Celebrating Visit Pokhara Year- 2007

In an attempt to enhance Nepal's reputation as a major tourism destination, Nepal Government, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Pokhara Tourism Council are jointly launching the "Visit Pokhara Year 2007." from January 01, 2007.

To be inaugurated on 1st January 2007, this event is aimed at restoring Nepal's image as a prime tourist destination to domestic, neighbouring as well as international tourists.

Organising a press meet on December 29, 2006, secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation Madhav Prasad Ghimire said that the event will also aim at promoting other tourist destinations on the periphery of Pokhara like Lumbini, Palpa, Syangja and Tanahu.

He further said, "This event will help increase tourism activities in Nepal in the post-conflict political scenario."

Furthermore, tourist attractions like Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake and Buddhist circuits will also be restored.

Issuing a press release during the programme, Subhash Nirula, Director of NTB said, "Through this event we hope to increase domestic tourism by 40 percent and international tourists by 25 percent."

Other development activities that will be carried on during the "Visit Pokhara Year" will include infrastructure development, community involvement, and international publicity and promotion of Nepal as a whole, the release said.

Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist spots in Nepal and receives one fourth of the total tourists visiting Nepal.

The major attractions there are the trekking routes to Annapurna region, paragliding, ultra light flights, hiking, among others.

Mr. Tek Bahadur Dangi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board also requested all sectors to make this event successful.