Tourism entrepreneurs using brochures in Chinese language

Pokhara, April 8

With an increasing number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal, tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara have started using brochures in Chinese language for first time.

Pokhara Tourism Council, Pokhara-based umbrella organisation of tourism entrepreneurs, took the initiative to facilitate Chinese tourists visiting Nepal.

“Generally Nepalis don’t understand Chinese and the Chinese tourists don’t feel comfortable with English either. Hence, we prepared promotional materials in Chinese language,” said Som Bahadur Thapa, chairperson of the council.

According to Thapa, the council has published 10,000 brochures in Chinese language.

The brochure has information about Pokhara, its major attractions, including caves, Seti Gorge, Davis Falls, museum, main religious sites, hill stations, festivals, various cultural programmes and amenities, among others.

The entrepreneurs are planning to distribute the brochures to Chinese tourists and upload them online, as per the council.

Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai, chairperson of Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal, Pokhara chapter, said opening of hotels and restaurants targeting Chinese tourists was on an increasing trend in Pokhara.

“In the past few years, around a dozen restaurants have been set up in the Lake City targeting Chinese visitors. The number of hotels and restaurants with Chinese investment is also increasing in Pokhara,” said Bhattarai.

Naresh Bhattarai, operator of Mount Kailash Resort, said though the arrival of Chinese tourists had declined after last year’s powerful earthquake and blockade along Nepal-India border points, it has gradually increased of late, said the entrepreneurs.

Tourist arrivals from other countries has also increased of late, said Bharat Raj Parajuli, chairperson of Western Regional Hotel Association, Pokhara.

Of the Chinese tourists visiting Nepal, more than 60 per cent visit Pokhara, he said.

Meanwhile, Govinda Raj Pahari, a member of National Tourism Promotion Committee, said it was necessary to teach tour guides and hotel staff Chinese language to tackle language barrier.