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Lisa Choegyal
Vishnumati House
Budhanilkantha
Kathmandu, Nepal
P: +977 9851025690
www.trctourism.com
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor Nepal Final Report, April 2018
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018
i
Executive Summary
Method
Having assessed relevant previous studies and plans, and confirmed the current
government policies, the team consulted widely with stakeholders in the Pokhara to
Sunauli economic corridor. The key tourism sites were visited, especially in and around the
established tourist destinations of Pokhara and surrounds, Syangja Tansen Palpa along the
Siddhartha Highway, and Greater Lumbini.
Key Findings
The corridor contains Nepal’s major destinations of Pokhara and Lumbini, popular with
domestic, Indian and international visitors, but currently there is little tourism traffic
between the two. New international and domestic air connectivity, and road improvements
and new alignments (such as the North-South Kali Gandaki corridor) will enable accessibility
and serve to expand tourism patterns beyond the current Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan
triangle to a wider cultural circuit including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Muktinath, Ridi, Tansen,
Lumbini, Chitwan and Bimphedi. Current constraints include short stay, low expenditure,
not enough to do, lack of awareness, and concerns with pollution and environmental
degradation. There is potential to attract a broader spectrum of markets including domestic
visitors, higher value general interest markets and Indian cross-border markets.
Recommendations
EPI’s core strategy will:
• Build on current tourism patterns
• Capture momentum from tourism elsewhere in the corridor
• Increase visitor spend and length of stay with improved products, guiding and
interpretation
• Create stopping places and wayside amenities along the Siddhartha Highway to
stimulate travel
• Promote Syangja, Tansen and Palpa to attract visitors between the major
destinations of Pokhara and Lumbini
The following long list of possible PPP interventions were identified, analysed, discussed
with stakeholders and ranked according to an explicit selection criteria that included
market demand, GoN policy and likelihood of success. Five interventions were highlighted
as potential quick win options for priority action, and examined in greater detail. A further
eight were identified as game changers, meaning they had the best potential to significantly
impact tourism patterns.
Cross cutting
Small scale infrastructure
• Wayside amenities POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER
• Signage & information
Capacity building
• Technical assistance to strength selected municipalities for tourism POTENTIAL
QUICK WIN
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018
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• Local guide system
• Homestay training
• Training in social media for tourism marketing
New partnerships for planning, products & promotion
• Forging strategic partnerships
Pokhara and surroundings
Small scale infrastructure
• Upgrade Prince Charles / Tiger Tree picnic site - POTENTIAL QUICK WIN
• Seti Gorge sky walk - POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER
• Cycle and walking trails around and linking seven lakes
• Development of Pachbhaiya community forest
• Hallan Chowk camping site
• Pokhara Panorama Trek
Capacity building
• Developing Ratna Mandir garden as heart of tourism focus - POTENTIAL GAME
CHANGER
New partnerships for planning, products & promotion
• Destination Pokhara marketing strategy & action plan
• Around Pokhara transport service
Tansen Palpa & Economic Corridor
Small scale infrastructure
• Rani Mahal walking trail POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER
• Preserving Tansen’s cultural heritage
• Sewage and solid waste in Tansen Palpa
Capacity building
• Capacity building and training in Tansen, Ridi & Rani Mahal
New partnerships for planning, products & promotion
• Visitor information with GetUp Palpa POTENTIAL QUICK WIN
• Tansen Durbar – regional museum and tourism centre POTENTIAL GAME
CHANGER
• Tansen Palpa tourism association
• Greater Palpa integrated tourism destination development plan
Lumbini Bhairahawa Butwal
Small scale infrastructure
• Tourism facilities in Baunna Koti jungle community forest POTENTIAL QUICK WIN
• Development of Queen Maya’s Path POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER
• Lumbini Biodiversity Education Garden
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Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018
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• Beautification and organisation of Lumbini approach from airport and Sunauli
border
• Wildlife tourism improvements at Lumbini crane sanctuary and Jagdishpur tank
• Large scale restaurant and picnic spots for day visitors to Lumbini
Capacity building
• Improved interpretation at nine sites, particularly Tilaurakot & Ramagram
• Handicrafts training
New partnerships for planning, products & promotion
• Daily Maya Devi Temple opening and closing ceremony POTENTIAL QUICK WIN
• Global architectural competition to replace Maya Devi Temple building
POTENTIAL INTERNATIONAL GAME CHANGER
• Master plan for Janakinagar Park POTENTIAL LOCAL GAME CHANGER
• Tourism transport system from Sunauli to Lumbini and around nine sites
• Greater Lumbini tourism association
Quick win recommendations
The ranking against selected criteria highlighted interventions that are likely to be most
successful for EPI implementation. The following quick win options were analysed to
include potential partners and tentative costs.
• Technical assistance to strengthen selected municipalities for tourism
• Upgrade Prince Charles / Tiger Tree picnic site Lekhnath
• Visitor information with GetUp Palpa
• Tourism facilities in Baunna Koti jungle community forest Tillotama Municipality
• Daily Maya Devi Temple opening & closing ceremony
Potential game changers
The following possible PPP interventions are ranked as having catalytic value as potential
game changers, with more ambitious objectives and long term timelines. These are highly
recommended for further investigation.
• Wayside amenities along Siddhartha Highway
• Seti Gorge sky walk Pokhara
• Developing Ratna Mandir garden as heart of tourism focus Pokhara
• Rani Mahal walking trail Tansen
• Tansen Durbar – regional museum & tourism centre
• Development of Queen Maya’s Path Tilaurakot to Lumbini
• Global architectural competition to replace Maya Devi Temple Lumbini
• Master plan for Janakinagar Park near Butwal
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary i
Method i
Key Findings i
Recommendations i
Quick win recommendations iii
Potential game changers iii
Table of Contents iv
Abbreviations vi
1. Introduction 1
1.1. Purpose of this report 1
1.2. Approach and methodology 1
1.3. Acknowledgements 2
2. Analysis 3
2.1. Previous studies and plans 3
2.2. Research conclusions 10
2.3. Issues and opportunities 10
2.4. Analysis of current trends 11
2.5. Dispersing tourism 18
2.6. Identification of key markets 18
2.7. Strategic directions for tourism planning 20
3. Interventions to boost tourism 22
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
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3.1. Planning framework 22
3.2. Issues and potential interventions 23
3.3. Priority interventions 41
4. Next Steps 44
4.1. Quick win recommendations 44
4.2. Potential game changers 50
4.3. Organising for destination management and marketing 50
4.4. Implications of new Federal structure 51
Appendix 1: Documents consulted 53
Appendix 2: Persons consulted 55
Appendix 3: Mission diary 61
Appendix 4: Consultation discussion participants 63
Appendix 5: Discussion paper for stakeholder consultations 67
Appendix 6: Meeting notes 70
Appendix 7: Hotels in Lumbini area 2017 77
Appendix 8: Monasteries in Lumbini Development Trust area 2018 80
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
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Abbreviations
ACA Annapurna Conservation Area
ACAP Annapurna Conservation Area Project
ADB Asian Development Bank
BCN Bird Conservation Nepal
BZ Buffer Zone
CA Conservation Area
CAAN Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal
CBO Community-based organisations
CCI Chamber of Commerce & Industry
CO Community Organisation
DDC District Development Committee
DFID Department for International Development UKAid
DNPWC Department of National Parks & Wildlife Conservation
DoA Department of Archaeology
DoI Department of Immigration
DoI Department of Industry
DoT Department of Tourism
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EPI Economic Policy Incubator
FDI Foreign Direct Investment
FICCI Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry
FIT Free Independent Traveller
FY Fiscal Year
FNCCI Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce & Industry
GHT Great Himalaya Trail
GHTDP Great Himalaya Trail Development Programme
GLTPP Greater Lumbini Tourism Promotion Plan
GoI Government of India
GoN Government of Nepal
HAN Hotel Association Nepal
HRA Himalayan Rescue Association
HRD Human Resource Development
IBN Investment Board Nepal
ICF International Crane Foundation
ICIMOD International Center for Integrated Mountain Development
IFC International Finance Corporation
I/NGO International/Non Governmental Organisation
ITNC International Trust for Nature Conservation
ITDDPP Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for Pokhara
IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature
KOICA Korean International Cooperation Agency
LDT Lumbini Development Trust
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MICE Meetings Incentives Conferences & Exhibitions
MLD Ministry of Local Development
MoCTCA Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation
MoF Ministry of Finance
MoFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs
MoFSC Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation
MoHA Ministry of Home Affairs
MoFALD Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development
MoU Memorandum of Understanding
NAC Nepal Airlines Corporation
NATA Nepal Association of Travel Agents
NATO Nepal Association of Tour Operators
NATTA Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents
NGO Non governmental organisation
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
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NMA Nepal Mountaineering Association
NP National Park
NRI Non Resident Indian
NRN Non Resident Nepali
NTB Nepal Tourism Board
NTNC National Trust for Nature Conservation
NTSP National Tourism Strategic Plan
PA Protected Area
PATA Pacific Asia Travel Association
PLMC Pokhara Lekhnath Metropolitan City
PPP Public Private Partnership
PSEC Pokhara Sunauli Economic Corridor
RBGE Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Rs. Nepal Rupees
SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
SASEC South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation
SATIDP South Asian Tourism Infrastructure Development Programme
SHAN Siddhartha Hotel Association Nepal
SME Small and Medium Enterprise
TA Technical Assistance
TAAN Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal
TIA Tribhuvan International Airport
TIMS Trekkers' Information Management System
TRPAP Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme
UNDP United Nations Development Program
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNWTO United Nations World Tourism Organisation
VCA Value Chain Analysis
VDC Village Development Committee
VFR Visiting Friends and Relatives
WHS World Heritage Site
WTTC World Travel and Tourism Council
WWF World Wide Fund for Nature / World Wildlife Fund
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
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1. Introduction
1.1. Purpose of this report
This is the final report of the scoping study on tourism opportunities in the Pokhara to
Sunauli economic corridor in the Provinces 4 and 5 for the Economic Policy Incubator (EPI)
submitted 10 April 2018 by tourism consultant Lisa Choegyal.
Section 2 of the report contains a review of tourism in the region and an analysis of
prevailing conditions following site visits and consultations with stakeholders in
Bhairahawa, Butwal, Lumbini, Pokhara and Tansen Palpa. Section 3 identifies a range of
possible PPP interventions for implementation by the EPI team to boost tourism and
promote integrated growth in the sector. Five potential quick-win options are presented in
greater detail in Next Steps in section 4.
The report appendices include a list of documents and persons consulted in 1 and 2
respectively, and details of mission activities in Appendix 3. Consultation discussion
participants are presented in Appendix 4, the discussion paper that was circulated in
advance of consultations in Appendix 5, and meeting notes are recorded in Appendix 6.
1.2. Approach and methodology
The terms of reference call for: ... A comprehensive review of the tourism sector in the
Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor identifying clear options and proposed modalities to
promote integrated regional tourism … Potential quick-win options with analyses of
potentialities for local ownership and successful implementation.
Our approach was to:
• Read and assess all previous studies and plans (Appendix 1)
• Confirm current Government of Nepal (GoN) policy and priorities
• Consult widely with stakeholders in the Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor who
have a strategic viewpoint about tourism
• Visit tourism sites in the economic corridor, especially in and around the
established tourist destinations of Pokhara and surrounds, Syangja Tansen Palpa
along the Siddhartha Highway, and Greater Lumbini areas
The team of Lisa Choegyal, tourism consultant, and Pratishta Swar, EPI research associate,
introduced the study to officials of the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation
(MoCTCA) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on 6 February 2018. Less formal
consultations were held with a wide range of private sector players and NGO potential
partners including Yeti Holidays, Yeti Airlines, WWF Nepal, International Crane Foundation.
All persons consulted are listed in Appendix 2.
A selection of Pokhara Valley current and potential sites were visited on 14 and 19
February, and the consultation discussion was held with 27 stakeholders on 26 March 2018.
The site visits and consultations in Tansen Palpa were held 19 and 20 February, and in
Greater Lumbini 20 to 24 February, including site visits to Tilaurakot (Kapilvastu) and
Ramagram. The stakeholder consultation was held in Lumbini on 22 February and for
Butwal, Bhairahawa and Sunauli stakeholders on 23 February in Bhairahawa. (Mission Diary
Appendix 3).
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
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At the invitation of UNESCO, the team attended the International Scientific Committee
meeting in Lumbini and introduced the scoping study to Lumbini Development Trust,
UNESCO and other national and international stakeholders.
The field trip activities and initial findings were shared with members of the EPI and
Palladium team on 27 February 2018 in Kathmandu. A draft report with issues, strategy and
ideas for interventions throughout the economic corridor was submitted to EPI on 15
March 2018. A validation meeting at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu on 2 April
2018 verified findings and recommendations with key NTB officials. Feedback and
comments from these interactions has been incorporated into the report.
1.3. Acknowledgements
The study team gratefully acknowledges the participation of a wide range of stakeholders
during the consultation process. For the field visits special thanks are due to Mr Saurya
Thapaliya of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Pokhara, Mr Hari Rai of Lumbini Development
Trust, Mr Chandra Shrestha, President of Siddhartha Hotel Association Nepal (SHAN) in
Bhairahawa, and Mr Man Mohan Shrestha, Director GETUP Palpa.
Particularly appreciated was the advice of Mr Danduraj Ghimire, Joint Secretary MoCTCA,
and Mr Deepak Raj Joshi CEO of NTB and his senior management team.
From EPI, thanks are due to Dr Shankar Sharma team leader for his guidance, and to Dr
Harry Jones programme director and Ms Pratistha Swar research associate. Mr Pashupati
Aryal of EPI Pokhara and Mr Rajendra Bhandu EPI Bhairahawa were invaluable for their
local insights and for organising the consultation discussion workshops.
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
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2. Analysis
2.1. Previous studies and plans
Tourism in the Sunauli to Pokhara economic corridor destinations has been the subject of a
large number of planning studies and reports. Tourism documents and initiatives directly
relating to the Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor are assessed below.
Agency Study or initiative Contributions
Lumbini
Development
Trust
Japanese architect Kenzo Tange Master Plan for
Lumbini 1978 for Lumbini Temple in the Sacred
Garden that includes canals, gardens, library,
museum, monastic zones together with areas for
hotels and shops. With UNESCO WHS and DoA,
development, archaeological & cultural heritage
conservation programmes have been implemented
in Lumbini. Master plan updates are proposed,
including by UNESCO (with university partners from
Tokyo, Durham etc.), by China’s Lumbini
Development National Steering Committee 2011 &
KOICA’s Master Plan for Lumbini World Peace City
2014 by Prof Kwaak Young Hoon
The 1978 Kenzo
Tange masterplan is
the guiding
document for the
activities of LDT. In
need of revision,
any update must
address tourism
strategy and visitor
management
Pacific Asia
Travel
Association
PATA volunteers produced early plans including
Pokhara-Nepal, Development of a Secondary
Destination 1975 updating the 1972 German-
assisted Tourism Master Plan, Pokhara 1988 and
Pokhara: Historic Resources Study & Proposal for a
Conservation District Pokhara, Nepal 1990
PATA plans helped
establish Pokhara
as Nepal’s second
destination offering
adventure and
trekking
Asian
Development
Bank
ADB Ecotourism Project 2000-2001 Research,
planning, infrastructure development and software
activities, subsequently implemented by ADB
infrastructure projects (including Pokhara airport
improvements) and through TRPAP activities
including in Tansen Palpa and Lumbini
Improving key
airports has made
significant
improvement to
access
UNDP SNV
DFID
Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme
(TRPAP) 2001- 2007 developed programmes in
Rupandehi & Palpa to contribute to the conservation
of cultural resources and increase benefits to local
communities. Strengthened community enterprises
including handicrafts, tour guide services, souvenir
organization, village visits, local transport, and Sarus
crane sanctuary conservation, although activities
were hampered by civil disturbances
Mainstreamed
tourism planning in
local government.
Contributed
capacity building,
livelihoods and
community
engagement in
tourism
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
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Agency Study or initiative Contributions
WWF
Hariyo Ban’s Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) programme.
Since 2004 has influenced conservation and
livelihood approaches in the lakes of Pokhara Valley,
tree planting in Lumbini, & Jagdishpur tank
Kapilvastu. Assisted by NTNC and NGOs, e.g ICF in
Lumbini crane sanctuary
Conservation of
cranes in Lumbini
and wetlands
South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation
(SASEC) Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal & Sri
Lanka. Tourism Development Plan 2004 with
ecotourism & Buddhist circuits themes with 23
Subregional projects under seven programmes
including Footsteps of the Lord Buddha circuit
Lumbini and India Buddhist sites & ecotourism in
Tansen Palpa
Identified priority to
link Lumbini with
Footsteps of the
Lord Buddha circuit
India sites and need
for improved
ecotourism in
Tansen Palpa
South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation
(SASEC) Tourism Development Project 2008 Nepal
ranked 1 & 2 by demand, subregional relevance &
national priorities: Footsteps of Lord Buddha circuit
linking Lumbini & Kapilvastu with Sravasti, Varanasi
Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Patna Vaishali,
Kesaria, Kushinagar in India. Improving tourism
infrastructure & developing ecotourism at Lumbini &
nine associated sites: Kapilvastu, Tilaurakot,
Arorakot, Gotihawa, Kudan, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa,
Ramagram & Devdaha. Nepal road circuit packaging
attractions of Kathmandu Pokhara, Tansen Palpa,
Lumbini, Chitwan plus subsites in one loop. Weak
link identified as Pokhara to Lumbini section so
upgrade Tansen Palpa historic hill town with water
supply & waste systems, heritage restoration,
training in homestay & handicrafts, and develop
Rani Mahal, Ridi, Gulmi cultural & religious sites.
Upgrade Gautam
Buddha Airport to
regional
international
standard plus
roads, water supply
& sewage, guiding
& interpretation,
and sharing
benefits with
surrounding
communities.
Lengthen stay in
Tansen Palpa with
improved facilities
and services.
