CHENGDU: Tourism entrepreneurs from Pokhara and Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, have established a business partnership through a successful Business-to-Business (B2B) and Sales Mission program.
The initiative, organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), marks a milestone in strengthening tourism ties between the two cities.
The event, held in collaboration with the Pokhara Tourism Council and the Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu, brought together tourism entrepreneurs from both sides to discuss opportunities for cooperation and expansion of tourism networks.
The partnership was marked by the arrival of Pokhara’s tourism entrepreneurs on the first commercial chartered flight from Pokhara International Airport to Chengdu, operated by Sichuan Airlines. Speaking at the event, Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya expressed his enthusiasm for the historic flight, calling it a significant step in promoting tourism between the two destinations.
Mayor Acharya highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between Nepal and China, dating back to historical figures like Bhrikuti, Songtsen Gampo, and Araniko. He emphasized that direct flights would benefit both Nepali and Chinese tourists, fostering cultural exchange and boosting tourism.
During the event, tourism entrepreneurs from Chengdu praised Pokhara’s natural beauty and urged for the development of tourism infrastructure to attract more Chinese visitors. They also expressed their readiness to support regular flights between the two cities.
Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Sichuan Province, Liu Min, expressed confidence that the chartered flights would soon become regular, strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation.
Chairperson of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Taranath Pahari, stated that the direct flight would significantly enhance tourism partnerships between Nepal and China. He expressed optimism that the collaboration would lead to increased support and cooperation from Chengdu’s tourism stakeholders.
Chief of NTB, Gandaki Province, Maniraj Lamichhane, reiterated Pokhara’s appeal as a prime destination for Chinese tourists and stressed the need for regular direct flights to maintain momentum.
Consul General Suresh Raut pledged continued support from the Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu to ensure the continuation of the Pokhara-Chengdu flight.
General Secretary of the Pokhara Tourism Council, Jeevan Raj Sapkota, expressed confidence that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Pokhara would rise in the coming days.
The B2B and Sales Mission marked a significant step toward strengthening tourism relations and leveraging direct connectivity to boost tourist flows between Pokhara and Chengdu.
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