During the year, this popular tourist destination of the region received 203,527 overseas visitors, whereas a year ago, the number was 186,643. “The number rose mainly due to end of conflict and better travel advisory coming in the wake of peace process,” said Giridhari Dhakal, chief of the office. [break]
Talking to myrepublica.com, Dhakal stated that improvement in movement of people and momentum gained by the peace process contributed in boosting the tourist confidence. If the peace is restored in the country, he said the number of visitors in the city will continue to grow in the years to come.
Statistics of the office shows that the largest number of tourists visited Pokhara in October 2009. During the month, a total of 26,702 tourists traveled to Pokhara. The lowest flow of tourists for the year was recorded in the month of August, when the city received only 9,015 overseas visitors.
In 2008, Pokhara had received the highest number of tourists (24,703) in October and lowest (8,328) in July. Dhakal said the number of visitors in Pokhara would rise if the tourism entrepreneurs in the lake city offered more services and facilities than what they are providing now.
Statistics show that tourists from all major markets like Japan, China, the UK, Germany, United States and India visit Pokhara. India is the largest tourist generating country for the city. More than 41,500 Indian tourists had visited Pokhara in 2008.
“Entrepreneurs still prefer easy money over laying down extensive facilities for visitors. If they changed this approach and offered new packages and programs, the city will witness rise in number of tourist arrival,” he said.
Presently, the city attracts only 25 percent of the total tourists visiting the country, according to entrepreneurs. Rest travels to Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and trek along the major trekking circuits. More than 70 percent of tourists visiting Pokhara go for trekking to Annapurna Base Camp and other trekking destinations.
Entrepreneurs admitted that the rise in the number of visitors enabled them enjoy a good business in 2009. “Positive change in the political front contributed to the rise in arrivals,” said Bachchu Ram Tiwari, president of Pokhara Tourism Council.
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