KATHMANDU: Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) has formed its Koshi Province chapter, with the hospitality sector calling for policy support and improved facilities for tourists entering the province through border points.

Speaking at the formation event, HAN President Binayak Shah urged the Koshi Province Government to introduce appropriate policies, regulations and institutional mechanisms to support the sustainable development of the hospitality industry amid the expansion of hotels and tourism-related businesses.

Shah also called for modern Tourist Assistance Centres at major border crossings to provide information, facilitation and support services to visitors. He said difficulties faced by tourists at border entry points needed to be addressed to improve their travel experience.

Koshi Province Tourism Minister Linu Langwa (Limbu), who was the chief guest, said the provincial association would contribute to tourism and hospitality development in the region and expressed support for initiatives to strengthen the sector.

Rajan Shrestha has been elected president of HAN Koshi Province, with Bhawish Kumar Shrestha as senior vice-president, Shanti Shrestha as vice-president, Jeewan Parajuli as secretary general, Punya Bhattarai as secretary and Khem Oli as treasurer.

HAN Secretary General Sajan Shakya said the formation of the provincial chapter was part of the association's initiative to establish provincial associations across all seven provinces. He urged the new chapter to focus on tourism promotion, protecting the interests of hotel entrepreneurs and improving coordination among tourism stakeholders.