Hotel entrepreneurs in Pokhara have appealed to the government to officially recognise tourism on par with industry, arguing that previous policy commitments have yet to be implemented. Laxman Subedi, Chairperson of Hotel Association Pokhara, Nepal (HAPN), submitted a five-point memorandum to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha on Saturday. The document urges the government to enforce the budget provision for the current fiscal year that places tourism and industry on equal footing. Subedi said the memorandum was intended to highlight the government’s continued inaction despite acknowledging the equal economic contribution of tourism and industry. The Association also called for regular international flights from Pokhara International Airport to major cities in India and China, along with expanded domestic air routes linking provincial cities to boost internal tourism and attract visitors from neighbouring countries.
