p: e - epiepi.org.np/sites/default/files/file_resources/epi pokhara sunauli... · scoping study on...

Lisa Choegyal

Vishnumati House

Budhanilkantha

Kathmandu, Nepal

P: +977 9851025690

E: [email protected]

www.trctourism.com

Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor Nepal Final Report, April 2018

Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal

Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018

i

Executive Summary

Method

Having assessed relevant previous studies and plans, and confirmed the current

government policies, the team consulted widely with stakeholders in the Pokhara to

Sunauli economic corridor. The key tourism sites were visited, especially in and around the

established tourist destinations of Pokhara and surrounds, Syangja Tansen Palpa along the

Siddhartha Highway, and Greater Lumbini.

Key Findings

The corridor contains Nepal’s major destinations of Pokhara and Lumbini, popular with

domestic, Indian and international visitors, but currently there is little tourism traffic

between the two. New international and domestic air connectivity, and road improvements

and new alignments (such as the North-South Kali Gandaki corridor) will enable accessibility

and serve to expand tourism patterns beyond the current Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan

triangle to a wider cultural circuit including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Muktinath, Ridi, Tansen,

Lumbini, Chitwan and Bimphedi. Current constraints include short stay, low expenditure,

not enough to do, lack of awareness, and concerns with pollution and environmental

degradation. There is potential to attract a broader spectrum of markets including domestic

visitors, higher value general interest markets and Indian cross-border markets.

Recommendations

EPI’s core strategy will:

• Build on current tourism patterns

• Capture momentum from tourism elsewhere in the corridor

• Increase visitor spend and length of stay with improved products, guiding and

interpretation

• Create stopping places and wayside amenities along the Siddhartha Highway to

stimulate travel

• Promote Syangja, Tansen and Palpa to attract visitors between the major

destinations of Pokhara and Lumbini

The following long list of possible PPP interventions were identified, analysed, discussed

with stakeholders and ranked according to an explicit selection criteria that included

market demand, GoN policy and likelihood of success. Five interventions were highlighted

as potential quick win options for priority action, and examined in greater detail. A further

eight were identified as game changers, meaning they had the best potential to significantly

impact tourism patterns.

Cross cutting

Small scale infrastructure

• Wayside amenities POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER

• Signage & information

Capacity building

• Technical assistance to strength selected municipalities for tourism POTENTIAL

QUICK WIN



ii

• Local guide system

• Homestay training

• Training in social media for tourism marketing

New partnerships for planning, products & promotion

• Forging strategic partnerships

Pokhara and surroundings


• Upgrade Prince Charles / Tiger Tree picnic site - POTENTIAL QUICK WIN

• Seti Gorge sky walk - POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER

• Cycle and walking trails around and linking seven lakes

• Development of Pachbhaiya community forest

• Hallan Chowk camping site

• Pokhara Panorama Trek

Capacity building

• Developing Ratna Mandir garden as heart of tourism focus - POTENTIAL GAME

CHANGER


• Destination Pokhara marketing strategy & action plan

• Around Pokhara transport service

Tansen Palpa & Economic Corridor


• Rani Mahal walking trail POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER

• Preserving Tansen’s cultural heritage

• Sewage and solid waste in Tansen Palpa

Capacity building

• Capacity building and training in Tansen, Ridi & Rani Mahal


• Visitor information with GetUp Palpa POTENTIAL QUICK WIN

• Tansen Durbar – regional museum and tourism centre POTENTIAL GAME

CHANGER

• Tansen Palpa tourism association

• Greater Palpa integrated tourism destination development plan

Lumbini Bhairahawa Butwal


• Tourism facilities in Baunna Koti jungle community forest POTENTIAL QUICK WIN

• Development of Queen Maya’s Path POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER

• Lumbini Biodiversity Education Garden



iii

• Beautification and organisation of Lumbini approach from airport and Sunauli

border

• Wildlife tourism improvements at Lumbini crane sanctuary and Jagdishpur tank

• Large scale restaurant and picnic spots for day visitors to Lumbini

Capacity building

• Improved interpretation at nine sites, particularly Tilaurakot & Ramagram

• Handicrafts training


• Daily Maya Devi Temple opening and closing ceremony POTENTIAL QUICK WIN

• Global architectural competition to replace Maya Devi Temple building

POTENTIAL INTERNATIONAL GAME CHANGER

• Master plan for Janakinagar Park POTENTIAL LOCAL GAME CHANGER

• Tourism transport system from Sunauli to Lumbini and around nine sites

• Greater Lumbini tourism association

Quick win recommendations

The ranking against selected criteria highlighted interventions that are likely to be most

successful for EPI implementation. The following quick win options were analysed to

include potential partners and tentative costs.

