the Visit Nepal Year 2020.
Through the board, Province 1 aims to develop Biratnagar airport and start mountain flights from the area. It also plans to market eco and agro-tourism. Similarly, Province 2 is aiming to boost its tourism prospects in the coming fiscal year and is planning to build a road along the banks of the Koshi River and establish homestays which will help preserve culture and tradition of the province. It also aims to train hoteliers and lodge owners.
Province 3, through its tourism board, aims to preserve its living heritage and increase employment opportunities. Gandaki Province, on the other hand, is planning to build the necessary infrastructure for tourism development. It aims to develop area such as Muktinath and Dhorpatan, Gorkha. It wants to establish itself as Nepal’s tourism capital.
Likewise, Province 5 wants to use Lumbini to develop its tourism prospects. Its master plan also includes establishing few hill stations in the province along with trekking routes in possible areas.
Karnali Province wants to establish its own airline. Along with this, it is also looking for new tourism destinations around the province. Its proposed plans also included constructing a cable car in the area and form a new ‘Guerrilla Trail’ route.
Sudurpachim Province has planned to develop tourist destinations around the province to make sure both domestic and international tourists spend more days in the province. All provinces have pledged to work together to preserve centuries-old forts and historic monuments.
