Koshi Province targets 1.5 million tourists in Tourism Year 2082

KATHMANDU: In a bold move to revive the tourism sector post-COVID-19, the Koshi Province Government has officially launched “Tourism Year 2082” with an ambitious target of attracting 1.5 million tourists, including significant numbers from neighboring India and third countries.

The initiative has generated widespread enthusiasm among locals and tourism entrepreneurs alike.

Since the announcement, there has been a noticeable increase in tourist activity throughout the province.

Hotel and tourism business owners have reported a growing influx of visitors, with Indian tourists being the primary contributors.

Kamlesh Sharma, a tourist from Bihar, India, who recently visited Kanyam in Ilam, shared his excitement: “Nepal is truly a piece of heaven. It’s far more beautiful than I imagined. I’ve been here for two days with my friends, and we plan to stay for a week.”

The campaign aims to rejuvenate a tourism industry that was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tumraj Limbu, President of the Hotel Association of Bhedetar, expressed optimism: “We, hotel operators, are extremely happy. We believe Tourism Year 2082 will revitalize our businesses after the pandemic setback.”

To ensure smoother travel for Indian tourists, who often complained about lengthy border checks, the Koshi Government has begun issuing special vehicle stickers at border points. Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki inaugurated the campaign by personally attaching the first sticker to an Indian tourist vehicle. These stickers are designed to facilitate easy movement of tourist vehicles across the border.

According to Limbu, around 100 Indian tourist vehicles arrive daily in Bhedetar. The area and its surroundings can accommodate between 15,000 to 20,000 tourists through a network of hotels and homestays.

Internal tourism is also seeing an upward trend. Nagendra Magar, a homestay operator from Namje in Sangurigadhi-6, Dhankuta, said that tourist numbers have increased significantly compared to last year, especially on weekends. Namje Thumki Community Homestay includes 19 households, capable of hosting up to 100 guests.

The growth in domestic tourism has also positively impacted the transport sector. Nagendra Bhattarai, a transportation entrepreneur from Belbari-9, Morang, noted that more people are renting vehicles for travel and exploration.

Rajendra Raut, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) for Koshi Province, emphasized the economic potential of the program. “With active collaboration between the public and private sectors, Tourism Year 2082 will stimulate the province’s overall economy. Everyone must contribute from their respective sectors to make it a success.”

Tourism Year 2082 was officially inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh on Chaitra 27 at Teenjure-Milke in Tehrathum, renowned as the capital of rhododendrons. The initiative focuses on promoting religious, natural, and cultural tourism. Co-coordinator of Koshi Tourism Year 2082, Bhavish Shrestha, stated that tourists are also showing interest in areas such as education, health, and sports.

With a shared commitment from government, businesses, and local communities, Koshi Province aims to position itself as a leading destination for both domestic and international travelers.