• Technical assistance to strengthen selected municipalities for tourism

• Upgrade Prince Charles / Tiger Tree picnic site Lekhnath

• Visitor information with GetUp Palpa

• Tourism facilities in Baunna Koti jungle community forest Tillotama Municipality

• Daily Maya Devi Temple opening & closing ceremony

Potential game changers

The following possible PPP interventions are ranked as having catalytic value as potential

game changers, with more ambitious objectives and long term timelines. These are highly

recommended for further investigation.

• Wayside amenities along Siddhartha Highway

• Seti Gorge sky walk Pokhara

• Developing Ratna Mandir garden as heart of tourism focus Pokhara

• Rani Mahal walking trail Tansen

• Tansen Durbar – regional museum & tourism centre

• Development of Queen Maya’s Path Tilaurakot to Lumbini

• Global architectural competition to replace Maya Devi Temple Lumbini

• Master plan for Janakinagar Park near Butwal



iv

Table of Contents

Executive Summary i

Method i

Key Findings i

Recommendations i

Quick win recommendations iii

Potential game changers iii

Table of Contents iv

Abbreviations vi

1. Introduction 1

1.1. Purpose of this report 1

1.2. Approach and methodology 1

1.3. Acknowledgements 2

2. Analysis 3

2.1. Previous studies and plans 3

2.2. Research conclusions 10

2.3. Issues and opportunities 10

2.4. Analysis of current trends 11

2.5. Dispersing tourism 18

2.6. Identification of key markets 18

2.7. Strategic directions for tourism planning 20

3. Interventions to boost tourism 22



v

3.1. Planning framework 22

3.2. Issues and potential interventions 23

3.3. Priority interventions 41

4. Next Steps 44

4.1. Quick win recommendations 44

4.2. Potential game changers 50

4.3. Organising for destination management and marketing 50

4.4. Implications of new Federal structure 51

Appendix 1: Documents consulted 53

Appendix 2: Persons consulted 55

Appendix 3: Mission diary 61

Appendix 4: Consultation discussion participants 63

Appendix 5: Discussion paper for stakeholder consultations 67

Appendix 6: Meeting notes 70

Appendix 7: Hotels in Lumbini area 2017 77

Appendix 8: Monasteries in Lumbini Development Trust area 2018 80



vi

Abbreviations

ACA Annapurna Conservation Area

ACAP Annapurna Conservation Area Project

ADB Asian Development Bank

BCN Bird Conservation Nepal

BZ Buffer Zone

CA Conservation Area

CAAN Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal

CBO Community-based organisations

CCI Chamber of Commerce & Industry

CO Community Organisation

DDC District Development Committee

DFID Department for International Development UKAid

DNPWC Department of National Parks & Wildlife Conservation

DoA Department of Archaeology

DoI Department of Immigration

DoI Department of Industry

DoT Department of Tourism

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EPI Economic Policy Incubator