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
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Agency Study or initiative Contributions
South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development
Programme (SATIDP) 2010-2015 Mechanism to
implement national projects in Bangladesh India &
Nepal designed in SASEC TDP. In Nepal, $97.2
million for:
▪ Connectivity enhancement – airport to
regional international status
▪ Destination improvements to visitor
experience & to safeguard outstanding
universal value of the site
▪ Fostering community participation &
engagement in heritage management &
tourism
Gautam Buddha
airport upgrade
(behind schedule)
Lumbini protection
and management
by improving
environment &
visitor facilities i.e.
Visitor Information
Centre (incomplete
with no displays)
Capacity building &
project
management
Investment
Board Nepal
IFC Nepal
Lumbini Tourism Scoping Mission Report 2012 and
Identifying Investment Opportunities for Cultural
Tourism in Nepal 2012 11 investment projects
$100m analysed with economic forecasts & market
demand. Those relating to Pokhara Sunauli
economic corridor were:
• Ratna Mandir Pokhara Heritage Hotel
twinned with Keshar Mahal in Kathmandu
• Traditional Homes converted historic
houses
• Sound & light shows in Lumbini &
Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka
• Lumbini international brand 5-star hotel
• Tansen Palpa hilltop resort
• Kapilvastu tourist lodge
• Lumbini Hokke Hotel upgrade
• Lumbini & Tilaurakot tourist restaurants
Pokhara, Tansen &
Lumbini highlighted
as having viable
international
investment
potential
Entry Points for Developing Tourism in Nepal What
can be done to address constraints to inclusive
growth 2013. Highlights destination issues for Nepal
tourism in general, including in Pokhara & Lumbini,
with recommendations
Fewa lake
developments &
solar electrification
in Pokhara
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
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Agency Study or initiative Contributions
World Bank
Greater Lumbini Tourism Cluster Competitiveness
Strategy 2013 listed as urgent priorities:
• Complete monasteries in master plan zone
• Tourism Experience Design
• Complete New Lumbini village
• Interim airport plan
• Basic Lumbini infrastructure & tourism
infrastructure upgrade
• Security & sanitation plan
• Regional zoning, land use and enforcement
plan
• Cluster development process –
institutionalization, shared vision, & fast
track action initiatives
Immediate priorities:
• Cultural heritage preservation plan
• Accommodations plan
• Review sound and light show
• Tourism transportation plan
• Targeted capacity building plan
• Destination branding & target marketing
plan
• Value chain analysis & development plan
including wayside amenities
The study detailed
economic surveys &
diagnostic in
Greater Lumbini
sites & in Palpa,
proposed a number
of plans to address
Lumbini issues, but
did not progress to
implementation
IFC India GoI
Investing in the Buddhist Circuit 2014-2018
Tourism strategy & positioning for Buddhist circuits
in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Lumbini
• Proposes trans-boundary Buddhist Circuit
steering committee
• Limited brand recognition & market reach
• Issues with seasonality
• Limited interpretation & story line
• Need for wayside amenities between sites
• Legal and regulatory constraints
Study to promote
investment in
Buddhist circuit
including Greater
Lumbini with 2012
visitor motivation &
expenditure survey
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
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Agency Study or initiative Contributions
National Tourism Strategic Plan 2016–2025
MoCTCA 10-year guiding policy document for the
whole of Nepal. The strategy has identified a set of
interventions for future tourism development in
Nepal with priority nodes, clusters and subsectors.
Pokhara & surrounds reinforced as cultural, natural
and MICE destination, with community-based
opportunities, & improved current tourist
attractions in central Pokhara. Diversify current
tourism offering with soft activities to attract more
visitors, increase length of stay and spend.
Greater Lumbini new regional international airport
with Lumbini as central attraction spreading tourist
activities to Palpa, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Kapilvastu
and Pyuthan districts.
Attract investments to Lumbini in facilities including
quality accommodation, more attractions, improved
interpretation of the archaeological sites, and better
product offerings. Monasteries could contribute
teachings & meditation. Pilgrimage markets targeted
to increase length of stay and spend & maximize
economic benefits to local communities.
Pokhara &
surrounds and
Greater Lumbini are
ranked 1st and 2nd
within Nepal’s six
priority Tourism
Development Areas
Tansen Palpa &
Siddhartha Highway
are core
components to
diversified road
circuits for pilgrims,
domestic & general
visitors
Carries forward
MoCTCA 2008,
Tourism Vision
2020 principals
MoCTCA
Greater Lumbini Tourism Promotion Plan (GLTPP)
2015-2024 Towards Making the Lord Buddha’s
Birthplace and Associated Sites A Regional Tourism
Hub (under SATIDP) Action plan of activities to
improve:
• Tourism products and experiences
• Connectivity and access
• Accommodation and related amenities
• Market strengthening and destination
promotion
• Institutional framework & HRD
• Local impact and community participation
• Heritage conservation and environmental
safeguards
Comprehensive
MoCTCA plan for 6
districts: Palpa,
Gulmi,
Arghakhanchi,
Rupandehi,
Kapilavastu &
Nawalparasi
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal
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Agency Study or initiative Contributions
IFC MoCTCA
Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan
for Pokhara and Surrounding Areas (ITDDPP) 2016
Four strategic objectives
• Pokhara’s role as a destination will be to
become the best holiday destination in
South Asia for relaxation and soft
adventure
• Its role as a regional service center will be
to become a more efficient gateway to
various treks and western regions
• Pokhara will position itself as a paradise for
active holidays in the international and
domestic markets
• Its strategic concept will be to become a
place of experiencing natural wonders in
fun
Specific recommendations included:
• Lakeside Waterfront Development
• Ratna Mandir Garden
• Fewa Lake Music Fountain
• Fewa Lake Walking Trail
• Iconic Structure at Sarangkot Hilltop - pilot
• Seti Gorge Sky Walk
• Upgrading of Annapurna Natural History
Museum with Live Butterfly Exhibition Hall
• Lights and Drama Extravaganza at Cliff
• Ecological Circle Gallery for Observing
Wildlife and Ecology in Begnas Lake
MoCTCA approved
plan proposes six
destination
development
projects, 55 sub-
projects & nine
transformational
investment
projects, some of
which are under
implementation
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Agency Study or initiative Contributions
EPI PLMC
EPI’s Economic Development Plan of Pokhara-
Lekhnath Metropolitan City 2017 although not
focused on tourism sector, the plan progresses some
ideas identified in the MoCTCA IFC Pokhara plan &
proposes other ideas that have value for tourism.
These include:
• Development & construction of Foot Trail
around Begnas Lake
• Destination Pokhara promotion
• Development of Pachbhaiya community
forest hill areas as natural park
• Hallan Chowk camping site
• Foot trails and cycle tracks linking the
seven lakes, starting with cycle track
• Rupa and Begnas lakes
• Construction of foot trail around Fewa
Lake
Basis for current
implementation by
EPI:
- Construction of
Sarangkot Park,
reconstruction of
view tower & foot
trail
- Development &
promotion of
Kaskikot Palace &
construction of
Kasyapdham trail
- Development &
promotion of
Thulakot with foot
trail
- Beautification of
Basundhara Park
- Beautification and
protection of
Dipang Lake
LDT MoCTCA
Buddhist Circuits of Nepal (BCN) 2017-2018 is a
study to prepare a national document on Buddhist
Circuit of Nepal (BCN) as a Premier Pilgrimage and
Spiritual Tourism Product. Currently being
undertaken by a national team, Buddhist heritage
sites will be inventoried throughout the country, and
promotional material produced positioning Nepal as
a Buddhist tourism destination with particular focus
on Greater Lumbini. Due end 2018
Complete inventory
of Nepal’s Buddhist
sites with
promotional
material including
maps posters
brochures &
documentary film
Other relevant planning initiatives currently in progress include the ADB Urban
Development Project Western Economic Corridor Study 2018, and a Situation Analysis and
Tourism Needs Assessment for the Buddhist Heritage Route for Sustainable Tourism
Development in South Asia focussing on Greater Lumbini, Paharpur and Sanchi by UNESCO
and KOICA due June 2018.
UNESCO hopes to undertake an Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for
Greater Lumbini with MoCTCA and IFC World Bank recognising the value of tourism as a
driver for preservation of the nine sites, but this has yet to be confirmed. MoCTCA have
adopted Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plans for Pokhara, Eastern Nepal and
Western Nepal, so Lumbini would be a logical addition.
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2.2. Research conclusions
Out of the initial research, the two major starting points on which to build the scoping
study emerged as:
1. The National Tourism Strategic Plan 2016–2025, prepared in 2015 by MoCTCA with
assistance from UNWTO, establishes national tourism policy and a national-level physical
planning framework. Its physical implications are shown below
National Tourism Strategic Plan (NTSP) physical implications 2015 and 2025
Source: NTSP, MoCTCA
2. The Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for Pokhara and Surrounding
Areas 2016 that was prepared by MoCTCA with assistance from IFC World Bank. It has
useful recommendations for specific projects, some of which were taken forward in EPI’s
Economic Development Plan of Pokhara-Lekhnath Metropolitan City 2017.
Lumbini is a more complex destination, plagued by short stay and low spend patterns. Its
history and poor implementation record of tourism interventions is perhaps due to
conflicting stakeholder agendas and the leadership of Lumbini Development Trust.
2.3. Issues and opportunities
The large number of planning studies and initiatives relating to the economic corridor
present a united voice on most of the issues facing tourism in the main destinations of
Pokhara, Lumbini, and the corridor including Syangja and Tansen Palpa. Despite so much
attention from tourism planners and development agencies over the decades, many of the
challenges endure. The following issues and opportunities summarise research findings,
and were confirmed during the stakeholder consultations
2015 2025
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Summary of tourism issues and opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor
2.4. Analysis of current trends
Global tourism
UNWTO estimates that international tourist arrivals increased a remarkable 7% in 2017 to
reach a total of 1,322 million worldwide. This is well above the sustained and consistent
trend of 4% or higher growth since 2010 and represents the strongest results in seven years
(UNWTO 2018).
Asia Pacific growth
Annual growth in international visitor arrivals to the Asia Pacific region reached 6% or 324
million international tourist arrivals in 2017. PATA forecasts that this growth will continue
at 5% per annum to 2021. Arrivals in South Asia grew a healthy 10%.
Nepal
Having recovered from the earthquake in 2015, Nepal has out-performed projections and
reports Asia’s strongest growth in 2017, up 25% to a record 940,218 arrivals (Table 1).
However this increase is driven largely by Indian arrivals (up 22%), with other growth
recorded from Sri Lanka, Thailand and South Korea (MoCTCA). These are top source
markets for Lumbini, indicating its importance as a major destination within Nepal.
Although China and other East Asian destinations drove tourism arrival growth prior to the
earthquakes, it is significant that China arrivals were static in 2017 from 2016.
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Table 1: Top generating markets to Nepal 2004 to 2017, with market share
Source: Nepal Rastra Bank & MoCTCA Nepal 2017
The total tourism foreign exchange earnings increased 32% to a record US$519 million in
the fiscal year 2016-17 (Nepal Rastra Bank). However Table 2 shows the crucially weak
growth of the average expenditure per visitor and the average expenditure per visitor per
day. The average daily expenditure per visitor dropped 22%, and the average daily spend
per visitor is down 24% to only US$52 in 2017 (Nepal Rastra Bank). Nepal also suffers from
a stagnant length of stay of 13.4 days in 2016 (MoCTCA).
Table 2: Nepal tourism arrivals with average daily expenditure and length of stay 2001 to 2017
Fiscal Year
Total Arrivals
Third country Indian
Average expenditure per visitor
Average expenditure per visitor per day
Length of stay in days
2001 361,237 296,917 64,320 US$472.4 US$39.6 11.93
2002 275,468 208,691 66,777 US$512.0 US$64.8 7.92
2003 338,132 251,769 86,363 US$765.9 US$79.1 9.6
2004 385,297 294,971 90,326 US$609.8 US$45.1 13.51
2005 375,398 278,964 96,434 US$532.0 US$58.5 9.09
2006 383,926 290,204 93,722 US$561.0 US$55.0 10.2
2007 526,705 430,695 96,010 US$535.0 US$45.0 11.96
2008 500,277 409,100 91,177 US$860.3 US$73.0 11.78
2009 509,956 416,072 93,884 US$798.9 US$70.6 11.32
2010 602,867 481,969 120,898 US$578.6 US$45.7 12.67
2011 736,215 586,711 149,504 US$522.9 US$39.9 13.12
2012 803,092 637,277 165,815 US$440.8 US$36.2 12.16
2013 797,616 616,642 180,974 US$538.0 US$42.8 12.6
2014 790,118 654,775 135,343 US$597.6 US$48.0 12.44
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2015 538,970 464,156 74,814 US$790.0 US$63.0 13.16
2016 753,002 634,753 118,249 US$902.4 US$68.6 13.4
2017 940,218 779,386 160,832 US$695.0 US$52.0 N/A
Source: MoCTCA, Nepal Rastra Bank, Department of Immigration
WTTC reports that Nepal’s tourism industry provides 3.2% employment with 797,500 direct
jobs. Its total contribution, including indirect employment, accounts for 1,027,000 jobs or
6.6% employment (WTTC 2018).
Pokhara to Sunauli trends
Pokhara and surroundings
Tourism data on Nepal’s second tourism destination of Pokhara (after Kathmandu) are not
recently recorded by MoCTCA, and are notoriously unreliable and conflicted. As Nepal’s
second tourism destination, popular with domestic as well as international visitors, the
industry complain that reliable research data is essential for tourism planning.
It is generally accepted that Pokhara has enjoyed consistent growth, especially when
domestic visitors are considered. Pokhara receives about 40% of all international Nepal
arrivals (up from 22% in 2001), representing about 376,000 international visitors in 2017.
The ITDDPP report notes that the number of tourist arrivals in Pokhara has grown at the
compound annual growth rate of 12.8% during 2001 to 2010, while that of Nepal at the
rate of 5.9%. The same report noted that the ratio of Nepal’s total arrivals to Pokhara is
growing, but the ratio of those going trekking is decreasing to about 40% of all arrivals,
down from 84% in 2001 (ITDDPP 2016).
Pokhara is well established as a leisure break for Nepalis, adventure centre for general
tourists and the gateway to Annapurna’s trekking, mountaineering and pilgrimage sites. As
the gateway to Annapurna and Mustang, it is the adventure capital of Nepal, offering
activities such as trekking, mountaineering, boating, mountain biking, paragliding, micro
light flights, zip lining and bungy jumping. In 2016, visitors undertaking paragliding totalled
8,300 (70% foreigners and 30% Nepalis) and over 3,500 visitors took a micro light scenic
flight (CAAN). The industry complain that there is not enough to do for non adventure
segments; too many hotel rooms leads to price undercutting; limited information; and poor
local transport services.
Although the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) is technically not included in the Pokhara
to Sunauli economic corridor, in the absence of other reliable tourist data it is useful to look
at its arrivals. In 2017 NTNC reports that ACA received 158,578 visitors (of whom 32,656
were from SAARC countries), up 47% from 108,000 foreign visitors 2016 (Table 3). In
FY2016/17 ACA received revenue of Rs.237.3 million representing the highest income of all
Nepal’s protected areas (DNPWC in Kathmandu Post 5 February 18). ACA estimate that 90%
of their Indian arrivals visit Muktinath, i.e. about 30,000 Indians in 2017, although industry
perceptions indicate that numbers are likely to be higher due to many Indians travelling
without an ACA permit.
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Table 3: Annapurna Conservation Area international visitor arrivals 2001 to 2017
Source: National Trust for Nature Conservation 2018
In 2011 (most recent statistics), MoCTCA reported 8,773 tourist standard hotel rooms in
Pokhara Valley, with 40% occupancy rates. Room rates range from about $10 to $250 per
night. HAN Pokhara reports they have 338 members in 2018, up from 271 in 2014. Informal
estimates report many new hotels are opening annually, resulting in a surfeit of rooms and
price undercutting. Pokhara entrepreneurs complain that they are not proud of their global
ranking as a “best value destination”.
Tansen Palpa and economic corridor
Syangja District in the mid hills south of Pokhara contains one of the first homestay
destinations of Sirubari. Waling Municipality is keen to promote mountain biking, para
gliding, canyoning, homestays and coffee plantations for domestic and international
tourists, but no data is available on current visitors.
Tansen, the ancient capital of Palpa, lies midway between Lumbini and Pokhara just off the
Siddhartha Highway with a wealth of cultural, natural and historical sites popular with
domestic as well as a few international tourists. Tansen receives not more than 10,000
foreigners and possibly less (estimated 2,000 in ADB’s 2008 study) but about 100,000
domestic visitors annually. It is reported that very few Indians visit Ridi or Tansen on their
way to Muktinath (GetUp Palpa).
At an elevation of 1,350m (4,430 ft) Tansen has a pleasant “hill-station” climate throughout
the year. Characterized by old artistic Newar houses, temples and cobbled streets, the
municipality’s Shrinagar Hill (1,525m) commands fine Himalayan views from Dhaulagiri to
Ganesh Himal. Magars are the main inhabitants, followed by Brahmin, Chhetri, Newars,
Bhojpuri, Tharu, Gurung, Maithili, Tamang, Limbu and Abadhi. Sital Pati is in the main
square and Baggi Dhoka, the elephant gate, leads to the Tansen Durbar, recently fully
renovated after the 2006 bombing, and designated under MoCTCA for use as a regional
museum.
A district centre with education and hospital training facilities, Tansen is the gateway to the
pilgrimage and historical attractions of Ridi, Rani Mahal, Rambha Pani, Satawati Lake,
Ramdi Ghat, Deule Archale, Achammeshor, Prabhas and Rani Mahal. Recently restored by
the DoA, Rani Mahal will link Tansen to the new North-South Kali Gandaki corridor.
With improved awareness, Tansen has the potential to attract a range of market segments
as a key stopover on the wider cultural circuit, and as an extension of spiritual journeys to
Lumbini. Tansen has a growing inventory of hotels and a number of homestays. Getup
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Palpa is an active local NGO promoting tourism and Nanglo West, a restaurant in a
converted historic house, is popular with tourists.
When completed in 2021, the new North-South Kali Gandaki corridor highway linking China
via Korala with India via Bhairahawa will open up transport linkiages and tourism
opportunities along its route through Myagdi, Parbat, Baglung Gulmi, Syangja, Tanahu,
Palpa and Nawalparasi districts.
