Meeting between Pokhara’s representatives, US Ambassador Thompson

A meeting between representatives of tourism organisations and the United States Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson has taken place in Pokhara. The meeting discussed mutual cooperation on tourism between Nepal and the US, it has been said.

On the occasion, General Secretary of the Hotel Association Pokhara, Rajendra Dhakal, and President of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal, Gandaki Province, Dharma Raj Panthi informed the Ambassador about tourism activities of Pokhara.

“We are concerned and sensitive about the security of the US citizens and tourists,” said Dhakal.

They worked together with the US Embassy, and it would continue in the days to come, he expressed the hope.

The number of US tourists to Nepal has increased lately, he informed. Stating that around Rs 5 billion has been invested in hotel industry in the area, Panthi said they were serving people amid difficulties created by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The Association was ready to cooperate with the US Embassy in inviting US bloggers, travel writers and journalists to visit Pokhara, and it could play a role for the bilateral trade benefits as it was an appropriate time for investment in tourism in Pokhara, he said.

In return, Ambassador Thompson showed his concern about compulsorily managing a guide for tourists on the way to trekking. To this, Panthi said managing a guide meant for tourists’ security.