Biplav Paudel, member of national coordination committee of NTY 2011 campaign, said they are doing groundwork to organize different activities to publicize the campaign in a massive way.[break]
Exploration and promotion of trekking routes in and around Pokhara, introduction of rafting in Mardi Khola, participation in international travel marts, installation of promotional hoarding boards and beginning of direct bus service from bordering Indian cities, are some of the programs that Pokhara-based entrepreneurs have planned, according to Paudel.
He said they also have plans to observe local festivals in a grand manner so as to attract more visitors.
“If political situation in the country becomes stable and our programs go as planned, we can achieve the target,” Paudel claimed.
The entrepreneurs are planning to explore and promote new trekking routes in coordination with Trekking Agencies´ Association of Nepal (TAAN). They have plans to promote home stay facility along the new routes.
“We also have plans to promote destinations adjoining the Pokhara Valley -- like Sirubari, Dhampus, Panchase, Sikles and Ghandruk among others -- aggressively,” he added.
The government has set a target of welcoming one million visitors in the country in 2011. It plans to welcome 300,000 visitors via road.
“Transport entrepreneurs are preparing to start direct bus service to Pokhara from bordering Indian cities. We are also organizing promotional activities in Indian cities like Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Patna and Darjeeling,” he added.
Entrepreneurs in Pokhara are also preparing to promote Damodarkunda and Muktinath area as religious tourism destinations.
“We can bring in more Indian visitors by promoting these sacred destinations,” he added. They also hope to increase the average length of stay of visitors in Pokhara to four days.
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