Greater Lumbini, Bhairahawa and Butwal
Although reliable arrival data is hard to find at many cultural sites, Lumbini Development
Trust is an exception in this regard. In 2017, the Buddhist World Heritage Site received a
total of over 1.55 million visitors, growth of 17% over 2016, of which the bulk of 1.25
million were Nepali domestic visitors. Indian visitors increased 14% to 155,444 and third
country international visitors holding passports grew 7% to 145,796 visitors (LDT).
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Table 4: International arrivals to Lumbini 1999 to 2017 with growth and market share
Source: Lumbini Development Trust 2018
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Table 4 shows that Thailand (27,603) and Myanmar (21,531) visitors accounted for most of
the growth (26% and 41% respectively), with the important Sri Lanka (48,528) and China
(15,770) markets both showing drops of 13% and 3% respectively from 2016. With South
Korea (5,103), these top five nationalities account for 81% of all international arrivals to
Lumbini, whilst Sri Lanka represents one third of all foreign visitors in 2017.
Countries that have shown significant grown in 2017 include Bhutan (241% from a low
base), Singapore (98% likewise), Malaysia (63%), Australia (62%) and Vietnam (44%) (LDT).
However, Greater Lumbini visitor patterns feature short stays, mostly less than one day
visits, and low expenditure, as described in recent studies. Visitors report not enough to do,
poor maintenance and a paucity of information, especially for non-pilgrims.
Lumbini suffers from seasonal constraints due to the hot, humid and wet summer months
from April to October. Air and dust pollution from neighbouring industrial plants and Indian
brick factories is not only unhealthy but undermines the sanctity of the site and threatens
its peaceful spiritual atmosphere. The challenge is not only to extend visitor stay with
improved facilities and attractions, but also to ensure that the local Muslim and Hindu
communities around Lumbini reap benefits from tourism.
International third country visitors stay an average of 1.8 days, 90% overnighters, spending
an average of $67 per visit (day visitors spend an average of $8). In contrast, Indians
average only 0.09 days, just a couple of hours, with 90% being day visitors spending $4 per
visit (overnighters spend $46). The study reports that domestic visitors stay 0.7 days,
average spend by overnighters $31 and by day visitors $6 per visit (2013 GLTPP).
Siddharthanagar Hotel Association Nepal (SHAN) reports a total of 56 tourist standard
hotels and guest houses with a total of 1,057 rooms and 2,424 beds in the Lumbini area in
2018 (Appendix 7). In addition the new internationally-owned Tiger Palace Resort opens
soon, located between Bhairahawa and Butwal in Tillotama Municipality with extensive
resort facilities including South Asia’s largest casino, 102 rooms, two villas and 10 suites,
employing some 1,500 staff mainly Nepalis. An average of 40% occupancy is reported with
strong seasonal swings (MoCTCA). Pilgrims stay in the 28 monasteries (476 rooms, 1,853
beds (LDT see Appendix 8) in and around the main Lumbini area in return for donations.
Sunauli is Nepal’s most popular land border accounting for 82% of all land arrivals to Nepal
in 2016 and used by 147,608 international visitors, an increase of 22% from 2015
(Department of Immigration). This figure reflects arrivals to Lumbini, although it is reported
that many same day foreign visitors to Lumbini crossing at Bhairahawa avoid paying for a
Nepal entry visa and are not recorded. Public transport arrangements from the border to
Lumbini are rudimentary, and most visitors have to arrive on packages with Indian or Nepali
transport operators.
Anecdotally, it seems many businesses in and around Butwal and Bhairahawa are owned by
Indians commuting across the border, tourism entrepreneurs are said to be predominantly
Nepalis. Hotel developments in the Butwal and Bhairahawa area appeal mainly to local
business visitors.
The Greater Lumbini nine site circuit comprises the major destination of Tilaurakot
(Kapilvastu), Prince Siddhartha’s father’s palace remains, with boardwalks, displays, Hindu
shrines, a small museum and recent archaeological excavations. Other sites include Kudan,
Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Aurorakot, Devadaha and Ramagrama, the latter believed
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to be the repository of one eighth of the Lord Buddha’s remains. There is no arrival data for
these sites, but informal estimates report several hundred visitors daily during the clement
winter months, and many local visitors. The circuit has been developed in response to the
urgent need to extend visitor stay in the Greater Lumbini area, but most sites still lack
displays or appeal for non-Buddhists.
The imperative at Lumbini is to extend the tourism season and attract new higher end
pilgrim and non-pilgrim segments. This can be achieved by providing better facilities
including air-conditioned hotel accommodation, more attractions, improved interpretation,
and better transport. The multi-national monasteries in Lumbini could play a more active
role in tourism, contributing teachings, meditation sessions and other activities for pilgrims
and cultural tourists.
2.5. Dispersing tourism
The map below graphically demonstrates the importance of the Pokhara Sunauli economic
corridor to Nepal’s established tourism patterns.
2.6. Identification of key markets
The following current and potential target market segments have been identified for the
Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor and discussed with stakeholders during the field
visits. Due to lack of data it is not possible to accurately quantify either arrivals or
expenditure, but assumptions have been made based on general Nepal tourism statistics
and industry feedback.
Domestic – leisure, pilgrimage, MICE, business
Nepalis from Kathmandu, local towns and other parts of Nepal on short breaks with
increasing disposable income and time. Often travelling in family groups, couples, or
student / friends / work groups to see their country using domestic flights, self drive in
private vehicles, motorbikes, and organized buses and public transport. Proven demand for
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pilgrimage visits (1.25 million arrivals to Lumbini, and many to Ridi etc), village homestays,
roadside attractions, nature products, soft adventure, spiritual regeneration. Constrained
by lack of awareness and facilities, future targets to grow domestic patterns include
pilgrimage, family and friends groups and couples, domestic MICE and retreat groups.
Improved products will appeal to new domestic segments. There is future potential for
NRNs and visiting friends and relatives. Domestic visitors are a key segment - many tourism
businesses rely heavily on domestic markets.
Indian –pilgrimage, business, cross border, self drive
Excellent potential with new international air linkages to India and an estimated 35 million
urban middle class Indians living in 11 major cities within eight hours drive of Nepal’s
border. With a tradition of hill station breaks involving cool climate, “atmosphere plus”
shopping, family games, soft adventure, Indians travel as couples, families and groups of
friends, weddings, anniversaries and honeymooners. Currently border towns rely on Indian
business operators, although Indians to Lumbini have the shortest stay and lowest
expenditure, attracting only 155,000 Indians in 2017. Improved products and facilities will
attract new and higher spending Indian segments. The new five star internationally owned
Tiger Palace Resort and casino in Bhairahawa is targeting Indian families and groups as well
as weddings and honeymooners. Other potential for Nepal includes self-drive leisure
visitors, pilgrimage visitors to Lumbini, Ridi, Palpa Gulmi, etc. The important Hindu
pilgrimage site of Muhktinath near Jomosom is a strong driver to attract more Indian
pilgrims through the corridor through increased awareness and amenities - currently
30,000 Indian arrivals reported by ACA, although the real number is likely to be higher.
Nepal knows and understands India markets, but is receiving little benefit from current
visitors to the area.
International pre-booked general interest
Usually travelling with Kathmandu travel agencies pre-booked via international tour
operator networks or directly on the internet, these “high end explorers” from Western
and Asian countries (including expatriates based in Asia) seek authentic heritage and
natural experiences, and care about community benefits and environmental conservation.
Requiring excellent guiding and interpretation, these proven potentially high value markets
are interested in scenery, culture and village life. They currently complain of poor road
conditions and environmental degradation. With proven long stay patterns, historically
strong patterns to Pokhara but with currently low interest in Lumbini, improved products,
services and interpretation will appeal to new segments, and can expand circuit patterns
through the corridor and beyond.
International pilgrims
Buddhist tourism is on the rise and the birthplace of Lord Buddha is one of the world’s most
important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, but Lumbini received only 146,000 international (non
Indian) visitors in 2017 out of a global market of 500 million Buddhists. Future potential for
Greater Lumbini’s nine sites is enormous to attract a wide range of nationalities and new
segments with the international airport at Bhairahawa, a rebuilt Maya Devi temple with
space to prostrate and make offerings, a more suitably spiritual arrival atmosphere, the
completed visitor centre, a revitalised Lumbini museum, and international brand
accommodation. Likewise, visitation to the wide range of important Hindu pilgrimage sites
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in and around the corridor would be stimulated by increased awareness and improved
facilities.
International special interest
These include groups and individuals motivated by special interest activities that include:
trekking and mountaineering (using Pokhara as a gateway), mountain biking (fast growing
international trends), other soft adventure (such as para gliding, canyoning, micro lights),
bird watching (Pokhara lakes wetlands, Sarus cranes in Lumbini, Jagdishpur) cultural
experiences (festivals and visits to Lumbini Tansen Ridi Muhktinath temples etc), art, palace
and museums groups (Pokhara, Rani Mahal, Tansen Durbar, Lumbini), artisans and
handicrafts, textiles (Dhaka weaving in Palpa) coffee (in Syangja & Palpa), study tours etc.
Although currently a small segment there is good future potential with improved guiding,
information and facilities.
International Foreign Independent Travellers FITs – backpackers, budget explorers
About half of Nepal’s third country (non Indian) foreign visitors travel individually,
comprising a range of Western and Asian market segments. Although most are budget
travellers and trekkers, FITs use public transport and homestays, have long stay patterns
and a proven interest in new adventurous destinations. The Sunauli border crossing shows
strong growth in overland travellers from India (22% in 2016). Building on current strong
trends to Pokhara, targeting a broader range of FITs with increased awareness and
improved information and signage has good potential, especially the corridor’s adventure
and cultural products in Waling Syangja Tansen Palpa. FITs are known to spend on quality
adventure activities.
2.7. Strategic directions for tourism planning
A sensible tourism planning approach in the Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor can be
summarised as follows:
▪ Link Nepal’s two major tourism destinations of Pokhara and Lumbini
▪ Maximise the potential of new international and domestic connectivity with two
of Nepal’s four regional international airport hubs at Pokhara and Bhairhawa
▪ Exploit the proposed Kali Gandaki corridor road opportunities in the longer term
▪ Improve tourism products and interpretation which will attract a broader
spectrum of markets, and encourage current segments to stay longer and spend
more
▪ Expand the current Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan triangle to a cultural circuit with
detours so as to expand Nepal’s core tourism patterns, spread community benefits
and include tourism attractions in Kathmandu, Gorkha, Bandipur, Pokhara,
Muktinath, Syangya, Tansen, Gulmi, Lumbini, Chitwan, Bimphedi
▪ Prioritise the domestic market, building on the proven popularity of the corridor’s
attractions, and to achieve national objectives
▪ Foster potential new segments from India and cross-border tourism
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3. Interventions to boost tourism
3.1. Planning framework
Tourism concept
The Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor comprises Nepal’s two major tourism
destinations of Pokhara and Lumbini in Province 4 and Province 5, linked by the Siddhartha
Highway in the central area of Nepal that runs through the scenic mid-hills through Syangja
and close to Tansen Palpa.
The strategy for EPI’s promotion of tourism in the Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor will
be to:
• Build on current tourism patterns
• Capture momentum from tourism elsewhere in the corridor
• Increase visitor spend and length of stay
• Create stopping places along the Siddhartha Highway to stimulate travel
• Promote Syangja, Tansen and Palpa to attract visitors between the major
destinations of Pokhara and Lumbini
Illustration of Pokhara to Sunauli tourism development concept
Potential drivers
The drivers of such tourism development patterns are varied and might include:
• Infrastructure to improve access, particularly supporting the expansion of Pokhara
and Bhairahawa airports with improved roads to tourism spots
• Community programmes, skills training and initiatives to stimulate small and
medium enterprises, to generate employment, especially for women.
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• Promotion of private sector investment in tourism products, from village level
entrepreneurs to international brand hotels
• National and provincial level policy and regulatory interventions aimed at
spreading tourism flows and regional benefits
• Destination planning by resource management agencies coupled with reaching
out to the private sector, such as through tourism concessions and PPP model
• Local, provincial and NTB–led promotion and marketing programmes
Development directions
From our research, we envisage focusing tourism development patterns on three
overarching directions:
• Extending and building on the established domestic and Indian patterns by
products (such as family accommodation, rural homestays, etc.) focused on
Syangja Tansen Palpa along the Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor, with
adventure, pilgrimage and village tourism detours as the road networks improve.
Combining culture, nature and spiritual themes, this pattern will position Pokhara
Sunauli as a favourite domestic holiday destination. Cross-border road trips from
India will feature hill stations, adventure, pilgrimage, and leisure and family casino
products.
• Developing the Pokhara to Sunauli corridor into a destination for adventure and
heritage tourism with both road and air linkages Pokhara to Lumbini, aimed at
Nepal’s core high-spend longer-stay, mainly Western and higher value Asian
markets. Product development emphasis may focus on scenery, soft adventure
and culture, with rural tourism, wellness, spa and spiritual experiences. This could
extend Nepal’s current core tourism “triangle” of Kathmandu, Pokhara and
Chitwan to the ecotourism circuit of Kathmandu, Pokhara, Tansen Palpa, Lumbini
Chitwan, with detours along the route.
• Given Greater Lumbini’s location as a global target for pilgrimage tourism, visitor
flows will dramatically increase with the completion of Bhairahawa’s regional
international airport. In addition to growth in pilgrim arrivals by air, Greater
Lumbini’s appeal will expand to new markets with easier accessibility. Promotion
of the north-south road link between India (Sunauli) and Pokhara could result in
increased length of stay for current pilgrim segments, and appeal to new ones.
Product, accommodation and interpretation improvements at Greater Lumbini
could attract new general interest markets to the economic corridor.
3.2. Issues and potential interventions
The following matrix examines in detail the issues and challenges of each region under the
“areas of concern” column, then addresses them with ideas for possible interventions.
These have been grouped into categories “small scale infrastructure”, “capacity building”
and “new partnerships for planning, products & promotion”. All the proposed interventions
are grounded by market demand and in line with GoN policy.
All the intervention ideas have been discussed during the mission consultations with the EPI
local representatives, municipalities and other stakeholders. Feedback and comments from
EPI Kathmandu and Nepal Tourism Board sharing and validation meetings have been
incorporated.
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Table 5: Analysis of areas of concern and possible PPP interventions
CROSS CUTTING AREAS OF CONCERN
Cross cutting - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
• No visitor facilities or information along Siddhartha Highway
• Low numbers travelling between Pokhara & Butwal Bhairahawa Sunauli
• Mainly Indian pilgrims going to Muktinath (30,000 in 2017 ACAP), some foreign backpackers & a few international groups
• Low awareness of other pilgrimage sites in PSEC
Small scale
infrastructure
Wayside amenities
POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER
• Visitor facilities at stopping places suitably spaced between Pokhara & Sunauli
• Best if combined with a viewpoint or place of tourism interest
• Clean & attractive amenities such as store, food, toilets, handicrafts, local produce, car parking etc. can be managed by locals in partnerships with municipalities
• Will appeal to all visitor segments, especially new self-drive Indian & domestic
• Stopping points can be themed to reinforce the appeal of the attraction
• Provides local employment
• Showcases local produce & handicrafts
• Suitable beauty spots need to be identified
• Currently very few tourist attractions between Pokhara & Bhairahawa except around Tansen
• Fuel facilities can be separate
• Can be replicated throughout Nepal tourism highways
Signage &
information
• Visitor information & interpretative displays at key places of interest
• Responds to the need for better interpretation & visitor information
• Will appeal to all markets especially European & Asian non-pilgrimage segments
• Signage needs to be tasteful & well planned
• Can create new attractions & enrich visitor experience & lengthen stay at existing sites (e.g. poorly marked trails in Greater Pokhara)
• Involves local people in story telling
• New municipalities are under-resourced & unprepared to take on new Federal decentralised responsibilities
• Many development organisations are prioritising good governance
Technical assistance
to strengthen
selected
municipalities for
tourism
• New mayors are keen to develop both international & domestic tourism but don’t know how
• TA & training in selected municipalities to ensure tourism is included in local plans with action plan & budget, building on
• Will address new Federal structure issues and current confusion about responsibilities
• Municipalities have requested tourism assistance
• Success will depend on local
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Cross cutting - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
under Federal system, but municipality staff have requested help in tourism & project implementation
• Delays in implementation of projects due to lack of capacity
Capacity
building
POTENTIAL QUICK WIN
experience of tourism component in DDC plans via MLD
• Nepal Tourism Board could be part of the training team
• Include inventory of new municipality market-led products & attractions
• Training will help ensure effective implementation of tourism projects, & implementation of other sectors
• Format could include one week for key representatives per each selected municipality plus bringing them together
commitment
• Technical assistance could include study tours to visit other destinations in Nepal
• Cadre of experienced tourism consultants available to provide training, possibly in association with NTB to provide Nepal destination context
Local guide system
• Introduce, train & organize a system of local guides who can tell the story in their neighbourhoods
• New MoCTCA Municipality category to recognise local guides, if necessary being translated by national guides
• PPP project can collect local stories from the old people & empower local guides with training & interpretative material including laminated information sheets in several languages
• Improved & in depth authentic experiences for domestic & international visitors
• Consider making local Nepali guides mandatory for Indian organised groups arriving on day visits from Sunauli to Lumbini
• Provides increased employment
• Needs integral booking system to be successful
• Creates pride in traditional culture
• Enables local people to engage in tourism benefits
• Depends on local cooperation & suitable people being available for guiding
• If successful, can be replicated throughout Nepal
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Cross cutting - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
Homestay training • Training for homestay operators in selected areas can include business management, hospitality, hygiene & cooking etc.
• Practical lessons from experienced operators such as Tansen homestays
• Introduce on line booking system similar to www.cosynepal.com
• Partnerships with MoCTCA, WWF homestays, GetUp Palpa, Sirubari Syangja municipalities etc.
• Will appeal to domestic & some international segments
• Homestays have good potential throughout the economic corridor, especially in selected villages & historic houses
• Strengthens quality of homestay experience
• Better organisation & awareness will provide improved local benefits
• Could include study tours to visit other homestay destinations e.g. WWF Bardia Chitwan etc.
