Sport tourism promotes Nepal-China relations: Minister Pandey

Gandaki, November 9 — Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has viewed sport tourism could be adopted to strengthen Nepal-China relations and intensify development pace.

Inaugurating the 'cross country relay' organized jointly by Pokhara Metropolitan City (PMC), Chinese Embassy and the Himalayan Tourism Forum in Pokhara today, Minister Pandey expressed his belief that Chinese tourists enjoy the nature and culture of Nepal.

The government was planning to observe 2025 as the Nepal-China tourism year, so more number of Chinese would visit Nepal and same would be in case of Nepalis, according to him.

Minister Pandey hoped such sports would foster further interaction among Nepali and Chinese people.

Moreover, he informed that government was at work to conduct regular international flights at Pokhara International Airport and run the Korala border point in a systematic manner. 

Nepal is also a significant destination of religious tourism. Muktinath, Pashupatinath, Lumbini and Janaki Temple are some must visit religious sites of Nepal, he reminded.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, said sports involving athletes from Nepal and China were being organized at various cities of Nepal for two years to strengthen Nepal-China relations.

Next edition of the event would be organized in a grand manner on the occasion of 70th year of establishment of Nepal-China diplomatic ties, he added. 

PMC Mayor Dhanraj Acharya said the sport competition would be instrumental to augment Nepal-China tourism activities.

Sprint, mountain race, cycle race, trail running and rowing would be held as part of the competition.