KATHMANDU: A 126-member Nepali delegation, led by Mayor Dhana Raj Acharya of Pokhara Metropolitan City, arrived in Chengdu, China on March 18 aboard a chartered Sichuan Airlines flight, marking a milestone in the effort to establish direct air connectivity between Pokhara and Chengdu. This inaugural flight sets the stage for enhanced bilateral tourism cooperation as Nepal and China celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.

The delegation was warmly welcomed at Tianfu International Airport by representatives of the Sichuan Provincial Government. According to officials, Sichuan Airlines has expressed its intention to operate at least 10 chartered flights—one per week—on the Pokhara–Chengdu route, with the goal of eventually launching regular commercial operations.

The delegation includes a diverse mix of stakeholders from the Nepali tourism sector, including the Chief Administrative Officer of Pokhara, local government representatives, members of the Nepal Tourism Board (Gandaki Province), the Pokhara Tourism Council, hoteliers, tour operators, and other tourism professionals.

Photo Courtesy: Consulate General of Nepal, Chengdu

The visit coincides with broader efforts to promote Visit Nepal Year 2025 in China. On March 19, the delegation co-hosted a major tourism promotion event, "Nepal Sales Mission – 2025", in Chengdu. The event was jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province, the Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu, and the Pokhara Tourism Council, drawing participation from over 250 tourism industry representatives from both Nepal and China.

In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Pokhara Tourism Council reiterated the city's commitment to becoming a world-class tourist destination. A detailed presentation by Maniraj Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board Gandaki Province, showcased Pokhara’s appeal to Chinese travelers.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Acharya emphasized the importance of direct connectivity between Pokhara and Chengdu, highlighting the cities’ shared status as major tourism hubs. The Deputy Director General of the Sichuan Foreign Affairs Office also underscored the potential for multi-destination travel packages and deeper cooperation between the two regions.

Photo Courtesy: Consulate General of Nepal, Chengdu

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Consul General of Nepal in Chengdu expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to facilitating trade and tourism efforts across the Himalayas, particularly in support of Visit Nepal Year 2025 in China.

Following Chengdu, the delegation is scheduled to host a similar promotional event in Chongqing on March 22. During their week-long visit, they will also explore other nearby tourism destinations, including Leshan, Dujiangyan, Luzhou, and Chongqing.

The Mayor and his team also held a meeting with the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism on March 19 and are expected to meet with the Mayor of Luzhou City on March 20, before concluding their visit and returning to Nepal on March 21.

The mission, organized under the coordination of the Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu, represents a significant effort to deepen tourism ties and expand Nepal’s presence in the Chinese travel market ahead of the landmark Visit Nepal Year 2025.