FDI Foreign Direct Investment

FICCI Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry

FIT Free Independent Traveller

FY Fiscal Year

FNCCI Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce & Industry

GHT Great Himalaya Trail

GHTDP Great Himalaya Trail Development Programme

GLTPP Greater Lumbini Tourism Promotion Plan

GoI Government of India

GoN Government of Nepal

HAN Hotel Association Nepal

HRA Himalayan Rescue Association

HRD Human Resource Development

IBN Investment Board Nepal

ICF International Crane Foundation

ICIMOD International Center for Integrated Mountain Development

IFC International Finance Corporation

I/NGO International/Non Governmental Organisation

ITNC International Trust for Nature Conservation

ITDDPP Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for Pokhara

IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature

KOICA Korean International Cooperation Agency

LDT Lumbini Development Trust

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

MICE Meetings Incentives Conferences & Exhibitions

MLD Ministry of Local Development

MoCTCA Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation

MoF Ministry of Finance

MoFA Ministry of Foreign Affairs

MoFSC Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation

MoHA Ministry of Home Affairs

MoFALD Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development

MoU Memorandum of Understanding

NAC Nepal Airlines Corporation

NATA Nepal Association of Travel Agents

NATO Nepal Association of Tour Operators

NATTA Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents

NGO Non governmental organisation



vii

NMA Nepal Mountaineering Association

NP National Park

NRI Non Resident Indian

NRN Non Resident Nepali

NTB Nepal Tourism Board

NTNC National Trust for Nature Conservation

NTSP National Tourism Strategic Plan

PA Protected Area

PATA Pacific Asia Travel Association

PLMC Pokhara Lekhnath Metropolitan City

PPP Public Private Partnership

PSEC Pokhara Sunauli Economic Corridor

RBGE Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Rs. Nepal Rupees

SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

SASEC South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation

SATIDP South Asian Tourism Infrastructure Development Programme

SHAN Siddhartha Hotel Association Nepal

SME Small and Medium Enterprise

TA Technical Assistance

TAAN Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal

TIA Tribhuvan International Airport

TIMS Trekkers' Information Management System

TRPAP Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme

UNDP United Nations Development Program

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

UNWTO United Nations World Tourism Organisation

VCA Value Chain Analysis

VDC Village Development Committee

VFR Visiting Friends and Relatives

WHS World Heritage Site

WTTC World Travel and Tourism Council

WWF World Wide Fund for Nature / World Wildlife Fund



1

1. Introduction

1.1. Purpose of this report

This is the final report of the scoping study on tourism opportunities in the Pokhara to

Sunauli economic corridor in the Provinces 4 and 5 for the Economic Policy Incubator (EPI)

submitted 10 April 2018 by tourism consultant Lisa Choegyal.

Section 2 of the report contains a review of tourism in the region and an analysis of

prevailing conditions following site visits and consultations with stakeholders in

Bhairahawa, Butwal, Lumbini, Pokhara and Tansen Palpa. Section 3 identifies a range of

possible PPP interventions for implementation by the EPI team to boost tourism and

promote integrated growth in the sector. Five potential quick-win options are presented in

greater detail in Next Steps in section 4.

The report appendices include a list of documents and persons consulted in 1 and 2

respectively, and details of mission activities in Appendix 3. Consultation discussion

participants are presented in Appendix 4, the discussion paper that was circulated in

advance of consultations in Appendix 5, and meeting notes are recorded in Appendix 6.

1.2. Approach and methodology

The terms of reference call for: ... A comprehensive review of the tourism sector in the

Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor identifying clear options and proposed modalities to

promote integrated regional tourism … Potential quick-win options with analyses of

potentialities for local ownership and successful implementation.

Our approach was to:

• Read and assess all previous studies and plans (Appendix 1)

• Confirm current Government of Nepal (GoN) policy and priorities

• Consult widely with stakeholders in the Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor who

have a strategic viewpoint about tourism

• Visit tourism sites in the economic corridor, especially in and around the

established tourist destinations of Pokhara and surrounds, Syangja Tansen Palpa

along the Siddhartha Highway, and Greater Lumbini areas

The team of Lisa Choegyal, tourism consultant, and Pratishta Swar, EPI research associate,

introduced the study to officials of the Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation

(MoCTCA) and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) on 6 February 2018. Less formal

consultations were held with a wide range of private sector players and NGO potential

partners including Yeti Holidays, Yeti Airlines, WWF Nepal, International Crane Foundation.

All persons consulted are listed in Appendix 2.

A selection of Pokhara Valley current and potential sites were visited on 14 and 19

February, and the consultation discussion was held with 27 stakeholders on 26 March 2018.

The site visits and consultations in Tansen Palpa were held 19 and 20 February, and in

Greater Lumbini 20 to 24 February, including site visits to Tilaurakot (Kapilvastu) and

Ramagram. The stakeholder consultation was held in Lumbini on 22 February and for

Butwal, Bhairahawa and Sunauli stakeholders on 23 February in Bhairahawa. (Mission Diary

Appendix 3).



2

At the invitation of UNESCO, the team attended the International Scientific Committee

meeting in Lumbini and introduced the scoping study to Lumbini Development Trust,

UNESCO and other national and international stakeholders.

The field trip activities and initial findings were shared with members of the EPI and

Palladium team on 27 February 2018 in Kathmandu. A draft report with issues, strategy and

ideas for interventions throughout the economic corridor was submitted to EPI on 15

March 2018. A validation meeting at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu on 2 April

2018 verified findings and recommendations with key NTB officials. Feedback and

comments from these interactions has been incorporated into the report.

