Tourist influx revives Pokhara’s tourism sector ahead of Nepali New Year
Both domestic and foreign tourists are flocking to the city, revitalizing tourism-related businesses and activities.
KATHMANDU: Pokhara, the picturesque capital city, is experiencing a surge in tourist numbers as the Nepali New Year approaches.
Both domestic and foreign tourists are flocking to the city, revitalizing tourism-related businesses and activities.
Encouraged by the increasing movement of visitors, tourism entrepreneurs are optimistic about the city’s prospects.
Laxman Subedi, President of the Pokhara Hotel Association, noted a significant rise in hotel occupancy, reaching 50 percent recently. “On Fridays and Saturdays, hotel occupancy reaches 60 percent,” he remarked, expressing expectations for it to soar to 90 percent during the upcoming New Year celebrations.
Hotel occupancy in Pokhara had previously plummeted to less than ten percent during December and January, typically considered the ‘off-season’ for tourism.
President Subedi anticipates a further uptick in tourist numbers with the 19th Phewa New Year Festival slated to take place at Lakeside, aligning with the New Year 2081 BS.
To entice visitors, President Subedi announced a 30 percent discount on hotel rates during the festival period. With Pokhara’s hotels capable of accommodating up to 40,000 tourists daily, Subedi emphasized the need for increased tourist arrivals.
“Currently, only 20,000 domestic and foreign tourists visit Pokhara daily,” he stated, highlighting the potential to fill over 1,200 hotels with the desired influx of 40,000 tourists per day.
While hotel entrepreneurs rejoice in the tourism revival, other business owners eagerly await a similar resurgence in their sectors, hopeful for brighter days ahead.
