Bandipur, a picturesque hill town in Nepal, known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage, has officially declared 2025 as the “Bandipur Visit Year.” This new initiative aims to promote tourism in the region, extend tourist stays to three days, and significantly boost the local economy through job creation and infrastructure development. The campaign seeks to position Bandipur as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists, capitalizing on its charm as the “Queen of the Hills.”
The announcement was made at a program held in Kathmandu on January 1, 2025, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a transformative year for the region. The “Bandipur Visit Year” aims to highlight the town’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rural tourism offerings, while ensuring sustainable growth in tourism and infrastructure. Bandipur’s Rural Municipality hopes that this initiative will increase tourist arrivals, create jobs, and foster long-term economic growth in the area.
Goals of the Bandipur Visit Year
The central objective of the “Bandipur Visit Year” is to double the number of both domestic and international tourists visiting the town, with a target of reaching 1 million visitors annually within three years. The initiative’s planners hope to increase the average tourist stay from a few hours to three days, enriching the tourism experience and contributing to the local economy. The project aims to attract 100,000 domestic tourists and 100,000 international tourists during the Visit Year. The initiative also has a financial target, seeking to increase the average daily spending by foreign tourists to USD 75 and by domestic tourists to NPR 3,000.
The campaign’s organizers recognize the importance of tourism for Bandipur’s economic stability, as it plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure. Tourism entrepreneur Baish Gurung, who has been appointed as the secretariat coordinator, emphasized the need for Bandipur to develop a strategic approach to meet these ambitious targets.
Infrastructure Development and New Tourist Destinations
Bandipur currently offers a range of accommodation options, including 75 hotels and four homestays, as well as 120 hotels and 12 homestays in the rural municipality as a whole. However, with the expected rise in tourism, the region needs to enhance its infrastructure to cater to the increased demand. The initiative will involve upgrading transportation networks, expanding accommodation facilities, and improving services for tourists.
In addition, the campaign aims to identify and develop new tourist destinations within and around Bandipur. The secretariat plans to promote a circuit of homestays and new tourist spots that highlight the rural charm of the area. These efforts will help create diverse tourism experiences that appeal to a wide range of visitors, from those interested in adventure and nature to those seeking cultural and heritage experiences.
Hari Singh Gurung, a tourism expert and chairperson of Heritage Nepal, explained that the campaign will also focus on cultural tourism, with an emphasis on preserving local traditions and promoting Bandipur’s rich history. Cultural, religious, and rural tourism circuits will be developed, showcasing the area’s historical landmarks, religious sites, and scenic landscapes. The initiative will also look to create customized travel packages designed to suit tourists’ age, interests, and preferences, thus enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
Employment Generation and Community Involvement
One of the key goals of the Bandipur Visit Year campaign is to generate employment for local residents. With increased tourism comes the opportunity to create jobs in hospitality, tourism management, and local services. The secretariat plans to involve the local community in tourism activities, ensuring that the benefits of the campaign are felt by everyone in Bandipur. By promoting local businesses and providing training in hospitality and customer service, the initiative aims to create a sustainable and inclusive tourism economy.
A slogan central to the campaign is “Earn and Enjoy in the Village,” which encourages local communities to take an active role in tourism while benefiting financially from the increased number of visitors. In addition to providing economic opportunities, the initiative will also foster public participation in environmental conservation efforts, ensuring that tourism growth is balanced with the preservation of Bandipur’s natural beauty.
Budget and Support for the Campaign
The budget for the “Bandipur Visit Year” campaign is estimated at NPR 44.35 million, with funding expected to come from a variety of sources. This includes support from the federal, provincial, and local governments, as well as from national and international organizations with an interest in promoting sustainable tourism in Nepal. The government of Nepal is also expected to allocate funds for regular programs under the Bandipur Rural Municipality, which will complement the efforts of the Visit Year campaign.
As part of its long-term goals, the initiative is focused on ensuring that the growth of tourism does not come at the expense of Bandipur’s environment or its cultural heritage. The rural municipality will work with local stakeholders to develop responsible tourism practices that prioritize sustainability, environmental conservation, and the protection of cultural sites.
Conclusion
The “Bandipur Visit Year 2025” initiative represents a promising opportunity for the hill town to establish itself as a premier destination for tourists in Nepal. By focusing on infrastructure development, cultural tourism, and community involvement, Bandipur aims to create a sustainable tourism model that can drive economic growth for years to come. With a clear vision and a committed team, the campaign hopes to bring a wave of positive change to Bandipur, offering a unique and memorable experience for both domestic and international travelers.
The post “Visit Year 2025” Campaign in Bandipur to Focus on Cultural Heritage and Eco-Tourism, Promising Growth for Local Tourism in Nepal’s Bandipur Municipality appeared first on Travel And Tour World.January 01, 2025 at 09:01PM.jpeg){kind=small}
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