Gandaki, June 3: The Gandaki Province government has announced plans to place greater emphasis on promotion of domestic tourism in the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 BS through initiatives such as the ‘First Home, Then Abroad’ and ‘Lake to Lake’ programmes.
Unveiling the province’s annual policies and programmes in the Gandaki Provincial Assembly on Tuesday, Province Chief Dilliraj Bhatta said the provincial government would implement a ‘One District, One Tourist Destination’ policy aimed at promoting tourism across all districts in the Province.
The initiative will also support cultural festivals, indigenous traditions, local products and lifestyles.
The government also plans to upgrade and commercialize homestay and farm-stay facilities to enhance visitors’ experiences and generate income for local communities.
As part of efforts to strengthen religious tourism, the provincial government will develop a pilgrimage circuit connecting key religious sites, including Damodar Kunda, Muktinath Temple, Devghat and Trivenidham, according to the annual policies and programmes document.
Tourism infrastructure and emergency rescue services will also be expanded. Among the major tourism projects, the government aims to complete the ‘Round Fewa: View Fewa’ project.
A plan to build a pedestrian selfie bridge across Fewa Lake is also incorporated in the annual policies and programmes, along with a glass bridge at Rupa Lake.
The policy also includes plans to upgrade trekking routes in the Manaslu region, Annapurna region, Dhaulagiri region and Dhorpatan region.
With an objective to boost international tourism, the provincial government has set a target of doubling tourist arrivals from India and China within the next five years through the ‘Visit Gandaki: Enjoy Nature and Culture’ campaign.
The provincial government will also focus on promoting adventure tourism and improving safety measures for visitors.
