Pokhara Tourism Sector Optimistic Over Two-Day Weekend Policy

Pokhara. Tourism entrepreneurs are optimistic following the government's decision to add an extra public holiday on Sunday. Businesses expect an increase in domestic tourists due to the consecutive two-day break.

The government's decision to add Sunday as a public holiday, aimed at controlling rising trade deficits and fuel consumption, has brought enthusiasm to tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara, the country's tourism capital. Previously, the government only provided a one-day public holiday on Saturday.

Entrepreneurs noted that a two-day holiday increases the number of overnight visitors, benefiting everything from homestays to large hotels. They believe this will stimulate the economic sector.

The tourism sector in Pokhara, which relies heavily on domestic tourists, views the government's decision for a two-day weekend as a strong potential for business revival. Although the government had previously experimented with a two-day holiday, it was not fully implemented. However, entrepreneurs hope that if this decision is implemented effectively, it will bring qualitative and positive changes to the tourism sector.

Laxman Subedi, President of the Hotel Association Pokhara, expressed confidence that the two-day holiday would promote a 'weekend travel' culture. "This was announced before but faced implementation issues. If the current government focuses on the long-term tourism perspective rather than just fuel consumption, it will have a major positive impact on tourism," he said.

President Subedi mentioned that during previous periods of two-day holidays, tourist numbers increased by 50 percent compared to other days. He noted that domestic tourists often lack time for travel, and this holiday provides a benefit. He said, "Tourist numbers increase on holidays compared to other days, and with a two-day break, the number of tourists will certainly rise."

Sharing his experience that Pokhara hotels fill up to 90 percent during long holidays like Dashain and Tihar, he stated that a two-day holiday would foster a travel culture and provide relief to small and medium-sized hotels. However, he pointed out the need for a balanced environment, noting that the current rise in fuel prices is challenging and could impact other sectors.

Tara Pahari, President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, stated that the two-day holiday arrangement would significantly support the promotion of domestic tourism. Citing international practices, he said, "In various developed countries, the 'weekend culture' has kept the tourism sector vibrant. Since it is easier to plan trips in a short time, the pressure of tourists will increase in natural and peaceful destinations like Pokhara." He believes that despite some immediate problems, this holiday will bring long-term positivity to the tourism sector.

Mani Raj Lamichhane, Head of the Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki Province, said that the practice of a two-day holiday has shown positive signs in Gandaki Province, especially in Pokhara. He said, "The impact of the holiday is visible; along with Pokhara, movement of domestic tourists has started increasing in other districts of the province like Mustang, Nawalpur, Tanahun, Parbat, and surrounding rural tourist villages. Now, for its sustainability, improvement in service quality and promotion of new destinations are necessary." He mentioned that the Tourism Board is working with the private sector to make 'weekend tourism' systematic.

REBAN Pokhara President Bishwaraj Paudel pointed out the need for tourism-friendly policies alongside the holiday decision. He said, "The holiday will develop 'short break travel', but it is not enough for the state to just announce holidays. Infrastructure development, transport ease, and effective promotion must go hand in hand. Only long-term policies make tourism sustainable."

Shobha Sapkota, President of the Village Tourism Promotion Forum (VITOF) Gandaki, said that the two-day holiday has created new opportunities for rural tourism. "The trend of taking short time on weekends to visit nearby village destinations is gradually increasing," she said, "Especially in the villages around Pokhara, there has been some positive impact on homestays and local tourism activities."

She expressed confidence that the two-day holiday would provide further support, noting that a travel culture has been developing among domestic tourists since COVID-19.

She said, "We are working towards increasing local employment and income by connecting rural tourism with weekend tourism." President Sapkota pointed out that infrastructure improvement, service quality, and proper promotion are necessary to make this sustainable.

Along with enthusiasm, there are some doubts among entrepreneurs. The root of the government's decision is to reduce fuel consumption. If there is a fuel shortage and strict restrictions are placed on vehicle operation, there is a risk that tourists traveling in private vehicles will not be able to come to Pokhara. Entrepreneurs are worried that this could have an adverse effect on tourism.

On the other hand, policy instability in Nepal has remained a challenging problem for long-term development. Examples of the decision to provide two days of public holidays per week being implemented and revoked repeatedly in the past have raised questions about policy continuity.

Gopi Bahadur Bhattarai, Coordinator of Pokhara Visit Year, said, "If such policies keep changing frequently, hotels cannot prepare long-term packages, travel companies cannot make clear plans, and uncertainty increases among tourists." He noted that Pokhara is not just a city but the main gateway to the Annapurna region.

He stated that activities like Phewa Lake, paragliding, and trekking have made it an attractive international-level destination. If 'weekend tourism' can be developed systematically, everyone from cafe operators, travel guides, and taxi drivers to small entrepreneurs can benefit directly, he said.

According to him, many countries in the world have long practiced a two-day weekly holiday, where people get the opportunity to spend time with family, travel, and feel mentally and physically refreshed. This is also applied in Nepal's diplomatic missions, so the concept of five days of effective work and two days of rest is considered appropriate in terms of labor productivity, health, and strengthening family relationships.

He said that this should be viewed not only from an economic or business perspective but also as a social and cultural opportunity. He said, "Visiting new places introduces people to diverse customs and cultures, broadens the perspective on life, and makes a positive contribution to the promotion of domestic tourism."

Krishna Acharya, President of TAAN Gandaki, said that the decision to provide two days of holiday per week has injected new energy into the tourism sector. "This arrangement will provide significant support to trekking tourism, which introduces Nepal to the world. The two-day holiday encourages the culture of going to nearby trails in a short time," he said, "Short treks in the Annapurna region, village-connected trails, and homestay destinations have become easily accessible, which attracts domestic tourists to trekking."

He said that this decision is a golden opportunity for the promotion of domestic tourism, stating that its success depends on fuel supply and transport ease, long-term continuity of policy, and trekking-friendly infrastructure and security arrangements.

President Acharya expressed confidence that if these aspects can be managed in a balanced way, Pokhara could be established as the best 'weekend trekking destination' in South Asia.