1.3. Acknowledgements

The study team gratefully acknowledges the participation of a wide range of stakeholders

during the consultation process. For the field visits special thanks are due to Mr Saurya

Thapaliya of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Pokhara, Mr Hari Rai of Lumbini Development

Trust, Mr Chandra Shrestha, President of Siddhartha Hotel Association Nepal (SHAN) in

Bhairahawa, and Mr Man Mohan Shrestha, Director GETUP Palpa.

Particularly appreciated was the advice of Mr Danduraj Ghimire, Joint Secretary MoCTCA,

and Mr Deepak Raj Joshi CEO of NTB and his senior management team.

From EPI, thanks are due to Dr Shankar Sharma team leader for his guidance, and to Dr

Harry Jones programme director and Ms Pratistha Swar research associate. Mr Pashupati

Aryal of EPI Pokhara and Mr Rajendra Bhandu EPI Bhairahawa were invaluable for their

local insights and for organising the consultation discussion workshops.



3

2. Analysis

2.1. Previous studies and plans

Tourism in the Sunauli to Pokhara economic corridor destinations has been the subject of a

large number of planning studies and reports. Tourism documents and initiatives directly

relating to the Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor are assessed below.

Agency Study or initiative Contributions

Lumbini

Development

Trust

Japanese architect Kenzo Tange Master Plan for

Lumbini 1978 for Lumbini Temple in the Sacred

Garden that includes canals, gardens, library,

museum, monastic zones together with areas for

hotels and shops. With UNESCO WHS and DoA,

development, archaeological & cultural heritage

conservation programmes have been implemented

in Lumbini. Master plan updates are proposed,

including by UNESCO (with university partners from

Tokyo, Durham etc.), by China’s Lumbini

Development National Steering Committee 2011 &

KOICA’s Master Plan for Lumbini World Peace City

2014 by Prof Kwaak Young Hoon

The 1978 Kenzo

Tange masterplan is

the guiding

document for the

activities of LDT. In

need of revision,

any update must

address tourism

strategy and visitor

management

Pacific Asia

Travel

Association

PATA volunteers produced early plans including

Pokhara-Nepal, Development of a Secondary

Destination 1975 updating the 1972 German-

assisted Tourism Master Plan, Pokhara 1988 and

Pokhara: Historic Resources Study & Proposal for a

Conservation District Pokhara, Nepal 1990

PATA plans helped

establish Pokhara

as Nepal’s second

destination offering

adventure and

trekking

Asian

Development

Bank

ADB Ecotourism Project 2000-2001 Research,

planning, infrastructure development and software

activities, subsequently implemented by ADB

infrastructure projects (including Pokhara airport

improvements) and through TRPAP activities

including in Tansen Palpa and Lumbini

Improving key

airports has made

significant

improvement to

access

UNDP SNV

DFID

Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme

(TRPAP) 2001- 2007 developed programmes in

Rupandehi & Palpa to contribute to the conservation

of cultural resources and increase benefits to local

communities. Strengthened community enterprises

including handicrafts, tour guide services, souvenir

organization, village visits, local transport, and Sarus

crane sanctuary conservation, although activities

were hampered by civil disturbances

Mainstreamed

tourism planning in

local government.

Contributed

capacity building,

livelihoods and

community

engagement in

tourism



4


WWF

Hariyo Ban’s Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) programme.

Since 2004 has influenced conservation and

livelihood approaches in the lakes of Pokhara Valley,

tree planting in Lumbini, & Jagdishpur tank

Kapilvastu. Assisted by NTNC and NGOs, e.g ICF in

Lumbini crane sanctuary

Conservation of

cranes in Lumbini

and wetlands

South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation

(SASEC) Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal & Sri

Lanka. Tourism Development Plan 2004 with

ecotourism & Buddhist circuits themes with 23

Subregional projects under seven programmes

including Footsteps of the Lord Buddha circuit

Lumbini and India Buddhist sites & ecotourism in

Tansen Palpa

Identified priority to

link Lumbini with

Footsteps of the

Lord Buddha circuit

India sites and need

for improved

ecotourism in

Tansen Palpa

South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation

(SASEC) Tourism Development Project 2008 Nepal

ranked 1 & 2 by demand, subregional relevance &

national priorities: Footsteps of Lord Buddha circuit

linking Lumbini & Kapilvastu with Sravasti, Varanasi

Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Patna Vaishali,

Kesaria, Kushinagar in India. Improving tourism

infrastructure & developing ecotourism at Lumbini &

nine associated sites: Kapilvastu, Tilaurakot,

Arorakot, Gotihawa, Kudan, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa,

Ramagram & Devdaha. Nepal road circuit packaging

attractions of Kathmandu Pokhara, Tansen Palpa,

Lumbini, Chitwan plus subsites in one loop. Weak

link identified as Pokhara to Lumbini section so

upgrade Tansen Palpa historic hill town with water

supply & waste systems, heritage restoration,

training in homestay & handicrafts, and develop

Rani Mahal, Ridi, Gulmi cultural & religious sites.

