BHAKTAPUR, JULY 16
The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), in coordination with Hotel Association of Bhaktapur (HAB), has launched 'Breathtaking Bhaktapur,' a tourism promotional book showcasing various tourist attractions and information related to Bhaktapur.
The book was launched jointly by HAN President Binayak Shah and HAB President Satya Ram Suwal during the closing ceremony of a two-day event held here. As per stakeholders, the main objective of the book launch was to promote the awe-inspiring city of Bhaktapur to foreign and domestic tourists and extend their stay in Bhaktapur.
In terms of tourism, Bhaktapur is an easily accessible destination along with Kathmandu. Now the number of tourists who come to visit and stay in Bhaktapur is in-creasing.
"It is necessary to increase the numbers further," Shah said at the book launch event. "We have published the book to give information on the identity and itinerary of Bhaktapur so that new packages can be developed."
While the number of tourists who visit the city is increasing, the number of tourists staying overnight is still low. "Additional steps are required to extend the stay of tourists in Bhaktapur,"Shah said.
He also said that new high-end hotels and resorts have also been brought into operation in Bhaktapur for the special Visit Year 2025. According to him, Bhaktapur's Doleshwar Mahadev temple, Durbar Square, Changunarayan, Nagarkot, Ranikot, Pilot Baba, Suryavinayak and other areas are attractive centres for tourists and should be prompted to increase the stay of tourists in Bhaktapur.Similarly, HAB President Suwal said that the book will provide tourists with comprehensive information and travel details of Bhaktapur. "The book aims to increase the number of visits and prolong the stay of tourists by developing the lifestyle and traditions of Bhaktapur as a tourism product.
He shared that efforts are being made to extend their stay in Bhaktapur as it is in close proximity with Kathmandu, has vari-ous monasteries and temples, and is a tourist destination.
"Tourists can stay in Bhaktapur for two-three days and visit nearby destinations and participate in various activities. Preparations are also being made to establish a dedicated night street at Bhaktapur Durbar Square to further increase tourism activities in the area," he said.
Meanwhile, Sajan Shakya, vice-president of HAN, said that the preparation of attractive packages has been started in collaboration with various hotels to further promote Bhaktapur.
"We have launched the book 'Breathtaking Bhaktapur' to promote tourism alongside showcasing the importance of the old city which is also nicknamed 'the living heritage of Nepal'," he said.
He also informed that the Bhaktapur tourism promotion programme has been initiated in collaboration with various organisations related to tourism, including the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NAT- TA), Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN), and stakeholders concerned. Stating that Bhaktapur also has the needed infrastructure to serve high-end tourists, Shakya shared that the association has aimed to promote Bhaktapur not only as a sight-seeing but also as a special tourist destination that necessitates a longer stay.
At present, more than 100 hotels, resorts, and homestays are operating in Bhaktapur.
Furthermore, Jeewan Gosai, owner of Hotel Central Bhaktapur, shared that only half of the tourists visiting Bhaktapur stay overnight in the city. "While many tourists have been coming to Bhaktapur, their itinerary includes a half-day of sightseeing of Bhaktapur durbar square and nearby streets. As Bhaktapur is rich not only for its durbar square but also for its cultural and traditional significance, we are hopeful that they will choose to stay in Bhaktapur for at least one night."
Gosai also clarified that while the entrance ticket to Bhaktapur Durbar Square comes to around Rs 1,800 per day for foreigners, tourists who choose to stay for more than one day in Bhaktapur can receive a pass from the hotels they are staying in. "After receiving a pass from their respective hotels, tourists will not be required to pay the entrance fee throughout the length of their stay here," Gosai told THT.
'Breathtaking Bhaktapur' includes a brief history of Bhaktapur, the prevalent culture and traditions, and festivals and events celebrated here. The book also provides tourists with a list of tourist attractions around the city, a walkthrough itinerary, hidden tourist destinations, and practical information related to transportation and local accommodations.
A version of this article appears in the print on July 17, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