Training in social
media for tourism
marketing
• Training for tourism operators throughout PSEC in websites, apps, facebook, twitter & other social media marketing will improve awareness & customer experience
• Operators will be helped with cost effective way to reach markets
• Will address marketing & low awareness issues, appealing to all segments
• Upskill tourism operators in PSEC
• Boost visitation, especially to more remote destinations in PSEC
• Operators have requested this, but risk included individual commitment
• Lack of coordination between development agencies resulting in duplication of effort
New
partnerships
for planning,
products &
promotion
Forging strategic
partnerships
• EPI can facilitate the formation of strategic partnerships in selected municipalities with other development agencies, donors, NGOs & private sector tourism operators
• Potential partners may include NTB, ADB, BCN, GetUp Palpa, ICF, LDT, RBGE, WWF, ACAP, International Mountain Museum, tourism associations e.g. Pokhara Tourism Council
• Partnerships will avoid duplication, facilitate implementation & leverage synergies
• Risks include lack of interest & lack of funding
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 27
GREATER POKHARA PPP PROJECT IDEAS
Pokhara - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
• Opportunity of new regional international airport in Pokhara, new domestic routes & extended road networks, despite current poor condition
• Not enough general interest activities for non-adventurers
• Environmental degradation, particularly around lakeside & popular local spots
• Need to bring in new segments to fill new hotels & prevent under-cutting & low pricing
Small scale
infrastructure
Upgrade Prince Charles /
Tiger Tree picnic site
POTENTIAL QUICK WIN
• The Prince Charles /Tiger (sumi) tree above Bijaypur barracks) has recently become a popular picnic site for domestic families & groups
• Spectacular viewpoint site currently degraded with litter & toilet waste
• 30 minute drive & short walk from Pokhara
• Management system in place by Mothers’ Group from village but needs help with picnic tables & managed toilets
• TA can improve picnic site as local model
• Potential model for other viewpoints & picnic sites
• Mothers Group who manage the site would be upskilled & empowered
• Local domestic tourists will be educated in litter management
• With improvements, the site could appeal to broader range of markets
Seti Gorge sky walk
POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER
• Highly engineered glass bottomed or see-through walkway delivering the unusual Seti Gorge geological feature
• An exciting, scary but safe built attraction walkway within & overlooking the Seti Gorge will appeal to wide range of markets, especially Asians
• Feasibility study can examine demand, ROI, safety features etc.
• PPP with private sector promoter
• High cost of initial investment
• Highest safety standards are essential
• Environmental impacts must be minimised
• Use DFID’s cantilevered walkway on Manaslu trek circuit
Cycle & walking trails
around & linking seven
lakes
• Site plans to create trails of varying lengths around Greater Pokhara’s seven lakes to extend visitor stay & appeal to wide range of segments
• Improved environmental conservation of the lakes & their wildlife
• Boosted & extended visitation
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 28
Pokhara - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
• Trail can link to Fewa Lake for maximum market impact i.e. include eight lakes
• Targeted at bikers & hikers, not motor cycles or other vehicles to avoid clashing segments
• Developments to include signage, displays & seats at stopping points & local guide system
• These might include managed hiking & biking trails with guide system around Fewa Lake, around Begnas Lake, around Deepang Lake, & a trail from Rupa to Begnas & linking seven lakes
• In partnership with PLMC & conservation NGOs such as WWF, BCN, ITNC etc.
• Lake trails can be designed for accessibility by disabled visitors
• More local benefits from bike rentals & guiding
• New trails might be used for extraction of resources
• NTB & WWF Nepal are keen to cooperate
Development of
Pachbhaiya community
forest
• Development of plan for Pachbhaiya community forest hill areas as a natural park with user groups as identified by EPI report
• Potential for domestic picnics, forest trails & cycle routes
• Discussion includes having small zoo with rescued animals
• Land ownership issues per report
• Zoo idea needs careful management & coordination with NTNC & DNPWC
Hallan Chowk camping
site
• Development of camping site by Fewa Lake, as identified by EPI report
• Feasibility report is needed for vehicle parking & camp management
• Site needs clear demarcation
• Beautification & provision of visitor amenities i.e. water, toilets, power
• Needs organisation to avoid further encroachment
• Owned by municipality
• Opportunity for community management & local benefits
• Market demand needs to be assessed
• Enthusiasm from Lekhnath
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Pokhara - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
residents & CCI
Pokhara Panorama Trek
• Four day trek circuit developed around Pokhara Valley with mountain views & village visits
• Low level new route with potential market appeal for short stay trekkers
• Route needs to be defined, signage & interpretation displayed, guides familiarised & villages prepared for tourism
• Alternative to routes now unavailable due to new roads e.g. Royal Trek
• Demand for soft products such as day walks & shorter easy treks around Pokhara
• Route needs to avoid roads
• Chance of success as championed by NTB & TAAN Pokhara
• Lack of tourism focus that delivers the “essence of Pokhara” lakeside experience
Capacity
building
Developing Ratna
Mandir garden as heart
of tourism focus
POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER
• Ratna Mandir is underutilised prime site on the edge of Fewa Lake managed by Nepal Trust
• General opinion favours public access with the royal house open as a museum
• Opportunity to create Pokhara’s one-stop lakeside tourism centre with parking, garden, information, hotel/excursion/guide bookings, food, picnic facilities, handicrafts, local produce, royal museum, historic boat house, horse rides etc.
• EPI feasibility & site planning in partnership with Nepal Trust with PLMC, NTB, ACAP etc. & community entrepreneurs
• Nepal Trust commitment
• Needs buy-in from all tourism stakeholders to work
• Must be carefully managed & developed with environmental sensibility
• Budget source
• Opportunity for 5-star branded hotel concession on the site but no GoN or public appetite
• Insufficient awareness of what there is to see & do in Pokhara
Destination Pokhara
tourism marketing
strategy & action plan
• As Nepal’s number 1 tourism destination, a cohesive Pokhara destination marketing strategy & action plan can be prepared for stakeholders
• Increased visitor numbers & better awareness about what there is to do & see in Greater Pokhara
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Pokhara - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
• Lack of research & poor data to underpin marketing
New
partnerships
for planning,
products &
promotion
• Create sustainable mechanism to publish coordinated tourism data for PLMC
• Led by NTB, building on Paradise Pokhara campaign & consulting all stakeholders
• Promotes orderly development of the sector in Pokhara
• Needs to build on the NTSP & update the approved Integrated Destination Development Plan for Greater Pokhara & surrounding areas
Around Pokhara
transport service
• There is no public transport for getting around Pokhara’s attractions & tourism spots, which are some distance apart
• A well-marked & well-advertised hop on hop off tourist vehicle could ply around the sites & hotels, perhaps based in the new Ratna Mandir tourism centre
• Although some tourist class jeeps are available from Pokhara transport operators, there is no transparent or reliable system for hiring good vehicles
• Partnerships with PLMC & private sector operators could kick start a regular & reliable PPP transport service
• Appeal would be to FITs, domestic & Indians
• Encourage more tourists to visit & to stay longer
• Help the local economy
• Distribute visitors around town & surrounding points of interest
• Provide increased commercial viability for new projects e.g. sky walk
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 31
TANSEN PALPA PPP PROJECT IDEAS
Tansen Palpa -Areas of concern
Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
• Low visitation mainly foreign backpackers, special interest groups & domestic self drive
• Reported low spend & short stay
• Infrastructure constraints discourage tour operators from using wider cultural circuit
Small scale
infrastructure
Rani Mahal walking trail
POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER
• Rani Mahal, the scenic Rana palace on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River has recently been restored by the DoA.
• A new road links Rani Mahal with Tansen, but operators report that visitors prefer the day walk, at least one way, & a trail is feasible that avoids the road
• The new Kali Gandaki corridor road will pass Rani Mahal & potentially link Tansen as a desirable “must stop” destination
• Developing the hiking or biking trail to Rani Mahal will attract international & domestic segments, encouraging longer stay & spend
• The mayor is keen to extend stay with overnight Magar village homestays near Rani Mahal in the oval shaped houses
• Extends visitor stay & spend
• Provides attractive iconic product for Tansen
• Links Tansen to the Kali Gandaki corridor traffic
• Municipality can be assisted with design & concept, in partnership with GetUp Palpa & local villagers along the route & close to Rani Mahal
• Good opportunities for local guides at Rani Mahal & surrounding Magar villages
Preserving Tansen’s
cultural heritage
• Tansen Palpa is well positioned as an historic hill town, potentially appealing to all markets. However the integrity of the town’s old houses & cultural atmosphere needs to be retained
• Advocacy for reuse of historic buildings for tourism purposes showing owners examples elsewhere e.g. Swotha Traditional Homes in Patan Durbar Square
• Replacing the street cobbles could mitigate flooding as well as look attractive
• Poor appreciation of cultural values by locals
• Competing vested interests
• Currently weak tourism flows causes discouragement, even though Tansen has national champions
• Potentially costly
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 32
Tansen Palpa -Areas of concern
Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
Sewage & solid waste in
Tansen Palpa
• Sewage & solid waste remains an issue in Tansen, though the Municipality’s water supply problems have been solved
• Facilitating with development agencies could help solve Tansen’s infrastructure shortcomings
• Would appeal to local residents as well as all other visitors & help new hotel owners etc.
• ADB have been engaged previously
• Lack of experience of how to manage foreign tourists due to visitation
Capacity
building
Capacity building &
training in Tansen, Ridi &
Rani Mahal
• Tourism sensitivity & hospitality training in Tansen town, the pilgrimage destination of Ridi & the beauty spot of Rani Mahal would improve services & attractions
• Homestay pioneers can share their experience
• Tourism awareness training could make market linkages with the major destinations of Pokhara & Bhairahawa / Lumbini
• Domestic family, business & pilgrimage segments, Indian pilgrims & international adventurers
• Municipalities have requested tourism assistance in new Federal environment
• Success will depend on local commitment
• Cadre of experienced tourism consultants available to provide training
• Lack of awareness of Tansen Palpa attractions
• Seasonality constraints due to monsoon road conditions
• Coordination, funding & implementation
New
partnerships
for planning,
products &
promotion
Visitor information with
GetUp Palpa
• GetUp Palpa established 20 years ago, well respected NGO based in Tansen led by Mr Manmohan Shrestha
• Assistance with action plan for the preparation & distribution of visitor information to address low awareness
• Materials can include “what to see & do” brochures, maps & website development
• Marketing materials can position Tansen as historic hill town with culture, pilgrimage & soft adventure
• GetUp Palpa is ready to cooperate with Tansen Municipality & EPI for quick result
• Will expand market interest & showcase Tansen Palpa attractions
• Marketing activities can focus on attracting more visitors & new segments from Pokhara & Lumbini
• NTB support necessary for
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 33
Tansen Palpa -Areas of concern
Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
POTENTIAL QUICK WIN • Target new segments such as Indian pilgrims, international groups & wider domestic markets
• Currently based in GetUp Palpa but destination information can move to Palpa Durbar museum
success
Tansen Durbar – regional
museum & tourism
centre
POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER
• Palpa Durbar has been restored & designated as a regional museum under MoCTCA
• Support is needed to design displays & contents of the Museum
• Opportunities to provide tourism centre with regional visitor information & to showcase historic culture Magar lifestyles, living handicraft displays (e.g. Dhaka weaving, coffee processing, brass making), food & local produce outlets, meeting facilities etc.
• Could be developed using local stories & managed with community support
• Appeal to all markets providing good quality interpretation
• Needs funding & support from MoCTCA & regional municipalities
• Could be model regional museum for other destinations
• Would provide regional tourism focus, information & establish Tansen as centre of Palpa tourism
Tansen Palpa tourism
association
• Although NATTA has a local representative, there is no forum that includes all tourism stakeholders, including Ridi, Rani Mahal etc.
• A Tansen Tourism Association can be formed for all stakeholders involved in tourism including the Municipality, DoA, resource manager representatives, private
• A voice for tourism in Tansen Palpa will assist the orderly development of the sector & advocate for tourism interests
• Could involve national associations
• Relies on commitment of stakeholders
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 34
Tansen Palpa -Areas of concern
Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
sector operators & community representatives
Greater Palpa integrated
tourism destination
development plan
• The Municipality & stakeholders are keen to develop an integrated tourism development plan for Greater Palpa
• EPI with MoCTCA & NTB could contribute TA to develop plan
• Municipality is keen for a plan to be developed
• Needs to build on NTSP & MoCTA’s promotional plan for Greater Lumbini that includes Palpa
• Could be done as part of crosscutting TA to strengthen municipalities for tourism
GREATER LUMBINI, BHAIRAHAWA & BUTWAL PPP PROJECT IDEAS
Lumbini - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
• Short length of stay & low spend
• Entrepreneurs from Lumbini hotels looking for ways to extend stay & to deliver benefits to locals
• Opportunity – new regional international airport in Bhairahawa & improved road networks e.g. Butwal-Sunauli 8 lane highway
• Road access & border issues for day visitors
Small scale
infrastructure
Tourism facilities in
Baunna Koti jungle
community forest
POTENTIAL QUICK WIN
• The new Tiger Palace Resort are keen to forge links with the community & provide activities for their guests
• Facilitate the development of Baunna Koti jungle community forest in PPP with Municipality, forest user groups & private sector with picnic spots & network of jogging, bike & hike trails
• For Tiger Palace guests exclusive jogging, biking & hiking trails in the forest adjacent to their resort
• Picnic spots in southern end of Baunna Koti for Butwal Bhairahawa residents & visiting
• Addresses complaints that there is not enough to do in Butwal Bhairahawa area
• Promotes PPP partnerships necessary for success
• Involves 5 star properties in local tourism & community development
• Clashing segments – locals & five star guest facilities would be best kept separate
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 35
Lumbini - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
• Hotel expansion (e.g. Budhimaya, Pawan) five star hotels are not appealing to international FDI or brands
• Government restrictions regarding casinos in Bhairahawa hampering development (Tiger Palace & Nansc Resorts)
• Environmental degradation - pollution & air quality from expanding factories
• Inadequate water supply & sewerage systems
domestic visitors
Development of Queen
Maya’s Path
POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER
• Development of guided bikes & hikes trail between Tilaurakot & Lumbini following ancient historic pilgrim route (36 kms?)
• Current archaeological team from DoA & Durham university have already defined the ancient pilgrim route – adapted to visit villages, temples & other places of interest for modern visitors
• Could be mandatory to use local guides for international groups
• Self guided with signage, displays, apps & promotional map for domestic & individuals
• Solid market demand
• Already has some traction, proposed “Mother Mayadevi Sutkeri Marga” by Prof Basanta Bidari
• Would extend length of stay & attract new segments
• Has the potential to be an iconic flagship game-changing product for Greater Lumbini, involving community
• Provides rationale for conservation of remote archaeological sites & local pride
• Mandatory guides would provide local employment
• Could involve villagers, settlements & smaller archaeological sites in tourism activities
• Seasonal constraints due to heat & rain
Lumbini Biodiversity
Education Garden
• Within the LDT area a Lumbini Biodiversity Education Garden can be developed with TA from Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), similar to the Nepal Biodiversity Education Garden in Godavari
• Plants & display boards can feature native flora, & those common at the time of Lord Buddha
• EPI to facilitate PPP with LDT & RBGE & other stakeholders
• The garden could lengthen stay & attract new international & domestic visitors, including school & college groups
• RBGE are keen to provide TA
• Approximate cost of development is estimated at US$150,000
Beautification &
organisation of Lumbini
• The municipalities & other stakeholders need assistance to improve the cross border experience & beautify the approach
• Improving environmental & air pollution from brick factories & other industrial activities could
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 36
Lumbini - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
approach from airport
& Sunauli border
to the sacred site of the birthplace of Lord Buddha
• TA planning can improve the entrance procedure at Sunauli with truck, bus, tourist vehicle & pedestrian lanes, NTB visitor information & organisation of truck stop & bus park
• Facilitate the controlling of industrial emissions with private owners & ICIMOD
• Awareness programmes with local communities along the route from Sunauli & airport to Lumbini could improve beautification & an appropriate sense of peace & pilgrimage for all segments
• Border incentives with free & discounted visas to encourage longer & overnight stays in Nepal can be investigated with Department of Immigration
• Appeal would be to cross border Indian & international pilgrimage markets
reverse the current major negative impact on all visitors
• Benefits for local residents & private entrepreneurs
Wildlife tourism
improvements at
Lumbini crane
sanctuary & Jagdishpur
Tank
• Lumbini needs to broaden its product appeal
• Good potential for bird watching (area 120 species, 4th best area in Nepal) including crane sanctuary within LDT area
• Tourism facilities need to be upgraded in the crane sanctuary with maintenance of trails, blinds & viewing tower, & guide system
• Jagdishpur Tank is a Ramsar site i.e. wetland of international significance &
• Provide local employment & conservation benefits
• Can lengthen stay & increase spend
• Developments would need to be closely coordinated with resource managers & guardians i.e. DNPWC, International Crane Foundation, Bird Conservation Nepal etc.
• Can be coordinated with wildlife
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Lumbini - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
scenic interest
• EPI could help Municipality offer concession for international wildlife camp at Jagdishpur & facilities in Lumbini
• Would appeal to wide range of current & potential markets including international special interest, FIT, domestic families & groups
activities at Janakinagar (see below)
Large scale restaurant
& picnic spots for day
visitors to Lumbini
• Lumbini attracts busloads of visitors on cross border day trips
• Many are reported to bring their own food & stay less than a few hours, especially Indians
• Visitors picnic by the road side & within the LDT area contributing to litter & toilet waste
• EPI could help improve visitor facilities around the main Lumbini sites by brokering a PPP large restaurant with parking & toilets
• Would appeal to Indian, domestic & some international group day visitors, & some overnighters
• Provides much needed amenities for Lumbini day pilgrims, encouraging them to stay longer by improving the visitor experience
• Land acquisition might be a problem, unless LDT can use some of their new buildings for this purpose or municipalities can provide site
• Dependent on finding a private sector partner
• Would provide local employment & outlet for produce & handicrafts
• Limited benefits to surrounding communities.
