Pokhara, May 20, 2025 – The "Third Village Tourism Fair" is set to take place in Pokhara for May 23-24, aiming to highlight the immense potential of village tourism and connect local tourism entrepreneurs with broader markets. Organized by the Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Province Office and co-organized by the Village Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal (VITOF) Gandaki, the event will be held at Lakeside and is expected to draw wide participation.
The Gandaki Province, known for its rich tourism assets, considers the industry a key pillar of prosperity. The fair intends to center village tourism as a primary focus, contributing to its promotion and effective marketing. Mani Raj Lamichhane, Chief of the Tourism Board Pokhara, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, "The fair provides an essential platform for local tourism entrepreneurs to promote their services, connect with markets, and establish direct contact with potential tourists."
Objectives and Highlights
The event’s primary objectives include linking village-based homestays and tourism services to the market, exploring the untapped potential of village tourism, and creating local employment opportunities to curb youth migration. Lamichhane underlined the importance of utilizing tourism as a tool for sustainable development, empowering rural communities.
The fair will feature 25 stalls showcasing community homestays and tourism-related services. A series of discussion programs will delve into topics such as the opportunities and challenges in village tourism and the roles of media and entrepreneurs in its promotion. Shobha Sapkota, Chairperson of VITOF Gandaki, highlighted that the event would include cultural presentations from various ethnic groups, showcasing Nepal’s diverse heritage. “The fair will not only promote the identity of tourist villages but also boost the marketing of goods and services produced in rural areas,” she said.
Expected Participation
The fair anticipates the presence of policymakers, representatives of local governments, students, and domestic and international tourists. Organizers expect the event to significantly enhance awareness and professionalism in community homestays and the tourism sector. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the fair aims to create a sustainable framework for village tourism.
A Step Towards Prosperity
With a vision aligned with the national slogan, “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali,” the fair aspires to play a crucial role in promoting village tourism as a driver of socio-economic growth. It represents a collective effort to uplift rural communities by integrating their unique cultural and natural assets into the broader tourism economy.
A Platform for Sustainable Development
The Third Village Tourism Fair underscores the importance of sustainable tourism in achieving long-term development goals. By bridging rural tourism entrepreneurs with markets and stakeholders, the event seeks to foster a resilient and inclusive tourism ecosystem in Gandaki Province and beyond.
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