Upgrade Gautam

Buddha Airport to

regional

international

standard plus

roads, water supply

& sewage, guiding

& interpretation,

and sharing

benefits with

surrounding

communities.

Lengthen stay in

Tansen Palpa with

improved facilities

and services.



5


South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development

Programme (SATIDP) 2010-2015 Mechanism to

implement national projects in Bangladesh India &

Nepal designed in SASEC TDP. In Nepal, $97.2

million for:

▪ Connectivity enhancement – airport to

regional international status

▪ Destination improvements to visitor

experience & to safeguard outstanding

universal value of the site

▪ Fostering community participation &

engagement in heritage management &

tourism

Gautam Buddha

airport upgrade

(behind schedule)

Lumbini protection

and management

by improving

environment &

visitor facilities i.e.

Visitor Information

Centre (incomplete

with no displays)

Capacity building &

project

management

Investment

Board Nepal

IFC Nepal

Lumbini Tourism Scoping Mission Report 2012 and

Identifying Investment Opportunities for Cultural

Tourism in Nepal 2012 11 investment projects

$100m analysed with economic forecasts & market

demand. Those relating to Pokhara Sunauli

economic corridor were:

• Ratna Mandir Pokhara Heritage Hotel

twinned with Keshar Mahal in Kathmandu

• Traditional Homes converted historic

houses

• Sound & light shows in Lumbini &

Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka

• Lumbini international brand 5-star hotel

• Tansen Palpa hilltop resort

• Kapilvastu tourist lodge

• Lumbini Hokke Hotel upgrade

• Lumbini & Tilaurakot tourist restaurants

Pokhara, Tansen &

Lumbini highlighted

as having viable

international

investment

potential

Entry Points for Developing Tourism in Nepal What

can be done to address constraints to inclusive

growth 2013. Highlights destination issues for Nepal

tourism in general, including in Pokhara & Lumbini,

with recommendations

Fewa lake

developments &

solar electrification

in Pokhara



6


World Bank

Greater Lumbini Tourism Cluster Competitiveness

Strategy 2013 listed as urgent priorities:

• Complete monasteries in master plan zone

• Tourism Experience Design

• Complete New Lumbini village

• Interim airport plan

• Basic Lumbini infrastructure & tourism

infrastructure upgrade

• Security & sanitation plan

• Regional zoning, land use and enforcement

plan

• Cluster development process –

institutionalization, shared vision, & fast

track action initiatives

Immediate priorities:

• Cultural heritage preservation plan

• Accommodations plan

• Review sound and light show

• Tourism transportation plan

• Targeted capacity building plan

• Destination branding & target marketing

plan

• Value chain analysis & development plan

including wayside amenities

The study detailed

economic surveys &

diagnostic in

Greater Lumbini

sites & in Palpa,

proposed a number

of plans to address

Lumbini issues, but

did not progress to

implementation

IFC India GoI

Investing in the Buddhist Circuit 2014-2018

Tourism strategy & positioning for Buddhist circuits

in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Lumbini

• Proposes trans-boundary Buddhist Circuit

steering committee

• Limited brand recognition & market reach

• Issues with seasonality

• Limited interpretation & story line

• Need for wayside amenities between sites

• Legal and regulatory constraints

Study to promote

investment in

Buddhist circuit

including Greater

Lumbini with 2012

visitor motivation &

expenditure survey



7


National Tourism Strategic Plan 2016–2025

MoCTCA 10-year guiding policy document for the

whole of Nepal. The strategy has identified a set of

interventions for future tourism development in

Nepal with priority nodes, clusters and subsectors.

Pokhara & surrounds reinforced as cultural, natural

and MICE destination, with community-based

opportunities, & improved current tourist

attractions in central Pokhara. Diversify current

tourism offering with soft activities to attract more

visitors, increase length of stay and spend.

Greater Lumbini new regional international airport

with Lumbini as central attraction spreading tourist

activities to Palpa, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Kapilvastu

and Pyuthan districts.