• Inadequate or inappropriate on-site interpretation, visitor centre, signs, tour guiding, car parking & road linkages between Lumbini & associated pilgrimage sites - Indian guides giving “wrong
Capacity
building
Improved
interpretation at nine
sites, particularly
Tilaurakot & Ramagram
• Higher value & international visitors demand quality interpretation & are not happy with current mixed messages, incomplete visitor centre & poor quality facilities
• This includes signage visitor centres, displays, local guides system telling the agreed traditional stories
• Will impact on & enhance all visitor markets, increasing satisfaction & increasing length of stay
• Relies of support of all stakeholders, especially LDT & UNESCO
• UNESCO is responsible for WHS,
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 38
Lumbini - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
information”
• Within LDT area, ADB-assisted visitor centre is unfinished with no displays, Lumbini museum is neglected. Existing infrastructure and facilities are not maintained, whilst new LDT buildings proliferate with no clear function. Visitors report the feeling that “nobody cares”
• Locals report Indian guides are notorious for giving “wrong information”
• New archaeological discoveries by DoA, LDT & Durham University are of international interest & the ancient stories can be featured in all displays
• EPI would contribute to the quality of all market segments’ satisfaction with Greater Lumbini if stakeholders can be brought together to achieve uniform design & high quality of interpretation
• In addition to Lumbini, Tilaurakot & Ramagram have international appeal if the stories can be well told
but LDT & monasteries are not always supportive. Coordinating the design & quality of signage & displays is a daunting task
• ADB visitor centre contract needs to be successfully completed
• Other outside interested parties can be approached for support
Handicrafts training • Handicraft training for the village people around the Greater Lumbini area could include quality & design elements
• Featuring local materials & skills, designs could introduce new products that appeal to target segments
• Training can include distribution, marketing as well as outlets at Lumbini e.g. in museums, visitor centres, hotels etc.
• Provides employment & supplementary income for adjacent communities
• Promotes pride in traditional culture
• Builds on work by previous projects i.e. TRPAP basket making
• Cadre of skilled handicraft practitioners & exporters are available as trainers
• Lack of focus of tourism activity to deliver the core Lumbini experience for non-pilgrims
• Conflicts between industry & monasteries – latter do not see themselves as part of tourism whilst hoteliers feel they are
New
partnerships
for planning,
products &
promotion
Daily Maya Devi
Temple opening &
closing ceremony
• Organise a solemn blessing ceremony at fixed times at sunrise & sunset when the Maya Devi temple opens & closes
• Delivers a core spiritual tourism experience & focus of tourism activity
• Rotate the task around all the monastery monks, lamas & Venerables, with LDT
• Involves the monasteries in daily tourism activities
• Extends visitor stay & further encourages overnight visits
• Provides focus for non-pilgrims
• Once the ceremony is established, suitable organised night activities
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 39
Lumbini - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
stealing bednights
• Market demand – general lack of appeal other than for pilgrims, and even pilgrim segments are limited
• Visitor satisfaction issues: pilgrims cannot prostrate or make offerings - disappointing visitor experience for non pilgrims
• Transport syndicates result in lack of quality vehicles from Sunauli, & in and around the nine sites
• Seasonality constraints due to hot weather, dust & rain. Underutilised after dark - the Sacred Garden is closed at night
POTENTIAL QUICK WIN
security staff
• Appeals to non-pilgrimage markets as well as religious visitors
could extend the WHS use e.g. yoga, guided meditation, special prayer sessions
Global architectural
competition to replace
Maya Devi Temple
building
POTENTIAL
INTERNATIONAL GAME
CHANGER
• Facilitate a feasibility study & stakeholder consultations to replace the current temporary Maya Devi Temple building
• Would require oversight by “honest broker” e.g. UNESCO with LDT & involve all Buddhist & conservation partners on selection panel
• Winning design must protect the resource fabric, as well as address needs of pilgrims & other visitors
• New design would appeal to all markets
• Potentially a major international event promoting major global interest
• May prove a controversial proposal for some stakeholders
• Funding would be significant but could include donations from Buddhists & interested parties
Master plan for
Janakinagar Park
POTENTIAL LOCAL
• Janakinagar is a large forest & grassland GoN site on Rohini River between Butwal & Bhairahawa that is currently being developed as an irrigation dam project
• The lake that will be formed & the surrounding forest has excellent potential as a multi use domestic leisure facility for Tillotama Municipality
• Will have high appeal for domestic &
• Leisure complex under discussion at Tillotama Municipality includes swimming pool, stadium, amphitheatre & small zoo
• Facilitating a master plan could realign the leisure complex with local demand & facilities appropriate to the site
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 40
Lumbini - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits
GAME CHANGER perhaps Indian segments
Tourism transport
system from Sunauli to
Lumbini & around nine
sites
• For arrivals at the Sunauli border there is no transparent or reliable system for hiring good vehicles, although some tourist class vehicles are available from Bhairahawa transport operators
• There is no public transport for getting around Greater Lumbini’s nine sites, which are some distance apart
• Partnerships with the municipalities & private sector operators could kick start a regular & reliable PPP approved transport service to & from the border, as well as around the nine sites
• Appeal to FITs, business, domestic & Indian segments
• Encourage more tourists to visit & to stay longer
• Helps the local economy & hotel owners
• Distributes visitors around the sites & surrounding points of interest
• Provides increased commercial viability for new projects e.g. Janakinagar
Greater Lumbini
tourism association
• Although SHAN is active in Bhairahawa, there is no forum that includes all the Greater Lumbini tourism stakeholders
• A Greater Lumbini tourism association can be formed for all stakeholders involved in tourism including LDT, DoA, monastery, the relevant municipalities, private sector operators & community representatives
• A voice for tourism in Greater Lumbini will assist the orderly development of the sector & help advocate for tourism interests in the management of the nine sites
• Depends on commitment of stakeholders
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3.3. Priority interventions
Analysis of long list of possible PPP interventions
Table 6 provides analysis of the long list of 37 intervention ideas measured 1-5 against a range of selection criteria. Highlighted in grey are the most highly
ranked interventions, which can be interpreted as immediate quick win interventions and longer term potential game changers.
Table 6: Analysis of long list of possible PPP interventions against selection criteria
POSSIBLE PPP INTERVENTION
CRITERIA Potential
for success
Value proposition & catalytic
effect
Impact on
poverty & job
creation
Supports Federal
structure & GoN policy
Appeal to
domestic & Indian markets
Appeal to high value
Western & Asian
Significance to
pilgrimage tourism patterns
TOTA
L
RA
NK
Cross cutting
Wayside amenities 3 5 5 4 5 5 4 31 =4
Signage & information 3 4 3 4 5 4 4 27
Strengthen selected municipalities for tourism 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 34 =1
Local guide system 2 4 4 4 4 5 2 25
Homestay training 4 4 4 3 5 3 4 27
Training in social media for tourism marketing 4 4 3 2 5 4 2 24
Forging strategic partnerships 4 4 3 5 4 4 3 27
Greater Pokhara
Upgrade Prince Charles / Tiger Tree picnic site 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 31 =4
Seti Gorge sky walk 4 5 4 4 5 5 3 30 =5
Cycle & walking trails around & linking seven lakes 4 5 4 4 5 5 2 29
Development of Pachbhaiya community forest 3 4 3 3 4 1 1 19
Hallan Chowk camping site 3 4 3 3 4 1 1 19
Pokhara Panorama Trail 3 3 4 3 3 2 1 19
Developing Ratna Mandir garden as heart of tourism focus 4 5 3 5 5 5 4 31 =4
Destination Pokhara tourism marketing strategy & action plan 3 4 4 4 4 4 2 25
Around Pokhara transport service 2 4 3 4 4 3 4 24
Tansen Palpa
Rani Mahal walking trail 4 5 5 4 5 4 3 30 =5
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POSSIBLE PPP INTERVENTION
CRITERIA Potential
for success
Value proposition & catalytic
effect
Impact on
poverty & job
creation
Supports Federal
structure & GoN policy
Appeal to
domestic & Indian markets
Appeal to high value
Western & Asian
Significance to
pilgrimage tourism patterns
TOTA
L
RA
NK
Preserving Tansen’s cultural heritage 2 4 4 5 4 5 3 27
Sewage & solid waste in Tansen Palpa 2 3 3 5 3 3 2 21
Capacity building & training in Tansen, Ridi & Rani Mahal 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 27
Visitor information with GetUp Palpa 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 34 =1
Tansen Durbar – regional museum & tourism centre 4 5 4 5 5 5 4 32 3
Tansen Palpa tourism association 4 3 2 3 2 2 2 18
Greater Palpa integrated tourism destination development plan 3 4 4 4 3 4 3 25
Greater Lumbini, Bhairahawa & Butwal
Tourism facilities in Baunna Koti jungle community forest 5 4 4 5 5 5 3 31 =4
Development of Queen Maya’s Path 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 34 =1
Lumbini Biodiversity Education Garden 4 4 3 3 5 5 5 29
Beautification Lumbini approach from airport & Sunauli border 2 5 4 5 4 4 5 29
Wildlife tourism at Lumbini crane sanctuary & Jagdishpur tank 4 4 4 4 4 5 2 27
Large scale restaurant & picnic spots for day visitors to Lumbini 4 4 3 3 5 1 5 25
Improved interpretation at nine sites, Tilaurakot & Ramagram 3 5 4 4 4 5 4 29
Handicrafts training 4 4 4 4 1 4 2 23
Daily Maya Devi Temple opening & closing ceremony 5 5 4 4 5 5 5 33 =2
Global architectural competition to replace Maya Devi Temple building 4 5 4 5 5 5 5 33 =2
Master plan for Janakinagar Park 4 3 3 4 5 1 2 22
Tourism transport system from Sunauli to Lumbini & 9 sites 2 4 4 4 3 1 4 22
Greater Lumbini tourism association 4 3 2 3 2 2 2 18
Source: Study team
Criteria for selection
The selection criteria in Table 6 have been defined for prioritization and rated 1-5 as follows:
Potential for success
1 = Difficult to implement successfully
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5 = Very high chance of success
Value proposition & catalytic effect
1 = Would generate limited added value to the destination or activity
5 = Adds substantial value and will be a “game-changer” to the destination or activity
Supports Federal structure & GoN policy
1 = Not closely aligned to new Federal structure or GoN policy
5 = Closely supports Federal goals and GoN policy and agendas
Impact on poverty and job creation
1 = Limited potential to reduce poverty and create jobs
5 = High potential to relieve poverty and generate employment
Appeal to domestic and Indian markets
1 = Minimal interest for target domestic and Indian market segments
5 = Strong appeal to domestic and Indian visitors
Appeal to high value Western & Asian markets
1 = Minimal interest for target high value Western & Asian markets
5 = Strong appeal to high value Western & Asian visitors, responding to known preferences
Significance to pilgrimage tourism patterns
1 = Minimal significance to pilgrimage tourism patterns
5 = Strong appeal to pilgrims and pilgrimage visitor patterns
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4. Next Steps
4.1. Quick win recommendations
The ranking against criteria in Table 6 highlights interventions that are likely to be most successful for EPI implementation. From these, the following five are
recommended for further investigation as quick win options.
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Table 7: Quick win recommendations
Quick win PPP intervention Key features & markets (as
above)
Impacts, risks & benefits (as above)
Potential partners Tentative cost Action points
Technical assistance to strengthen
selected municipalities for tourism
New mayors are keen to develop both international and domestic tourism but don’t know how
TA and training in selected municipalities to ensure tourism is included in local plans with action plan and budget, building on experience of tourism component in DDC plans via MLD
Nepal Tourism Board could be part of the training team
Include inventory of new municipality market-led products and attractions
Training will help ensure effective implementation of tourism projects and implementation of other sectors
Format could include one week for key representatives per each selected municipality plus bringing them together
Will address new
Federal structure
issues and current
confusion about
responsibilities
Municipalities have
requested tourism
assistance
Success will depend on
local commitment
Technical assistance
could include study
tours to visit other
destinations in Nepal
Cadre of experienced
tourism consultants
available to provide
training, possibly in
association with NTB
to provide Nepal
destination context
Provincial,
municipality & rural
municipality planners
and staff in areas
concerned with
tourism
NTB and MoCTCA to
ensure links with
overall Nepal
destination
positioning,
promotion & product
development
Rs. 1-5 million
depending on
study results
and levels of
interest
Study to determine the
relevant municipalities and
needs analysis to confirm
relevance of the training
requested
Likely to include tourism
awareness, sustainable
tourism planning, responsible
destination management,
and strengthening of project
implementation abilities
Study tours to neighbouring
tourism destinations
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Quick win PPP intervention Key features & markets (as
above)
Impacts, risks & benefits (as above)
Potential partners Tentative cost Action points
Upgrade Prince Charles / Tiger Tree
picnic site
The Prince Charles /Tiger
(sumi) tree above Bijaypur
barracks) has recently
become popular picnic site for
domestic families and groups
Spectacular viewpoint site
currently degraded with litter
and toilet waste
30 minute drive and short
walk from Pokhara
Management system in place
by mothers’ group from
village but needs help with
picnic tables and managed
toilets
TA can improve picnic site as
local model
Potential model for
other viewpoints &
picnic sites
Mothers Group who
manage the site would
be upskilled and
empowered
Local domestic tourists
will be educated in
litter management
With improvements,
the site could appeal to
broader range of
markets
Lekhnath
Municipality, local
mothers group,
community forest
user group, current
restaurant,
International Trust
for Nature
Conservation (ITNC)
& Tiger Mountain
Pokhara Lodge
NTB and Pokhara
operators when
facilities suitable for
international visitors
Rs. 2-4 million
for training and
site planning.
Some facilities
already on site
Ensure current custodians
are receptive to training and
assistance to transform the
picnic site into model
natural, sustainable,
ecotourism model
Training workshops with all
stakeholders to ensure
sensitivity to natural values
of the site
Site planning for
improvements, rationalising
current buildings, ensuring
appropriate materials for
new structures and ongoing
maintenance
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Quick win PPP intervention Key features & markets (as
above)
Impacts, risks & benefits (as above)
Potential partners Tentative cost Action points
Visitor information with GetUp Palpa
GetUp Palpa established 20
years ago, well respected
NGO based in Tansen led by
Mr Manmohan Shrestha
Assistance with action plan
for the preparation and
distribution of visitor
information to address low
awareness
Materials can include “what
to see & do” brochures, maps
and website development
Marketing materials can
position Tansen as historic hill
town with culture, pilgrimage
and soft adventure
Target new segments such as
Indian pilgrims, international
groups and wider domestic
markets
Currently based in GetUp
Palpa but destination
information can move to
Palpa Durbar museum
GetUp Palpa is ready
to cooperate with
Municipality and EPI
for a quick result
Will expand market
interest and showcase
Tansen Palpa
attractions
Marketing activities
can focus on attracting
more visitors and new
segments from
Pokhara and Lumbini
NTB support necessary
for success
Nepal Tourism Board,
GetUp Palpa, Tansen
and other relevant
municipalities, Palpa
tourism operators
MoCTCA when future
of Tansen Durbar
Museum is decided
Rs. 0.5 million Needs analysis for visitor
information for Palpa (and
possibly Syangja if
interested) with NTB and
GetUp Palpa e.g. maps
brochures website, and
homestay booking system
similar to
www.cosynepal.com
Quality control material and
distribution with GetUp Palpa
and Syangja
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Quick win PPP intervention Key features & markets (as
above)
Impacts, risks & benefits (as above)
Potential partners Tentative cost Action points
Tourism facilities in Baunna Koti
jungle community forest, Tillotama
Municipality
The new Tiger Palace Resort
are keen to forge links with
the community and provide
activities for their guests
Facilitate the development of
Baunna Koti jungle
community forest in PPP with
Municipality, forest user
groups and private sector
with picnic spots and network
of jogging, bike and hike trails
For Tiger Palace guests
exclusive jogging, biking and
hiking trails in the forest
adjacent to their resort
Picnic spots in southern end
of Baunna Koti for Butwal
Bhairahawa residents and
visiting domestic visitors
Addresses complaints
that there is not
enough to do in Butwal
Bhairahawa area
Promotes PPP
partnerships necessary
for success
Involves 5 star
properties in local
tourism and
community
development
Clashing segments –
locals and five star
guest facilities would
be best kept separate
Baunna Koti
community forest
user group, other
community groups,
Tillotama
Municipality, Tiger
Palace Resort,
Bhairahawa tourism
industry
NTB once facilities
are ready
Rs.10 m or less
with partner
Preparation of detailed site
plan, management
mechanism and facilities for
hiking/biking trail and local
picnic facilities
Discussions with Tillotama
Municipality, community
forest user group and Tiger
Palace Resort GM Mr Brett
Model
Promotion once facilities are
ready
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Quick win PPP intervention Key features & markets (as
above)
Impacts, risks & benefits (as above)
Potential partners Tentative cost Action points
Daily Maya Devi Temple daily
opening and closing ceremony
Organise a solemn blessing
ceremony at fixed times at
sunrise and sunset when the
Maya Devi temple opens and
closes
Delivers a core spiritual
tourism experience and focus
of tourism activity
Rotate the task around all the
monastery monks, lamas and
Venerables, with LDT security
staff
Appeals to non-pilgrimage
markets as well as religious
visitors
Involves the
monasteries in daily
tourism activities
Extends visitor stay
and further
encourages overnight
visits
Provides focus for non-
pilgrims
Once the ceremony is
established, suitable
organised night
activities could extend
the WHS use e.g. yoga,
guided meditation,
special prayer sessions
Lumbini
Development Trust,
Buddhist
monasteries in LDT
area, wider Buddhist
community in
Lumbini, Nepal and
Indian tourism
operators, Nepal
Tourism Board
Rs.0.1 million
Prepare concept plan and
implementation mechanism
in workshops with LDT,
monastery representatives,
Lumbini tourism industry
Promote to stakeholders
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4.2. Potential game changers
The following PPP interventions were highlighted in the ranking as having catalytic
value as potential game changers, with more ambitious objectives and long term
timelines. These ideas are recommended for further feasibility and investigation.
• Wayside amenities along Siddhartha Highway
• Seti Gorge sky walk Pokhara
• Developing Ratna Mandir garden as heart of tourism focus Pokhara
• Rani Mahal walking trail Tansen
• Tansen Durbar – regional museum & tourism centre
• Development of Queen Maya’s Path Tilaurakot to Lumbini
• Global architectural competition to replace Maya Devi Temple Lumbini
• Master plan for Janakinagar Park near Butwal
4.3. Organising for destination management and marketing
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4.4. Implications of new Federal structure
The practical modalities of the new Federal structure are presenting challenges. National
organisations such as the Nepal Tourism Board have expressed concern as to their roles and
responsibilities under the new three tier structure of federal (central), state (provincial) and
local (municipalities and rural municipalities). This lack of clarity is not unique to the
tourism sector.
