Pokhara Tourism Stakeholders, Police Discuss Security Enhancement

Kaski. An interaction program was held between Gandaki Province Police and tourism entrepreneurs with the objective of making the security system of Pokhara, Nepal's major tourist destination, more effective and tourist-friendly. 

The program, organized by the Pokhara Tourism Council, held detailed discussions on security challenges in the tourism sector, security of trekking routes, hotel management, and cooperation between the police and entrepreneurs. 

In the program, Tara Nath Pahari, Chairman of the Pokhara Tourism Council, stated that a safe environment is the first condition for tourism development. He emphasized that a safe tourism environment can only be created through mutual coordination between entrepreneurs and the police, and stressed the need to continue such dialogues. 

During the interaction, Krishna Prasad Acharya, Chairman of the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) Gandaki, demanded the establishment of permanent security units at various locations to provide immediate rescue in case of potential accidents and emergencies on trekking routes. 

Similarly, Laxman Subedi, Chairman of the Hotel Association Pokhara, drew the police's attention to the fact that the practice of some hotel entrepreneurs providing escort services to guests on motorcycles is sending a negative message to the tourism sector. 

Gopi Bhattarai, Coordinator of Pokhara Tourism Year, praised the role played by Gandaki Province and Kaski Police at a time when the arrival of Indian tourists is increasing. 

On the occasion, Gandaki Province Police Chief, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Birendra Gharti, informed that the police are aware of illegal activities that could be carried out by individuals staying for long periods in hotels and rented rooms. He said, 'The police have increased close monitoring of suspicious activities.' He further added, 'I urge hotel entrepreneurs and landlords to ensure the identity of their guests and immediately provide information about any suspicious activities to the police.' 

In the program, which was attended by a significant number of tourism-related organizations, hotels, travel, and trekking entrepreneurs from the Lakeside area, participants collectively pledged to further strengthen the cooperation between the private sector and security agencies for safe tourism.