Attract investments to Lumbini in facilities including

quality accommodation, more attractions, improved

interpretation of the archaeological sites, and better

product offerings. Monasteries could contribute

teachings & meditation. Pilgrimage markets targeted

to increase length of stay and spend & maximize

economic benefits to local communities.

Pokhara &

surrounds and

Greater Lumbini are

ranked 1st and 2nd

within Nepal’s six

priority Tourism

Development Areas

Tansen Palpa &

Siddhartha Highway

are core

components to

diversified road

circuits for pilgrims,

domestic & general

visitors

Carries forward

MoCTCA 2008,

Tourism Vision

2020 principals

MoCTCA

Greater Lumbini Tourism Promotion Plan (GLTPP)

2015-2024 Towards Making the Lord Buddha’s

Birthplace and Associated Sites A Regional Tourism

Hub (under SATIDP) Action plan of activities to

improve:

• Tourism products and experiences

• Connectivity and access

• Accommodation and related amenities

• Market strengthening and destination

promotion

• Institutional framework & HRD

• Local impact and community participation

• Heritage conservation and environmental

safeguards

Comprehensive

MoCTCA plan for 6

districts: Palpa,

Gulmi,

Arghakhanchi,

Rupandehi,

Kapilavastu &

Nawalparasi



8


IFC MoCTCA

Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan

for Pokhara and Surrounding Areas (ITDDPP) 2016

Four strategic objectives

• Pokhara’s role as a destination will be to

become the best holiday destination in

South Asia for relaxation and soft

adventure

• Its role as a regional service center will be

to become a more efficient gateway to

various treks and western regions

• Pokhara will position itself as a paradise for

active holidays in the international and

domestic markets

• Its strategic concept will be to become a

place of experiencing natural wonders in

fun

Specific recommendations included:

• Lakeside Waterfront Development

• Ratna Mandir Garden

• Fewa Lake Music Fountain

• Fewa Lake Walking Trail

• Iconic Structure at Sarangkot Hilltop - pilot

• Seti Gorge Sky Walk

• Upgrading of Annapurna Natural History

Museum with Live Butterfly Exhibition Hall

• Lights and Drama Extravaganza at Cliff

• Ecological Circle Gallery for Observing

Wildlife and Ecology in Begnas Lake

MoCTCA approved

plan proposes six

destination

development

projects, 55 sub-

projects & nine

transformational

investment

projects, some of

which are under

implementation



9


EPI PLMC

EPI’s Economic Development Plan of Pokhara-

Lekhnath Metropolitan City 2017 although not

focused on tourism sector, the plan progresses some

ideas identified in the MoCTCA IFC Pokhara plan &

proposes other ideas that have value for tourism.

These include:

• Development & construction of Foot Trail

around Begnas Lake

• Destination Pokhara promotion

• Development of Pachbhaiya community

forest hill areas as natural park

• Hallan Chowk camping site

• Foot trails and cycle tracks linking the

seven lakes, starting with cycle track

• Rupa and Begnas lakes

• Construction of foot trail around Fewa

Lake

Basis for current

implementation by

EPI:

- Construction of

Sarangkot Park,

reconstruction of

view tower & foot

trail

- Development &

promotion of

Kaskikot Palace &

construction of

Kasyapdham trail

- Development &

promotion of

Thulakot with foot

trail

- Beautification of

Basundhara Park

- Beautification and

protection of

Dipang Lake

LDT MoCTCA

Buddhist Circuits of Nepal (BCN) 2017-2018 is a

study to prepare a national document on Buddhist

Circuit of Nepal (BCN) as a Premier Pilgrimage and

Spiritual Tourism Product. Currently being

undertaken by a national team, Buddhist heritage

sites will be inventoried throughout the country, and

promotional material produced positioning Nepal as

a Buddhist tourism destination with particular focus

on Greater Lumbini. Due end 2018

Complete inventory

of Nepal’s Buddhist

sites with

promotional

material including

maps posters

brochures &

documentary film

Other relevant planning initiatives currently in progress include the ADB Urban

Development Project Western Economic Corridor Study 2018, and a Situation Analysis and

Tourism Needs Assessment for the Buddhist Heritage Route for Sustainable Tourism

Development in South Asia focussing on Greater Lumbini, Paharpur and Sanchi by UNESCO

and KOICA due June 2018.