The new state and local government representatives have demonstrated their keenness to
engage in tourism, including with newly appointed Provincial tourism ministers, marketing
campaigns (e.g. Rara Karnali Visit Year), and proposed new local taxes and entry fees. It
seems likely that each province will take control of destination management. Although
desireable that tourism features in the provincial and municipal annual plans and budgets,
reservations have been expressed about their capacity and the expertise required to carry
out these tasks. Many have limited experience working with community-based
organisations (CBO) and the private sector.
For the orderly development of tourism, it is desirable that provincial destinations reinforce
the national market image and positioning to present a cohesive picture of Nepal tourism
to the outside world. The “devolve not dissolve” approach advocates building on solid
foundations without losing past gains. In the tourism sector this might mean consolidating
the social and economic advances made in national tourism management, “building back
better” after the earthquakes, and adopting international best practice. Tourists and
tourism operators do not think in terms of provincial, municipality and rural municipality
boundaries.
Under the regulatory authority of MoCTCA, the Nepal Tourism Board is an experienced
private public partnership charged with destination marketing and product development
for the entire country of Nepal. As highlighted above, Nepal has a great deal of experience
in this area. Led by the NTB, mechanisms can be developed for regular exchanges of
information and technical support between the various players including provincial and
local government bodies, NGOs, CBOs and the private sector tourism industry.
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Appendix 1: Documents consulted
ADB (2004) South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Tourism Development
Plan Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal & Sri Lanka, published ADB Manila
ADB (2008) South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Tourism Development
Project Bangladesh, India & Nepal Final Report, Manila
ADB MoCTCA (1999), Ecotourism Project - TA No. 3332 - NEP, Final Report, Vol I, II, III,
Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Kathmandu, Nepal
DNPWC (2072), Policy and Legal System in Nepal Regarding Conservation Area
Management and Wildlife Conservation (Collection of Acts, Regulations, Policy, Working
Policy, Guidelines and Directives), Government of Nepal, Department of National Parks and
Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu
Economic Policy Incubator (2017) Economic Development Plan of Pokhara-Lekhnath
Metropolitan City Report, Kathmandu
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) (2007) Study on Positioning
India as a hub for Buddhist Tourism, ICRA Management Consulting Services, New Delhi
GHTDP (2009), Great Himalayan Trail Development Program Concept Paper, Great
Himalayan Trail Development Programme, West Nepal, SNV – Nepal
GoN (1995), Tourism Policy, 2065, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil
Aviation, Sangha Durbar, Kathmandu
GoN (2008), Tourism Vision 2020, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and
Civil Aviation, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu
GoN (2017) Nepal Tourism Statistics 2016, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation,
Kathmandu, Nepal
IFC & Investment Board Nepal (2013), Identifying Investment Opportunities for Cultural
Tourism in Nepal Final Report including projects in Tansen Palpa and Greater Lumbini,
Kathmandu
IFC & GoI (2013) Investing in the Buddhist Circuit 2014-2018, New Delhi
IFC Nepal (2012), Lumbini Tourism Scoping Mission Report, Kathmandu
MoCTCA ADB (2010) South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Programme (SATIDP),
Manila
MoCTCA ADB (2014) SATIDP Tourism Promotion Plan for Lumbini & Adjoining Areas 2015-
2024, Kathmandu
MoCTCA IFC (2016) Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for Pokhara and
Surrounding Areas, Kathmandu
MoCTCA IFC IBN (2016) Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for Western
Nepal, Kathmandu
MoCTCA Lumbini Development Trust (2017) Terms of Reference for Study to Prepare a
Document on Buddhist Circuit of Nepal (BCN) as a Premier Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism
Product 2017-2018, Kathmandu
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MoCTCA (2016) National Tourism Strategic Plan 2016 – 2025, Kathmandu
MoCTCA NTB (2001), National Ecotourism Strategy and Marketing Programme of Nepal,
Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu
MoCTCA (2018) Nepal Tourism Statistics 2016 and 2017, Kathmandu
NTNC (2018), Tourism Statistics 2018, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)
Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal
ODI Overseas Development Institute Centre for Inclusive Growth, Harry Jones (2013), Entry
Points for Developing Tourism in Nepal, What can be done to address constraints to
inclusive growth, London
PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) (2017) Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2017-2021,
Bangkok
PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) (1975) Pokhara-Nepal, Development of a Secondary
Destination, Bangkok
PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) (1988) Pokhara 1988, Bangkok
PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) (1990) Pokhara: Historic Resources Study and
Proposal for a Conservation District Pokhara, Nepal Bangkok
TRPAP (2003), Participatory District Tourism Development and Management Plan of
Rupandehi 2004 – 2009, UNDP/Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme,
NEP/99/013, MoCTCA/UNDP/DFID/SNV
TRPAP (2007), Lessons Learned: Nepal’s Experience Implementing Sustainable Tourism
Development Models, UNDP/Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme,
NEP/99/013, MoCTCA/UNDP/DFID/SNV
UNDP UNESCO (2013) Lumbini The birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal. Completing the
Kenzo Tange Master Plan. Lumbini Support Project, Kathmandu
UNESCO IUCN (2012) Environmental Impact Assessment of Industrial Development Around
Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord Buddha, World Heritage Property, Kathmandu
UNESCO (2012) Strengthening conservation and management of Lumbini, the birthplace of
Lord Buddha, World Heritage property" Kathmandu
UNWTO (2017) Tourism Highlights 2017, Madrid
UNWTO (2017) World Tourism Barometer Jan 2018, Madrid
World Bank (2013) Greater Lumbini Tourism Cluster Competitiveness Strategy Tourism
Cluster Analysis for Nepal Competitive Industry Diagnostic, Washington DC
World Bank (2012) Nepal’s Investment Climate, Leveraging the Provate Sector for Job
Creation and Growth, Washington DC
WWF Nepal (2010) The Green Lumbini Initiative, Kathmandu
http://www.cosynepal.com, http://www.hotelassociationnepal.org.np,
https://mailchi.mp/pata/the-quarterly-tourism-monitor-1q2017-is-now-available-
961417?e=84b9114284 , http://www.nepalmountaineering.org/, http://www.taan.org.np/
http://www.tourism.gov.np/ ,
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Appendix 2: Persons consulted
NAME ORGANISATION DESIGNATION CONTACT
Kathmandu
Mr Dandu Raj Ghimire MoCTCA Joint Secretary [email protected]
Mr Deepak Raj Joshi Nepal Tourism
Board
Ms Nandini Thapa Nepal Tourism
Board
Senior Director
Marketing &
Promotion
Mr Udaya Bhattarai Nepal Tourism
Board
Senior Manager
Product
Development
Mr Sunil Sharma Nepal Tourism
Board
Officiating Director
Research Planning
& Monitoring
Mr Sarad Pradhan Nepal Tourism
Board
Media Consultant [email protected]
Mr Laxman Gautam Nepal Tourism
Board
Senior Manager
Public Relations &
Publicity
Mr Nabin Pokharel Nepal Tourism
Board
Officiating Director
Tourism Marketing
& Promotion
Ms Raihana Rabbany IFC World Bank Private Sector
Development
Mr Volkar Treichel IFC World Bank Principal Economist
South Asia
Mrs Ambica Shrestha Dwarikas Chair [email protected]>
Ms Sangita Einhaus
Shrestha
Dwarikas MD [email protected]>
Mr Bikram Pandey Buddhist
Circuits.com
Founder [email protected]
Mr Rajendra Bajgain Silver Heritage
investment
Nepal partner [email protected]
Dr Ghana Shyam
Gurung
WWF Nepal Country
representative
Ms Krinisha Shrestha WWF Nepal Tourism officer [email protected]
Mr Umesh Chandra Rai Yeti Airlines & Tara
Air
Mr Daman Pradhan Yeti Holidays &
Hotel Hokke
Ms Sumnima Udas Buddha Foundation Museum specialist [email protected]
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NAME ORGANISATION DESIGNATION CONTACT
Mr Rabi Jung Pandey LDT MoCTCA
Buddhist Circuits
Nepal project
Team leader [email protected]
Mr Ram Chandra Sedai LDT MoCTCA
Buddhist Circuits
Nepal project
Tourism products
specialist
Dr Shankar Sharma DFID MoF Economic
Policy Incubator
(EPI)
Team leader [email protected]
Mr Harry Jones EPI Programme
Director
Mr Keshav Acharya EPI Senior Programme
Advisor
Mr Hiramani Ghimire EPI Senior Project
Advisor
Mr Strahan Spencer DFID UKAid Head of the
Humanitarian and
Livelihoods Team
Mr Ram Khadka DFID UKAid Economic Advisor [email protected]
Bhairahawa, Butwal, Lumbini
Mr Rajendra Bandhu
Aryal
Economic Policy
Incubator
Regional Project
Coordinator
Mr Chitra Bhandari Tiger Palace Resort Chief Concierge [email protected]
Mr Paraswar Sahray Tillotama
Municipality
Engineer
Mr Urgit Singh Godar Custodian Janakinagar Park
site
Mr Deependra
Chowdhury
LDT Custodian Ramagram
International Scientific Committee, Lumbini 21-23 Feb 18
Mr Durga Prasad
Dawadi
Director General Department of the
Environment
Dr Bhupesh Adhikary ICIMOD Senior Air Quality
Specialist
Prof Yukio Nishimura University of Tokyo Professor Urban
Conservation &
Design
Ms Tomoko Mori University of Tokyo Research Fellow [email protected]
Mr Paolo Pagnin UNESCO Italy Advisor for
Conservation
Prof Robin Coningham University of Professor of
Archaeological
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NAME ORGANISATION DESIGNATION CONTACT
Durham Ethics & Practice
Mr Christian Manhart UNESCO Country
Representative
Dr Roland Lin Chih-
Hung
UNESCO World Heritage
Centre Paris
Ms Nabha Basnyat
Thapa
UNESCO Project Coordinator [email protected]
Ms Sujata Khanal UNESCO Project Assistant [email protected]
Mr Thomas Schrom UNESCO Consultant [email protected]
Ms Claire Burkert Crafts development Consultant [email protected]
Mr Saroj Bhattarai Lumbini
Development Trust
Project Chief [email protected]
Mr Gyanin Rai Lumbini
Development Trust
Chief
Administrative
Officer
Mr Rajan Basnet Lumbini
Development Trust
Information Officer 071404040
Ms Swosti Rajbhandari
Kayastha
Lumbini Buddhist
University
Lecturer [email protected]
Dr Mark Watson Royal Botanic
Gardens Edinburgh
Head of Major
Floras Research
Programme
Ven. Bhikkhu
Vivekananda
Lumbini Meditation
Centre
Director
Lumbini consultation, 22 February 2018
Mr Hari Dhoj Rai Lumbini
Development Trust
Communication
Officer
Mr Amarika Kohan Lumbini
Development Trust
Visitor Centre 9847386643
Mr Lilamani Sharma Siddhartha Hotel
Association Nepal
SHAN
Chairman Lumbini
Chapter
Mr Fanindra K.
Neupane
Lumbini Buddhist
University
Central Campus [email protected]
Mr Achyut Aryal Haryana Professor [email protected]
Mr Najuruddin Local leader LDT Board Member 9812922820
Bhairahawa Butwal consultation, 23 February 2018
Mr Hari Bahadur Aryal BUCCI Representative [email protected]
Mr Ram Prasad Aryal Butwal sub metro Representative [email protected]
Mr Bal Krishna Acharya DAO Rupandehi Representative [email protected]
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NAME ORGANISATION DESIGNATION CONTACT
Mr Bhim Bdr Chhetri MoCTCA office Representative [email protected]
Ms Uma Kaphle Siddharthanagar
Municipality
Deputy Mayor 9847060342
Mr Yam Bdr Kunwar Siddharthanagar
Municipality
Representative [email protected]
Mr Dol Raj Gaire Tillotama Chamber
of Commerce
Representative [email protected]
Mr Chandra P Shrestha SHAN Bhairahawa Chairman MD
Nansc Hotel
Mr Samundra G.C Hotel Association
Rupandehi
Member 3857039388
Mr Sunil Bista Siddharthanagar
Transport
Bista International
Traders
9857011790
Mr Suraj Raj Bista Siddharthanagar
Transport
MD Bista
International
Traders
Mr Yubaeraj Acharya Buddha Tours &
Travels
Representative [email protected]
Mr Dhruba Dhital FNCSI Rupandehi Representative [email protected]
Mr Kanhai Kasudon FNSCI Rupandehi Representative 9857023104
Mr Madav Khatiwada SEZ Supervisor [email protected]
Mr Rakesh Yadav SEZ Office Assistant
Mr Khum Bahadur Bist TIC-NTB Representative [email protected]
Mr Anil Khyanice OIC Rupandehi Representative 9857015192
Tansen Palpa consultation 20 February 2018
Mr Ashok Kumar Shahi Tansen Municipality Mayor [email protected]
Mr Manmohan
Shrestha
GetUp Palpa Principal [email protected]
Mr Dhanishwar
Bashyal
Horizon Homestay MD [email protected]
Mr Pradeep Prasad
Udaya
NATTA Chapter
Palpa
President [email protected]
Mr Kamal Karki Crown Hotel Owner [email protected]
Mr Ram Prasad Pandey DCC Palpa Representative [email protected]
Ms Laxmi Pathak DCC Palpa Deputy Mayor 9857068337
Mr Devendra Khadka Hotel Taj, Palpa MD [email protected]
Mr Sagar Man
Maharjan
TMP Ward Representative [email protected]
Mr Ram Bahadur Raut HTEDC Palpa Representative [email protected]
Mr Kamal Prasad Raj DCDA Palpa Representative [email protected]
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NAME ORGANISATION DESIGNATION CONTACT
Khanal
Mr Jagdish Battarai Journalist Freelance [email protected]
Mr Govinda Bhattarai Gaunle Deuvrali
Weekly
Journalist [email protected]
Mr Kiran Kaushal FMJ Palpa Representative [email protected]
Mr Daya Raj Bashyal DCC Palpa Representative 9857060052
Mr Meg Raj Sharma Deurali Weekly,
Tansen
Journalist 9847029152
Mr Bhimarjun Pandey Government
Service
Engineer [email protected]
Mr Mahesh Lal Shakya Tansen No 3 Representative 9847047018
Mr Bhimsen Kharki Tansen No 3 Representative [email protected]
Mr Rajashwar Udaya Tribhuvan
University Campus
Representative [email protected]
Mr Diwarkar Dakota Retired government
service
Retired [email protected]
Mr Buddhi Prasad
Sharma
Tansen 2 Representative [email protected]
Mr Ramesh Thapaliya DUDBC Director of office [email protected]
Dr Puran Bajracharya Provinceradesh 5 Member 9847099233
Pokhara and surrounds
Mr Pashupati Subedi Economic Policy
Incubator
Regional Project
Coordinator
Mr Marcus Cotton Tiger Mountain
Pokhara Lodge
Managing Director [email protected]>
Mr Umesh Thapa
Magar
Shangrila Hotel
Pokhara
Resident Manager [email protected]
Mr Vikal Tulachan HAN Pokhara President
Pokhara consultation, 26 March 2018
Mr Raju Timilsina Pokhara Representative [email protected]
Mr Buddhi Nath
Pandey
Fewa Boat
Association
Representative [email protected]
Mr Prem G.C Sarangkot Tourism
Dev Com
Representative 9856021265
Mr Babar Jung Gurung Tourism Transport
Association
Representative 9856024090
Mr Karna Bahadur
Gurung
Machapuchre Rural
Municipality
Representative 9856017311
Mr Pitambar Poudel REBAN Representative 9856038444
Mr Bishnu Prasad Gupteshwor Cave Representative 9856029896
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NAME ORGANISATION DESIGNATION CONTACT
Poudel &Tourism Com
Mr Ram Kaji Gurung Panchase
Municipality Office
Representative 9804126554
Mr Chau Bahadur
Gurung
REBAN Pokhara Representative 9856032504
Mr Krishna Prasad
Acharya
Mahendra Cave
Dev Committee
Chair [email protected]
Mr Deepak Raj
Adhikary
TAAN Pokhara President 9856029973
Mr Damodar Bhakta
Thapa
HAN Lekhnath President [email protected]
Mr Saurya Thapaliya Nepal Tourism
Board
Director [email protected]
Mr Narayan Pd. Subedi Trekking Equipment
Support Association
Representative [email protected]
Mr Yogesh Bhattarai Nepal Air
Association
Representative [email protected]
Mr Krishna Kafle Nepal
Mountaineering
Association
Representative [email protected]
Mr Kedar Nath Sharma Pokhara Tourism
Council (PTC)
Chairman 9856020232
Mr Ram Chandra
Sharma
PTC Representative 9856035706
Mr Krishna Prasad Tim 9856036544
Mr Nawaraj Ojha Rupa Municipality Representative 9856084009
Mr Hari Bahadur
Bhujel
Rupa Municipality Representative [email protected]
Mr Uddip Gajurel EPI Consultant [email protected]
Mr Lalsubba Gurung Rupa Municipality Representative 9856084008
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Appendix 3: Mission diary
Date Activities 15-Jan-18 1430 Start up briefing meeting in EPI office with Dr Shankar Sharma team leader and
Ms Pratistha Swar research associate. Work planning and background documents, UNESCO coordination ref Lumbini etc
31-Jan-18 1430 Meeting with Christian Manhart UNESCO representative
1-Feb-18 1400 EPI office with Pratistha to discuss field trip details
2-Feb-18 0930 Rabi Jung Pandey team leader of LDT MoCTCA Buddhist Circuits Nepal project. Discussions with Ram Chandra Sedai team member. Data collection & research
5-Feb-18 Data analysis. 5pm Meeting with Bikram Pandey Chairman Himalaya Expeditions, Buddhist operator
6-Feb-18 1400 with Pratistha Swar meetings with Deepak Raj Joshi CEO NTB plus Sarad Pradhan Media and Sunil Sharma Director Research Planning & Monitoring NTB & Nabin Pokhrel Off Dir Tourism Marketing and Promotion. 3pm MoCTCA Mr Danduraj Ghimere Jt Sec Planning to introduce project, understand GoN priorities and request guidance.
