On February 27, 2024, Bikalpa An Alternative hosted an interaction program with the Koshi Province Tourism Minister, Hon. Sadanand Mandal. The session centered around the province’s tourism plans and policies, as well as advertising strategies aimed at attracting tourists. Mr. Basanta Adhikari moderated the discussion, ensuring a comprehensive exchange of ideas between stakeholders. The program was aimed to engage bikalpa fellow and YPE Fellow Member.
Hon Minister Sadanand Mandal opened the session by highlighting the Koshi government’s declaration of 2082 as the “Koshi Province Tourism Year.” He emphasized the province’s potential as a prime tourist destination due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty. He underscored India as a major target market for tourism, citing cultural similarities that could be leveraged to attract Indian visitors. To illustrate his point, he referenced Prayagraj as an example of how cultural tourism can significantly boost government revenue.
Minister Mandal elaborated on the various forms of tourism that Koshi Province could promote, including cultural, entertainment, health, and nature tourism. He stated that efforts are underway to facilitate travel for Indian tourists to Nepal by introducing a system of tourist stickers. Furthermore, he mentioned that the government is collaborating with the Swiss government for infrastructure development, which is expected to enhance accessibility and tourism facilities in the region.
Bishal Ghimire, the government secretary, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to making the Koshi Province Tourism Year 2082 a success. He pointed out that while the region has immense potential for tourism development, improvements in infrastructure and hospitality services are crucial. To address this, several development projects are currently underway, including the establishment of hotels and homestays within the province.
Ghimire also discussed the diverse geography, culture, climate, and traditions of the region, which present vast opportunities for tourism. However, he acknowledged certain challenges that need to be addressed, such as the lengthy registration and renewal processes for hotel establishments and the lack of a sufficient budget for large-scale tourism development projects. He stressed that overcoming these hurdles requires effective advertising, proper regulation, and better coordination between the private and public sectors.
Furthermore, Ghimire highlighted the role of social media in promoting tourist attractions. He argued that digital marketing and strategic online promotions are essential tools for reaching a broader audience and creating awareness about Koshi Province’s tourism potential. He concluded by outlining the government’s role in facilitating, promoting, and regulating tourism initiatives to ensure sustainable and long-term growth.
The interactive program successfully provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of tourism in Koshi Province. The insights shared by Minister Mandal and Secretary Ghimire shed light on both the opportunities and challenges facing the region’s tourism sector. Moving forward, stakeholders must collaborate to implement strategic policies, improve infrastructure, and enhance marketing efforts to achieve the vision of Koshi Province Tourism Year 2082.
