Pokhara, June 28

Western Regional Hotel Association, Pokhara, is all set to launch its annual tourism promotion campaign ‘Let’s go to Pokhara’ in bordering Indian cities from Friday.

According to campaign coordinator and WRHAP Chairperson Bikal Tulachan, a 30-member team will be visiting Patna, Lucknow and Gorakhpur to promote the major tourism destinations of the country. The team comprises tourism entrepreneurs from Pokhara and Lumbini, Nepal Tourism Board officials and journalists.

“We hope this campaign will be instrumental in reviving the tourism sector that was beset by a number of factors such as earthquake, blockade and the Tarai agitation,” Tulachan said, adding the campaign will last for four days.

WRHAP General Secretary Ganeshraj Pahari explained the rationale behind the campaign, saying it was aimed at promoting the major tourism destinations of Nepal and luring prospective visitors into the country. “Besides the promotional activities, the team will also hold press conferences and bilateral trade meetings,” Pahari added.

As per data, Indian tourists make up 33 per cent of the total number of tourists visiting Nepal. Chitwan, Pokhara, Manakamana temple in Gorkha  and Muktinath temple in Mustang are among the most popular destinations for tourists from India.

The association has also been launching campaigns for domestic tourists and tourists from Third World countries.