Karnali Tourism Potential and State Responsibility

Panelists:

• Hon. Rajib Bikram Shah: Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, Karnali Province

• Prakash Bahadur Bhandari: Mayor, Sharada Municipality, Salyan

• Top Bahadur BC: Chairperson, Gurans Rural Municipality, Dailekh

• Dhan Bahadur Rawat: President, FNCCI, Karnali Province

• Santosh Sen: Film Producer and Director

• Facilitator: Sabitri Bhattarai

Key Discussion Points:

• Vast Tourism Potential: Participants expressed that Karnali Province possesses sufficient natural, cultural, and historical foundations to become a premier tourism ‘hub,’ emphasizing the need for further exploration and development.

• Government Commitment: Economic Affairs and Planning Minister Rajib Bikram Shah committed that the provincial government would introduce concrete policies and plans for tourism development and ensure their effective implementation.

• Role of Local Levels: Local representatives (Mayor and Rural Municipality Chairperson) highlighted the necessity of building infrastructure at the grassroots level and promoting local art and culture to boost tourism.

• Private Sector and Investment: Representing the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), suggestions were made for the state to introduce special packages to create an investment-friendly environment and encourage private sector involvement.

• Cinema Tourism: Producer and Director Santosh Sen stated that bringing Karnali’s stunning landscapes to the global market through film could spark a major revolution in the tourism sector.

Note: The presence of Chief Minister Yamlal Kadel in the audience, listening attentively to the discussion, signaled the provincial government’s high priority toward Karnali’s tourism development.

Conclusion:

• Need for Policy Reform: Participants suggested that tourism development should move beyond speeches and be reflected in the budget and execution.

• Collaborative Path: The discussion concluded that tourism is a primary pillar of Karnali’s prosperity, requiring seamless cooperation between all three levels of government, the private sector, and relevant stakeholders.