KATHMANDU: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized a tourism business interaction programme in Pokhara on January 29, bringing together tourism stakeholders from Gandaki Province to discuss industry needs and future priorities.

The programme was attended by Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board; Rishi Ram Bhandari, Executive Committee Member of NTB; Mani Raj Lamichhane, Chair of the Gandaki Province Tourism Board; and former board members including Bishwa Palikhe, Tikaram Sapkota, and Basudev Tirpati. Representatives from 18 tourism-related organizations, both registered and unregistered, also participated, covering sectors such as trekking, travel, hotels, restaurants, transportation, garments, paragliding, and women-led tourism businesses.

Discussions focused on NTB’s activities during the fiscal year 2025–26, pending programmes, and the current challenges faced by tourism businesses in the region. Stakeholders shared their expectations on how the Board could provide more effective support to strengthen the tourism industry.

The interaction programme, held at Soaltee Westend Pokhara Hotel, also addressed issues related to investment security, making Pokhara more tourism-friendly, and the need for formal federal government approval regarding Pokhara’s status, with participants noting that faster decisions could further boost tourism and safeguard local investments.

Participants expressed appreciation to the Nepal Tourism Board and the Gandaki Province Tourism Board for organizing the programme and facilitating dialogue between policymakers and tourism entrepreneurs.