UNESCO hopes to undertake an Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for

Greater Lumbini with MoCTCA and IFC World Bank recognising the value of tourism as a

driver for preservation of the nine sites, but this has yet to be confirmed. MoCTCA have

adopted Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plans for Pokhara, Eastern Nepal and

Western Nepal, so Lumbini would be a logical addition.



10

2.2. Research conclusions

Out of the initial research, the two major starting points on which to build the scoping

study emerged as:

1. The National Tourism Strategic Plan 2016–2025, prepared in 2015 by MoCTCA with

assistance from UNWTO, establishes national tourism policy and a national-level physical

planning framework. Its physical implications are shown below

National Tourism Strategic Plan (NTSP) physical implications 2015 and 2025

Source: NTSP, MoCTCA

2. The Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for Pokhara and Surrounding

Areas 2016 that was prepared by MoCTCA with assistance from IFC World Bank. It has

useful recommendations for specific projects, some of which were taken forward in EPI’s

Economic Development Plan of Pokhara-Lekhnath Metropolitan City 2017.

Lumbini is a more complex destination, plagued by short stay and low spend patterns. Its

history and poor implementation record of tourism interventions is perhaps due to

conflicting stakeholder agendas and the leadership of Lumbini Development Trust.

2.3. Issues and opportunities

The large number of planning studies and initiatives relating to the economic corridor

present a united voice on most of the issues facing tourism in the main destinations of

Pokhara, Lumbini, and the corridor including Syangja and Tansen Palpa. Despite so much

attention from tourism planners and development agencies over the decades, many of the

challenges endure. The following issues and opportunities summarise research findings,

and were confirmed during the stakeholder consultations

2015 2025



11

Summary of tourism issues and opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor

2.4. Analysis of current trends

Global tourism

UNWTO estimates that international tourist arrivals increased a remarkable 7% in 2017 to

reach a total of 1,322 million worldwide. This is well above the sustained and consistent

trend of 4% or higher growth since 2010 and represents the strongest results in seven years

(UNWTO 2018).

Asia Pacific growth

Annual growth in international visitor arrivals to the Asia Pacific region reached 6% or 324

million international tourist arrivals in 2017. PATA forecasts that this growth will continue

at 5% per annum to 2021. Arrivals in South Asia grew a healthy 10%.

Nepal

Having recovered from the earthquake in 2015, Nepal has out-performed projections and

reports Asia’s strongest growth in 2017, up 25% to a record 940,218 arrivals (Table 1).

However this increase is driven largely by Indian arrivals (up 22%), with other growth

recorded from Sri Lanka, Thailand and South Korea (MoCTCA). These are top source

markets for Lumbini, indicating its importance as a major destination within Nepal.

Although China and other East Asian destinations drove tourism arrival growth prior to the

earthquakes, it is significant that China arrivals were static in 2017 from 2016.



12

Table 1: Top generating markets to Nepal 2004 to 2017, with market share

Source: Nepal Rastra Bank & MoCTCA Nepal 2017

The total tourism foreign exchange earnings increased 32% to a record US$519 million in

the fiscal year 2016-17 (Nepal Rastra Bank). However Table 2 shows the crucially weak

growth of the average expenditure per visitor and the average expenditure per visitor per

day. The average daily expenditure per visitor dropped 22%, and the average daily spend

per visitor is down 24% to only US$52 in 2017 (Nepal Rastra Bank). Nepal also suffers from

a stagnant length of stay of 13.4 days in 2016 (MoCTCA).

Table 2: Nepal tourism arrivals with average daily expenditure and length of stay 2001 to 2017

Fiscal Year

Total Arrivals

Third country Indian

Average expenditure per visitor

Average expenditure per visitor per day

Length of stay in days

2001 361,237 296,917 64,320 US$472.4 US$39.6 11.93

2002 275,468 208,691 66,777 US$512.0 US$64.8 7.92

2003 338,132 251,769 86,363 US$765.9 US$79.1 9.6

2004 385,297 294,971 90,326 US$609.8 US$45.1 13.51

2005 375,398 278,964 96,434 US$532.0 US$58.5 9.09

2006 383,926 290,204 93,722 US$561.0 US$55.0 10.2

2007 526,705 430,695 96,010 US$535.0 US$45.0 11.96

2008 500,277 409,100 91,177 US$860.3 US$73.0 11.78

2009 509,956 416,072 93,884 US$798.9 US$70.6 11.32

2010 602,867 481,969 120,898 US$578.6 US$45.7 12.67

2011 736,215 586,711 149,504 US$522.9 US$39.9 13.12

2012 803,092 637,277 165,815 US$440.8 US$36.2 12.16

2013 797,616 616,642 180,974 US$538.0 US$42.8 12.6

2014 790,118 654,775 135,343 US$597.6 US$48.0 12.44



13

2015 538,970 464,156 74,814 US$790.0 US$63.0 13.16

2016 753,002 634,753 118,249 US$902.4 US$68.6 13.4

2017 940,218 779,386 160,832 US$695.0 US$52.0 N/A

Source: MoCTCA, Nepal Rastra Bank, Department of Immigration

WTTC reports that Nepal’s tourism industry provides 3.2% employment with 797,500 direct