9-Feb-18 0915 Pratistha Swar to discuss documents for field trip etc. Research analysis and field trip preparation
12-Feb-18 Research and analysis
14-Feb-18 Pokhara site visit seeing old town bazaar, Badrakali temple, Managi gompa, Sitakali temple, ACAP Museum, DK Singh Bridge Seti Gorge, Gorkha Museum, Annapurna View Hotel, CIWEC Clinic, Lakeside, Peace Stupa, Devi's Fall, Robotic Museum, Guptashwar Mahadev cave temple, International Mountain Museum, airport and Shangrila Hotel. Discussions with Mr Umesh Thapa Magar, Resident Manager
16-Feb-18 Research and analysis, coordinating with team, finalising powerpoint presentations, preparation for field visit
18-Feb-18 LDT Technical Advisory Group briefing and progress updates of BCN study by consulatnt team Nepal Tourism Board led by Rabi Jung Pandey
19-Feb-18 0900 Fly Ktm Pokhara. Met by Pashupati Subedi Regional Project Coordinator Pokhara. Discussions ref EPI plans and consultations. Visit NTB office. 1230 Depart Pokhara by car (Madhu Shreshta Amrit Trekker) to Tansen Palpa. Discussions with Man Mohan Shrestha GetUp Palpa. Visit historic town and durbar. Dinner Nanglo West. Disturbed night with bomb blast. Overnight Crown Hotel Tansen
20-Feb-18 Visit town & Palpali Chhen guesthouse. Discussions with Mr Ashok Kumar Shahi Mayor of Tansen. 0900 Palpa workshop with 23 participants in Crown Hotel. Drive to Butwal. Delayed by bandh. Bhairahawa Workshop postponed. Visit Tiger Palace Resort and discussions with Chitra Bhandari Chief Concierge (Rajendra Bajgain Nepali partner Silver Heritage Pvt Ltd). Visit Sunauli border crossing. Discussions with Rajendra Bandhu Aryal, EPI Regional Project Coordinaror Bhairahawa. Overnight Nirvana Hotel Bhairahawa
21-Feb-18 0800 with Rajendra & Pratistha to Janakinagar Park irrigation dam site with Paraswar Sahray Municipality engineer & Urgit Singh Godar local custodian. Pass Baunna Koti jungle community forest. Drive to Lumbini. Attend LDT DoA UNESCO International Scientific Commitee meeting at Kasai Hotel Lumbini. Discussions with Professor Robin Coningham, Durham University archaeologist, Dr Mark Watson Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh, lunch with Dr Mahedra Subba ADB team leader & Mr Padma Mainalee Dep DG Dept of Urban Development & Building Construction. Visit Sacred
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Date Activities Garden. Dinner Christian Manhart UNESCO Representative etc. Overnight Kasai Hotel
22-Feb-18 Participate in LDT DoA UNESCO International Scientific Commitee meeting, speak on tourism develooment. 3pm Lumbini EPI consultations workshop 7 participants in Buddha Maya Hotel Palace. Site visits to monastic zone seeing museum, vistor centre, arrival area, Korean and Chinese monasteries, Japanese stupa and crane sanctuary. Dinner hosted by LDT at Hokke Hotel. Lumbini Overnight Kasai Hotel
23-Feb-18 8am With UNESCO group site visit to Dahani and Tilaurakot led by Prof Robin Coningham and Kosh Prasad Acharya. Break away from group and visit parking area, new museum, Kudan site. Drive from Taulihawa to Bhairahawa. Visit Pawan Hotel. 4pm Bhairahawa tourism workshop 23 paricipants in Hotel Nirvana. Overnight Nirvana Hotel Bhairahawa
24-Feb-18 0800 With Rajendra and Pratistha drive to Ramagram - discussions with Dipendra Chowdhury LDT village custodian. Visit SEZA Special Economic Zone Authority with Mr Madav Katiwada supervisor. Discussions with HE WS Perera Sri Lankan Ambassador and manger of Sri Lankan Pilgrim Rest hotel in Lumbini. Fly Bhairahawa to Kathmandu. End of field mission
25-Feb-18 Follow up analysis on policy & project ideas, inc with RBGE, WWF etc. Preparation of material to share with EPI.
27-Feb-18 1pm EPI office with Pratistha. Sharing of initial analysis of findings presentation and feedback/ discussion with Dr Shankar Sharma Team Leader, Mr Keshav Acharya Senior Programme Advisor, Mr Hiramani Ghimere Senior Project Advisor, Mr Harry Jones Programme Director, Mr Strachan Spencer DFID, Mr Ram Khadka DFID.
7-Mar-18 Working on research, project details and report
8-Mar-18 Working on research, project details and report
9-Mar-18 Working on research, project details and report
12-Mar-18 Finalise and submit report planning framework and interventions - work in progress
26-Mar-18 Prepare and conduct Pokhara Stakeholders consulation with 27 participantsin NTB Tourism Centre Pokhara 2pm with Saurya Thapaliya NTB Pratistha and Pashupati Subedi EPI. Visit Tiger Tree proposed site
27-Mar-18 Follow up & work on report
30-Mar-18 Discussions with Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung Country Representative WWF Nepal and Ms Krinisha Shrestha tourism officer WWF Nepal ref cooperation on Pokhar lakes. Daman Pradhan Yeti Holidays & Umesh Rai Yeti Airlines ref Pokhara & Lumbini plans. Work on report and appendices
2-Apr-18 1430 Validation meeting at NTB with Deepak Raj Joshi CEO, Ms Nandini Thapa Senior Director of Marketing & Promotion, Mr Laxman Gautam Senior Manager Public Relations & Publicity, Mr Udaya Bhattarai, Senior Manager Product Development & Mr Sarad Pradhan Media Consultant with Pratishta. Meet with Ms Sumnima Udas ref Lumbini Museum upgrade. Work on report
4-Apr-18 Work on report and appendices
10-Apr-18 Finalise and submit report and appendices
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Appendix 4: Consultation discussion participants
Tansen Palpa 20 February 2018
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Lumbini 22 February 2018
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Bhairahawa & Butwal 23 February 2018
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Pokhara 26 March 2018
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Appendix 5: Discussion paper for stakeholder consultations
SCOPING STUDY ON TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES POKHARA SUNAULI ECONOMIC CORRIDOR Purpose of this paper
To introduce our study and to ask stakeholders to contribute with feedback on their interests and aspirations in regard to the future of tourism in the Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor.
Background to our study
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation’s (MoCTCA) guiding policy document is the 10 year National Tourism Strategy Plan (2015 – 2024) for the whole of Nepal. The strategy has identified a set of interventions for future tourism development in Nepal with priority nodes, clusters and subsectors. Greater Pokhara and Greater Lumbini are ranked 1st and 2nd Nepal’s 6 priority Tourism Development Areas. Greater Pokhara reinforced as cultural, natural and MICE destination, with community-based opportunities, & improved current tourist attractions in central Pokhara. Diversify current tourism offering with soft activities to attract more visitors, increase length of stay and spend. Greater Lumbini new regional international airport with Lumbini as central attraction spreading tourist activities to Palpa, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Kapilvastu and Pyuthan districts. Attract investments to Lumbini in facilities including quality accommodation, more attractions, improved interpretation of the archaeological sites, and better product offerings. Monasteries could contribute teachings, meditation etc. Pilgrimage markets targeted to increase length of stay and spend & maximize economic benefits to local communities. National Tourism Strategic Plan (NTSP)
Various agencies are assisting MoCTCA to implement aspects of the National Tourism Strategy Plan. In the case of this study, agencies include:
i) UKAid-funded Economic Policy Incubator (EPI) managed by the Palladium Group ii) IFC Trade and Competitiveness Global Practices of the World Bank Group, iii) UKAid-funded Samarth Nepal Market Development Programme (Samarth‐NMDP) iv) UNESCO Nepal relating to World Heritage Sites v) Lumbini Development Trust (LDT)
Approach Our approach is: i) read all previous studies; ii) consult widely with stakeholders in the Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor who have a strategic viewpoint about tourism; and iii) visit tourism sites, especially Pokhara, Tansen Palpa and Lumbini. We will present ideas for interventions in mid March 2018. A round of consultations to validate findings will follow, and a final report presented mid April 2018.
Our team for this assignment Lisa Choegyal, Consultant 9851025690 - email: [email protected]
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Pratistha Swar, Economic Policy Incubator 9843817379 [email protected]
Our field trip plans are 19 -24 February 2018 Tansen Palpa / Butwal / Bhairahawa / Lumbini 26 March 2018 Pokhara
Background research so far
We have read many previous studies and initiatives associated with Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor. Perhaps the most important for this study are:
• National Tourism Strategic Plan (2016 – 2025)
• IFC Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for Pokhara and Surrounding Areas 2016 MoCTCA
• ADB SATIDP South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Programme 2010-2015
There are many others:
• Lumbini Development Trust - Kenzo Tange Master plan 1978
• PATA (Pacific Asia Tourism Association): Pokhara-Nepal, Development of a Secondary Destination 1975, Pokhara 1988 and Pokhara: Historic Resources Study and Proposal for a Conservation District Pokhara, Nepal 1990
• ADB Ecotourism Project 2000-2001
• UNDP / SNV / DFID Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) MoCTCA and NTB 2001-2005
• ADB South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Tourism Development Plan 2004, Tourism Development Project 2008 etc. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal & Sri Lanka 2003-2009
• IFC Nepal, Lumbini Tourism Scoping Mission Report 2012
• IFC & Investment Board Nepal, Identifying Investment Opportunities for Cultural Tourism in Nepal 2012-13 including projects in Tansen Palpa and Greater Lumbini
• IFC & Government of India, Investing in the Buddhist Circuit 2014-18
• World Bank Tourism Cluster Analysis for Nepal Competitive Industry Diagnostic, Greater Lumbini & Palpa, and Manaslu & Gorkha clusters 2013
• MoCTCA SATIDP Tourism Promotion Plan for Lumbini & Adjoining Areas 2015-2024
• EPI Economic Development Plan of Pokhara-Lekhnath Metropolitan City 2017
• 2017-2018 LDT MoCTCA Buddhist Circuits of Nepal (BCN) Tourism development themes
From our initial research, we envisage focusing our search for possible tourism development patterns on three overarching themes:
1. Developing the Pokhara to Sunauli corridor into a destination for adventure,
trekking and heritage tourism with both road and air linkages Pokhara to Lumbini, aimed at Nepal’s core high-spend longer-stay, mainly Western and higher value Asian markets. Product development emphasis may focus on scenery, soft adventure and culture, with rural tourism, wellness, spa and spiritual experiences. This could extend Nepal’s current core tourism “triangle” of Kathmandu Pokhara and Chitwan to the ecotourism circuit of Kathmandu Pokhara Tansen Palpa Lumbini Chitwan, with detours along the route.
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2. Extending and building on the established domestic and Indian patterns by products (such as family accommodation, rural homestays, etc.) along the Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor, with adventure, pilgrimage and village tourism detours as the road networks improve. Combining culture, nature and spiritual themes, this pattern will position Sunauli Pokhara as a favourite domestic holiday destination and for cross-border road trips from India.
3. Given Greater Lumbini’s location as a global target for pilgrimage tourism,
visitor flows will increase with the completion of Bhairahawa regional international airport, currently scheduled for 2020. In addition to growth in pilgrim flows by air, Greater Lumbini’s appeal will expand to new markets with easier accessibility. Promotion of the north-south road link between India (Sunauli) and Pokhara could result in increased length of stay for current pilgrim segments, and appeal to new ones. Product, accommodation and interpretation improvements at Greater Lumbini could attract new general interest segments to the economic corridor.
Potential drivers development
The drivers of such tourism development patterns are varied and might include:
• Infrastructure to improve access, particularly supporting the expansion of Pokhara and Bhairahawa airport with improved roads to tourism spots
• Community programmes, skills training and initiatives to stimulate small and medium enterprises, to generate employment, especially for women.
• Promotion of private sector investment in tourism products, from village level entrepreneurs to attracting international brand hotels
• National and provincial level policy and regulatory interventions aimed at spreading tourism flows and regional benefits
• Destination planning by resource management agencies coupled with reaching out to the private sector, such as through tourism concessions and PPP model
• Local, provincial level and NTB–led promotion and marketing programmes
Our request: You have been given this discussion paper because we have reached out to you. Having read this paper, could you please write a quick email to us with:
1) Your name and the organisation you represent 2) A concise statement of your wishes and aspirations in regard to the future of
tourism development in the Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor 3) Helping us with any area you feel we have neglected
In this way we plan to include many stakeholder voices in our report. Thank you for participating. Lisa Choegyal [email protected] 9851025690 EPI Consultant
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Appendix 6: Meeting notes
Date: 6 February 2018
Venue: Nepal Tourism Board, Brikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, Province Number 3
Time: 1400
Attendees: Mr Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO, NTB
Mr Sunil Sharma, Director Research Planning & Monitoring, NTB
Mr Nabin Pokhrel, Officiating Director Tourism Marketing and Promotion
Mr Sarad Pradhan, Media consultant
Ms Pratistha Swar, EPI Kathmandu
Ms Lisa Choegyal, Tourism Consultant
Discussions held on the following key points:
- To introduce EPI and the scoping study objectives
- To understand GoN priorities and request guidance
- To explore areas of cooperation
Date: 6 February 2018
Venue: Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu,
Province Number 3
Time: 1500
Attendees: Mr Danduraj Ghimere, Joint Secretary Planning, MoCTCA
Ms Pratistha Swar, EPI Kathmandu
Ms Lisa Choegyal, Tourism Consultant
Discussions held on the following key points:
- To introduce EPI and the scoping study objectives
- To understand GoN priorities and request guidance
Date: 20 February 2018
Venue: Hotel Crown, Tansen Municipality, Palpa District, Province Number 5
Time: 09:00am
Attendees: 23 tourism sector and municipality participants including:
Mr Ashok Kumar Shahi, Mayor Tansen Municipality
Mr Manmohan Shrestha, GetUp Palpa
Ms Pratistha Swar, EPI Kathmandu
Ms Lisa Choegyal, Tourism Consultant
After the presentation, discussions held on the following key points: - Siddhartha highway connects Pokhara-Tansen-Lumbini.
- Lack of information to the local public and also to tourists in terms of attractions.
- Planning for Tansen tourism master plan is important.
- There is no tourism association in Tansen despite government having it in its
strategy.
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- It’s important to involve local communities especially the Magars who are large in
number comprising 50% of population and have a rich culture to reflect. These
people can be trained further to run tourism at village levels.
- Tansen is a very beautiful hill station located between Lumbini and Pokhara. It
takes 4 hours’ drive from Pokhara to Tansen. The pilgrimage tourists from
Bhairahawa and Lumbini can be the target as Tansen is cooler and has its own
benefits of seasons as they say they have natural AC in the air.
- There is no direct bus that comes to Tansen straight from Lumbini or Pokhara,
which is one of the biggest constraints to attract tourists.
- Tansen also has many historical temples with historical stories, since there are lots
of pilgrimage tourists coming to Lumbini, opportunities to bring tourists including
Indian pilgrimage tourists to Tansen.
- Tansen Durbar, which was restored after Maoist insurgency’s attack and was
serving as district administration headquarters, is now a museum under Ministry of
Tourism. The local municipality officers and participants shared that if the durbar
can be renovated and populated with ancient local culture, handicrafts it can
benefit. The durbar can be a tourist hub where tourists will spend one whole day in
and around Durbar and next day can go for small treks. This will increase the stay
for tourists.
- Tourism promotion strategy and awareness is much needed.
- Capacity building of hoteliers.
- Old houses in Tansen having archaeological importance needs to be saved as there
are very few left to see.
- Tansen is famous for local handicrafts like Dhaka, weaving baskets and special brass
utensils etc. which can be promoted as local tourism product contributing directly
to economy. Suggestions were received to create a separate hastakala (handicraft
area) focusing on tourists.
- People in Tansen believe that Srinagar is another hill station after Nagarkot and has
to be promoted in a similar manner.
- There are rural municipalities in Palpa which should be involved in promotion of
tourism.
- There is a need to think about preservation of old cultural sites in Tansen.
- Tansen has been featured in the Lonely Planet number of times.
- Rani Mahal, Taj Mahal of Nepal, has been left behind without any proper caretaker.
It has been a concern for both locals and the government. It is situated on the
banks of Kali Gandaki River and has a great potential to attract tourists in the area.
Currently, a lot of visitors visit the place but it is not maintained properly and there
is nothing much to do around the site. Despite the government’s efforts in making
Rani Mahal a beautiful place to attract tourists, it is still in the same condition and
only study tour buses from different schools visit the area. There is a plan from
local people to build a walking trail to Rani Mahal and this can be a great
opportunity to contribute together with the local government and private sector. It
is under Dept. of Archaeology today.
- There is a need to create more attractions for local tourists so that they spend at
least a day in Tansen and around villages.
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- There is no Tourist Information Centre in Tansen because of which there is also a
lack of actual data of tourist flow in the area. NATTA chapter in Tansen tried
working in collecting the data but has not been able to come to conclusion.
- Training and orientation is important for tourism stakeholders.
- While planning, strategies should be action oriented.
- More public advertisement pamphlets should be developed.
- Holding trade fair in Tansen is another way of attracting tourists.
- NATTA mentioned some of the outdoor activities that took place in Tansen some
years ago and which also attracted many tourists, like downhill cycling race
competition and paragliding but they could not be sustained due to financial
constraints and other many reasons.
- There is a need for an entertainment places for people to enjoy during evening
hours.
- Management of sewage and landfill is a problem as most of the locals dump their
waste in the forests.
- Tansen is also becoming very active in providing Homestay services and there are a
lot in number at the moment-management and further capacity required.
- Currently, there is a lot of investment in the hospitality sector (especially hotels)
and new hotels are coming up in the area with international standards.
- 2018 Tourism Theme: Experience cuisine and culture.
