Tourism entrepreneurs from Pokhara and Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, have established a business partnership through a Business-to-Business (B2B) and 'Sales Mission' event.
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) organized the event in Chengdu in collaboration with the Pokhara Tourism Council and the Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu. A delegation of Pokhara-based tourism entrepreneurs participated in the program after arriving in China on the first commercial chartered flight from Pokhara International Airport.
During the event, tourism entrepreneurs from both sides emphasized the need to operate regular Sichuan Airlines flights between Pokhara and Chengdu to strengthen tourism ties. The Chengdu entrepreneurs praised Pokhara’s natural beauty and urged local stakeholders to develop infrastructure that would attract more Chinese tourists.
Speaking at the event, Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya expressed enthusiasm over the launch of the first commercial chartered flight, calling Pokhara the "tourism capital of Nepal." He highlighted the deep historical ties between Nepal and China, referencing figures such as Bhrikuti, Songtsen Gampo, and Araniko.
"Sichuan Province is a global tourist attraction, known for its world-famous tea, giant pandas, and Buddhist heritage. Nepali tourists are eager to experience its culture and natural beauty. With direct flights, Chengdu tourists can visit Pokhara, while Nepali tourists can explore Chengdu’s rich offerings," Acharya said.
Liu Min, Deputy Director General of Sichuan Province’s Department of Foreign Affairs, expressed confidence that Sichuan Airlines' chartered flights would eventually become regular. He noted that continued flight operations would not only strengthen tourism ties but also reinforce historical relations between Nepal and
Pokhara Tourism Council Chairperson Taranath Pahari stressed that the Pokhara-Chengdu flight would enhance tourism collaboration and expressed optimism about continued cooperation from Chengdu-based tourism stakeholders.
Maniraj Lamichhane,NTB Director and Chief of NTB's Gandaki Province Office, highlighted Pokhara as a favored destination for Chinese tourists and underscored the importance of maintaining direct flights to attract more visitors.
Nepal’s Consul General in Chengdu, Suresh Raut, assured full support from the Consulate General to facilitate the regularization of the Pokhara-Chengdu flights.
Pokhara Tourism Council General Secretary Jeevan Raj Sapkota expressed confidence that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Pokhara would increase in the coming days with improved air connectivity. -- RSS
