Pokhara sees influx of domestic, foreign tourists during festivals

POKHARA: Pokhara is currently witnessing an influx of domestic and foreign tourists, driven by the long Dashain–Tihar holidays, clear mountain views and favourable weather, hotel and tourism officials said.

The surge has created an encouraging buzz in the city’s hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related activities, encouraging tourism entrepreneurs and sending a positive message to the sector.

“The tourism sector of Pokhara, which has been hit by various disasters, has now felt some relief. Especially during Tihar, domestic tourists as well as foreign tourists came in satisfactory numbers,” Laxman Subedi, President of the Hotel Association Pokhara, said. “Due to the long holidays and favourable weather, 90% of the lakeside hotels are currently occupied.”

Officials said arrivals include domestic tourists and some foreign visitors who have set off on trips for trekking in the Annapurna region and to Mustang via Pokhara and nearby destinations, contributing to the increased numbers. The rise is expected to have a positive impact on tourism not only in Pokhara but across the whole Gandaki Province.

According to Association President Subedi, Pokhara has about 1,200 tourist-standard hotels, of which 700 are concentrated in the lakeside and damsite areas. The city’s hotels have the capacity to accommodate around 40,000 guests per night.

Krishna Acharya, President of Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), Pokhara, said the numerous beautiful trails in the Annapurna region have made it an attractive destination for trekkers from around the world. “The arrival of domestic and foreign tourists is now encouraging,” he said. TAAN has recently promoted the Annapurna North route, also known as the Maurice Herzog Trail.

Bishwaraj Poudel, President of Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) Pokhara, expressed happiness at the encouraging arrival of tourists in Pokhara after a long time, saying arrivals during Tihar are better than during Dashain.

Hari Bhujel, Senior Vice President of Pokhara Tourism Council, said that this season’s arrivals alone cannot sustain investment in the tourism sector and said the government should draw up a long-term plan to attract visitors year-round. He called for a sustainable tourism strategy to safeguard the sector, noting that natural disasters, political instability and pandemics have a direct impact on tourism.

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