Date: 22 February 2018
Venue: Buddha Maya Hotel Palace, Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Rupandehi District,
Province Number 5
Time: 15:00pm
Attendees: 8 tourism sector and municipality participants including:
Mr Hari Dhoj Rai, Lumbini Development Trust
Ms Pratistha Swar, EPI Kathmandu
Ms Lisa Choegyal, Tourism Consultant
After the presentation, discussions held on the following key points: - The current Master Plan for Greater Lumbini prepared by Kenzo Tange is about to
finish and only 16 elements (30% according to LDT) are left to complete which is
ongoing. The deadline to finish this is another 5 years.
- LDT planning for new master plan for the greater Lumbini areas like Ramagram,
Tilaurakot and so on.
- The LDT shares that funds have never been their problem but management and
manpower has been an issue to them.
- There is one new 5 star hotel coming up in Lumbini (Pawan Hotel).
- Recommendations were received to draft such policies where visitors visiting
Lumbini will have to visit other places like Tilaurakot and Ramagram.
- Lack of awareness and marketing.
- Tourist information centres and signage is very weak in and around Lumbini area,
which needs to be addressed.
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- Indian tour operators who bring the Indian pilgrimage groups to Lumbini are not
qualified enough and provide wrong information to Indian tourists. Work with local
government to make it compulsory to have one Nepali guide while entering from
the border area. Some even shared that Buddhist University in Lumbini provides
guide courses to their students and this can be done in partnership with the
University as well. This will also provide employment opportunities to the locals.
Government should address this from the policy level so that it is easier.
- Lack of coordination between Lumbini University, Lumbini Development Trust and
Local Municipality.
- Some also shared that we do not have enough activities or new products to
increase the length of stay for tourists.
- Recommendations to introduce activities like Village Tour in Lumbini- especially to
increase the length of stay. Some hotels have already started. Hotel association
people shared that tourists in their hotels do ask if there are any activities they
have, so this might be an opportunity as a new product.
- Capacity building of local government.
- Suggestions were received to include local people and key tourism stakeholders in
the planning and decision making phase-especially with LDT.
- The main gateway to Lumbini (the birth place of Buddha) -the entry point is not
managed properly. Siddharthanagar municipality should have some strategy to
overcome these challenges.
- 7-8 villages in Lumbini area have started ‘Holiday Pilgrims’ where they provide
village walk and cycling activities for tourists, coordination is needed to bring them
together.
- Capacity building of tour operators.
- There are no toilets or first aid facilities in the world heritage sites area for visitors.
- The free visa system or minimum days of visit ceiling for visitors should be
addressed through policy level-maybe by keeping some special clauses.
- Suggestions were received to increase the length of stay for tourists by having a
small ceremony before opening the main door of Maya Devi temple and also
before closing down in the evening (involving Buddhist Monks). This might be of
interest to the people visiting the site and might make them stay a day longer for
that. This is just one idea as many are pilgrimage tourists and this kind of activity
will be of great interest for people visiting the area.
- There was equal enthusiasm among the hotel associations to increase tourism in
the area.
- Some infrastructural development in creating theme parks having water sports
activities will be a good idea for a hot place like Lumbini (both domestic and
international tourism).
- There is a lack of spiritual activities in Lumbini for visitors, despite having so many
different monasteries there are not enough activities provided - all the main
heritage sites are closed after 7pm which leaves people with nothing to do.
- Museum not maintained at all.
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Date: 23 February 2018
Venue: Hotel Nirvana, Bhairahawa Siddharthanagar Municipality, Rupandehi District,
Province Number 5
Time: 16:00pm
Attendees: 23 tourism sector and municipality participants including:
Mr Chandra Shrestha, SHAN
Mr Rajendra Bandhu Aryal, EPI Regional Project Coordinator, Bhairahawa
Ms Pratistha Swar, EPI Kathmandu
Ms Lisa Choegyal, Tourism Consultant
After the presentation, discussions held on the following key points: - Gateway of Lumbini (birth place of Buddha).
- Need to focus more on what can be done to increase the length of stay.
- There are no such attractions in Bhairahawa, it is a gateway to Lumbini and every
visitor will have to come by that road - the entrance to Lumbini gate needs to be
more clean and welcoming for visitors
- Participants also stressed need to increase non-pilgrimage and domestic tourism in
the area- new tourist attraction needed.
- Development of new products necessary to increase average spending ratio.
- There is a new 5 star hotel between Butwal and Bhairahawa opened targeting
Indian tourists who come by road- casino and wedding destination for 35 million
Indians living 6 hours’ drive from Nepal- great opportunity.
- Air connectivity should increase.
- Government should support entrepreneurs by providing subsidies and conducive
environment for investors.
- Many private business houses shared that with growth, stability is also necessary.
- Suggestions for managing tourists (Indian) coming from border area- keeping data
of tourists coming to Nepal is important.
- Suggestions were received to place a (Welcome to Nepal) board near the border
area so that Indians and other people entering know that they are entering Nepal.
Lot of dissatisfaction from the private sector.
- Road connectivity in the Bhairahawa-Lumbini area has improved a lot but there’s a
lot of pollution-more than Kathmandu is what some studies show.
- The chaos in the border area needs to be solved.
- Requests from private sector to involve them in the planning phase with the
municipality was received.
- Some challenges are similar to other places we visited, like the guide problem and
not having entertainment outlets etc.
- Deputy Mayor from Siddharthanagar municipality shared that they will be happy to
work with EPI in developing tourism strategy for Siddharthanagar Municipality.
Date: 27 February 2018
Venue: EPI Office, Kathmandu, Province Number 3
Time: 13:00pm
Attendees: Dr Shankar Sharma, EPI Team Leader
Mr Keshav Acharya, EPI Senior Programme Advisor
Mr Hiramani Ghimere, Senior Project Advisor
Mr Harry Jones, EPI Programme Director
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Ms Pratistha Swar, EPI Research Associate
Mr Strachan Spencer, DFID
Mr Ram Khadka, DFID
Ms Lisa Choegyal, Tourism Consultant
Discussions held on the following key points:
- Presentation sharing initial findings, early analysis and intervention ideas
- Feedback and discussion with EPI team
Date: 26 March 2018
Venue: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Tourist Centre, Damside, Pokhara Lekhnath
Municipality, Kaski District, Province Number 4
Time: 14:00pm
Attendees: 26 tourism sector and municipality participants including
Mr Saurya Thapalya Director, Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara
Mr Pashupati Subedi, EPI Regional Project Coordinator, Pokhara
Ms Pratistha Swar, EPI Kathmandu
Ms Lisa Choegyal, Tourism Consultant
After the presentation, discussions held on the following key points: - Lack of proper tourism strategy/guideline for stakeholders, despite having many
studies for Pokhara, the stakeholders share that they are unaware of any guiding
document for tourism promotion in Pokhara. Insufficient awareness among the
stakeholders in GoN’s initiatives.
- Lack of proper infrastructure.
- Encroachment in the Fewa Lake with many controversies involved.
- Lack of marketing strategies in the national and international market.
- Lack of proper data and information on the arrival of tourists to Pokhara via road
(especially Indians travelling to Muktinath). The private sector says it’s
government’s job and government has not been doing anything so far to keep the
data updated. It is very important to keep these data for any further planning and
interventions.
- Lack of efforts in promoting cultural tourism (homestays).
- Promotion activities are only limited to Lakeside area, there is a need to develop
other areas to increase the length of stay of tourists
- Building new hotels in and around lakeside should be controlled through policy
level now. Every year, almost 50 new hotels are being built in Pokhara which is
hampering hotel businesses and others. Currently there are 400 hotels (registered
and unregistered) with more than 5000 beds in Pokhara.
- Need for a garden (concept like garden of dreams in Thamel) in Pokhara and having
an entry fee could be a new product for tourism.
- NTB stresses the need to think beyond conservation.
- Lack of supplies to the main trekking routes- ABC and others.
- NTB also shared that the tourism stakeholders in Pokhara are very traditional and it
might take time for them to look at the bigger picture. Until then, NTB representing
tourism in Pokhara can work on new developments
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- Panchase Municipality Mayor said that he will be delighted to work with EPI to
promote tourism in his area. He said that if we will be able to prioritize anything in
his area, he is willing to work together in promoting tourism.
- The Rupa Rural Municipality head, shared that he has already been welcoming and
promoting investors in his municipality by providing incentives and said that some
activities have already started like development of cycle path, reviving the old
trekking trails, setting up new camping sites and others. He also shared that he is
willing to work with EPI in prioritizing agenda for tourism growth.
- One of the participants who is currently responsible for looking after ‘Gupteshwor
Mahadev Cave’ shared that they receive almost 5 lakh domestic and Asian tourist
and 1 lakh foreign tourists in a year which is a huge number, but the cave is very
low maintained and there are no extra activities around the cave. There is a need to
maintain the cave which contains a huge stalagmite worshipped as a Shiva Linga
and has a lot of potential to attract tourists (especially pilgrimage tourists). The
entry fee for the cave is Rs. 50 currently which needs to be revised as well.
Gupteshwor Cave has not been captured in the maps of Pokhara too which limits
tourists getting more information on the product.
- Similarly, Mahendra Cave needs to be well maintained as they receive 10,000
international tourists, 50,000 SAARC countries and 2 lakh domestic tourists every
year. There is a lack of good hotels and services for tourists in the area. Need for
solar lights in those natural tourist attraction sites is very important.
Date: 2 April 2018
Venue: Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu, Province Number 3
Time: 1430
Attendees:
Mr Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO NTB
Ms Nandini Thapa, Senior Director of Marketing & Promotion NTB
Mr Laxman Gautam, Senior Manager Public Relations & Publicity NTB
Mr Udaya Bhattarai, Senior Manager Product Development
Mr Sarad Pradhan, Media Consultant, NTB
Ms Pratistha Swar, EPI Kathmandu
Ms Lisa Choegyal, Tourism Consultant
Discussions held on the following key points:
- Introduction of EPI by Pratistha.
- Lisa made powerpoint presentation of study activities, findings and proposed
interventions for validation and feedback.
- Positive comments were received including requests supporting specific
interventions i.e. to be mindful of providing Accessible Trails for disabled visitors
such as linking Pokhara’s seven lakes, agreement to solve Pokhara’s lack of tourism
statistics, need to upgrade Lumbini environment and spiritual atmosphere, request
to include adventure activities in Syangja District as well as Palpa, and discussions
on implications of new Federal structure.
- Areas of cooperation with EPI and NTB in the future were discussed.
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Appendix 7: Hotels in Lumbini area 2017
SN
Name of hotel,
guesthouse, lodge
or resort
Total
rooms
Room types Total
beds Facility Phone number AC Non
AC
1 Buddha Maya
Resort 76 152
Café +
Bar
071580220
2 Siddhartha
Guesthouse 21 45
Café 071580238
3 Shakya Guesthouse 25 60 Café 9857020064
4 Hotel New Chrystal
Garden 72 156
Café 071580145
5 Hotel Annanda Inn 24 57 Café 071580324
6 Buddha Bhumi
Guesthouse 15
40
Café 9841237358,
9841580326
7 Mirage Inn 19 45 Café 071580083
8 Hotel Stupa 18 40
Café 071580432,
9844768119
9 Seven Steps
Guesthouse 14
38
Café 071580218
10 Hotel Wandanna 10
30 Café 071580338
11 Akash International Under
constructi
on
9857021614
12 Buddha Palace 15
45
Café 071580272,
9857010311
13 Maya Devi
Guesthouse 21 45
Café 9857020732,
071580354
14 Manakamana
Guesthouse 7
20
Café 9804433448
15 Ashoka Guesthouse 7
20 Café 071580099
16 Lumbini Peace
Guesthouse 10
30
Café 071580372
17 Lumbini Garden
Lodge 20
45
Café 071580146
18 Lumbini
Guesthouse 26 60
Café 071580156,
9847031068
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SN
Name of hotel,
guesthouse, lodge
or resort
Total
rooms
Room types Total
beds Facility Phone number AC Non
AC
19 Rahul Guesthouse 6
12 071580176
20 The Lumbini Village
Lodge 13
26
071580432,
9847030634
21 Lotus Guest House 9
25 Café 071580373
22 Royal Guest House 8
20 071580172
23 Hotel Basil 20 50 Café 071580069
24 Sunflower G. House 12 30
Café 071580004,
071580228
25 Hotel Little Buddha 22 45
Café 071580270,
9851063299
26 Paradise
Guesthouse 10 20
Café
27 Hotel Buddha
Residency 8 20
Café 9857062196,
9857062165
28 Hotel Peace Land 21 45
Café 071580286,
071580210
29 Lumbini Bamboo
Resort 40 90
Café 071580310,
071580311
30 Hotel Zambala 50 100
Café 071580359,
9857010568
31 Hotel Sharashree 52 110 Café (Opening soon)
32 Shanti Guesthouse 10
40 Café 9847322808
33 Hotel Peace Zone 22 50 Café (Opening soon)
34 Lumbini Buddha
Garden 35 80
Café 071404004,
9851198328
35 Lumbini Village
Resort 8 20
Café 071229774
36 Hamro Guesthouse 8
20 Café
37 Sudeep Lodge 8
20 Café
38 Veri Guesthouse 8
20 Café 9847023102
39 Downtown
Guesthouse 8
20
Café
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SN
Name of hotel,
guesthouse, lodge
or resort
Total
rooms
Room types Total
beds Facility Phone number AC Non
AC
40 Manasi Guesthouse 10
30 Café 9847322997
41 Hotel Hokke 27 56 Café 071404056
42 Hotel Kashai 36 72 Café 9847023739
43 Shreelanka
Guesthouse 25
100
Café
44 Hotel Green View 22 50 Café 9847039436
45 Hotel Gautam
Buddha 17 40
Café 071404059,
9847021539
46 Gautam Buddha
Lodge 15
40
Café 071580138
47 Hotel Lumbini
Center Lodge 8
30
Café 9847180325
48 Rubi Guesthouse 10
30 Café
49 Buddha Maya Hotel
Palace 23 60
Café +
Pool
071404078
50 Mahima
Guesthouse 16
40
Café
51 Everest Guesthouse 7
15
52 Hotel President 15 35 Café 071580363
53 Osho Jetwana
Village 10 20
Café 9857010123,
9804460662
54 Prakash
Guesthouse 15 35
Café (Opening soon)
9857020064
55 Hotel New Center
Point 15
45
Café 071404087
56 Tanahu Guesthouse 8
25 Café
Total 1,057 2,424
Source: Siddharthanagar Hotel Association Nepal 2018
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Appendix 8: Monasteries in Lumbini Development Trust area 2018
SN Name of monastery Country Year
established Total
Rooms
Room types
Total beds
Internet facility
Meeting/ Conference
Hall Area Remarks AC
rooms Non-AC
rooms
1 World Peace Pagoda Japan 1993 4 4 20 New Lumbini Village
2 The Royal Thai Monastery
Thailand 1994 42 42 168 limited East Monastic
Zone
Dharma Hall
3 Cambodian Monastery
Cambodia 2006 8 8 100 limited Dhamma Hall
East Monastic
Zone
4 Mahabodhi Society Temple
India 1994 7 7 50 East Monastic
Zone
5 Dhamma Janani Meditation Centre
Nepal 2001 54 54 100 East Monastic
Zone
Meditation center
6 Myanmar Golden Temple
Myanmar 1993 12 6 6 156 East Monastic
Zone
6 VIP rooms
7 International Nun's Temple
Nepal 1994 15 15 75 East Monastic
Zone
8 Sri Lankan Monastery
Sri Lanka 1996 4 4 15 x x East Monastic
Dharma Hall
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 81
SN Name of monastery Country Year
established Total
Rooms
Room types
Total beds
Internet facility
Meeting/ Conference
Hall Area Remarks AC
rooms Non-AC
rooms
Zone
9 Manang Sewa Samaj Stupa
Nepal 2000 4 4 8 West Monastic
Zone
10 Karma Samtenling Monastery
Nepal 2007 16 16 32 West Monastic
Zone
11 Dharmodaya Sabha Temple
Nepal 1994 West Monastic
Zone
Under Constructio
n
12 Drubgyud Choeling Monastery
Nepal 1993 16 2 14 35 West Monastic
Zone
13 Panditarama Vipassana Meditation center
Myanmar 1999 20 20 20 West Monastic
Zone
Meditation center
14 Korean Mahabodhi Society Monastery
Korea 1995 82 82 492 West Monastic
Zone
15 Chinese Monastery China 1996 45 In use 30
45 120 West Monastic
Zone
16 Geden International Temple
Austria 2003 4 4 8 West Monastic
Zone
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 82
SN Name of monastery Country Year
established Total
Rooms
Room types
Total beds
Internet facility
Meeting/ Conference
Hall Area Remarks AC
rooms Non-AC
rooms
17 Vietnam Lumbini Buddha Bhumi Vihar
Vietnam 1993 60 2 58 90 West Monastic
Zone
18 United Trungram Buddhist Temple
Nepal 2006 18 Double 16
Single 2
18 34 West Monastic
Zone
Dharma Hall
19 Linhson Buddhist Monastery
France 1999 12 12 48 West Monastic
Zone
Dharma Hall
20 Tara Foundation (The Great Lotus Stupa)
Germany 1999 15 15 200 West Monastic
Zone
21 Sokyo Monastery Japan 1992 West Monastic
Zone
Under Constructio
n
22 France Buddhist Stupa (Association Lumbini Shechen Stupa)
France 2006 2 2 4 West Monastic
Zone
23 Urgen Dorje Chyiling Monastery
Singapore 2011 4 4 14 West Monastic
Zone
Dharma Hall
24 Tri Buddha Mahavihar
Nepal 2011 West Monastic
Zone
Under Constructio
n
Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 83
SN Name of monastery Country Year
established Total
Rooms
Room types
Total beds
Internet facility
Meeting/ Conference
Hall Area Remarks AC
rooms Non-AC
rooms
25 Nepal Bajrayana Vihar
Nepal 2012 West Monastic
Zone
Under Constructio
n
26 Dharma Swami Maharaj Vihar
Nepal 1968 8 8 16 Sacred Garden
27 Rajkiya Buddha Vihar
Nepal 1954 Sacred Garden
28 Tashi Rabten Ling Monastery
Nepal 1999 24 24 48 Outside LDT Area
TOTAL - - 476 71 405 1,853 14/28 14/28
Source: Lumbini Development Trust 2018