jobs. Its total contribution, including indirect employment, accounts for 1,027,000 jobs or

6.6% employment (WTTC 2018).

Pokhara to Sunauli trends

Pokhara and surroundings

Tourism data on Nepal’s second tourism destination of Pokhara (after Kathmandu) are not

recently recorded by MoCTCA, and are notoriously unreliable and conflicted. As Nepal’s

second tourism destination, popular with domestic as well as international visitors, the

industry complain that reliable research data is essential for tourism planning.

It is generally accepted that Pokhara has enjoyed consistent growth, especially when

domestic visitors are considered. Pokhara receives about 40% of all international Nepal

arrivals (up from 22% in 2001), representing about 376,000 international visitors in 2017.

The ITDDPP report notes that the number of tourist arrivals in Pokhara has grown at the

compound annual growth rate of 12.8% during 2001 to 2010, while that of Nepal at the

rate of 5.9%. The same report noted that the ratio of Nepal’s total arrivals to Pokhara is

growing, but the ratio of those going trekking is decreasing to about 40% of all arrivals,

down from 84% in 2001 (ITDDPP 2016).

Pokhara is well established as a leisure break for Nepalis, adventure centre for general

tourists and the gateway to Annapurna’s trekking, mountaineering and pilgrimage sites. As

the gateway to Annapurna and Mustang, it is the adventure capital of Nepal, offering

activities such as trekking, mountaineering, boating, mountain biking, paragliding, micro

light flights, zip lining and bungy jumping. In 2016, visitors undertaking paragliding totalled

8,300 (70% foreigners and 30% Nepalis) and over 3,500 visitors took a micro light scenic

flight (CAAN). The industry complain that there is not enough to do for non adventure

segments; too many hotel rooms leads to price undercutting; limited information; and poor

local transport services.

Although the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) is technically not included in the Pokhara

to Sunauli economic corridor, in the absence of other reliable tourist data it is useful to look

at its arrivals. In 2017 NTNC reports that ACA received 158,578 visitors (of whom 32,656

were from SAARC countries), up 47% from 108,000 foreign visitors 2016 (Table 3). In

FY2016/17 ACA received revenue of Rs.237.3 million representing the highest income of all

Nepal’s protected areas (DNPWC in Kathmandu Post 5 February 18). ACA estimate that 90%

of their Indian arrivals visit Muktinath, i.e. about 30,000 Indians in 2017, although industry

perceptions indicate that numbers are likely to be higher due to many Indians travelling

without an ACA permit.



14

Table 3: Annapurna Conservation Area international visitor arrivals 2001 to 2017

Source: National Trust for Nature Conservation 2018

In 2011 (most recent statistics), MoCTCA reported 8,773 tourist standard hotel rooms in

Pokhara Valley, with 40% occupancy rates. Room rates range from about $10 to $250 per

night. HAN Pokhara reports they have 338 members in 2018, up from 271 in 2014. Informal

estimates report many new hotels are opening annually, resulting in a surfeit of rooms and

price undercutting. Pokhara entrepreneurs complain that they are not proud of their global

ranking as a “best value destination”.

Tansen Palpa and economic corridor

Syangja District in the mid hills south of Pokhara contains one of the first homestay

destinations of Sirubari. Waling Municipality is keen to promote mountain biking, para

gliding, canyoning, homestays and coffee plantations for domestic and international

tourists, but no data is available on current visitors.

Tansen, the ancient capital of Palpa, lies midway between Lumbini and Pokhara just off the

Siddhartha Highway with a wealth of cultural, natural and historical sites popular with

domestic as well as a few international tourists. Tansen receives not more than 10,000

foreigners and possibly less (estimated 2,000 in ADB’s 2008 study) but about 100,000

domestic visitors annually. It is reported that very few Indians visit Ridi or Tansen on their

way to Muktinath (GetUp Palpa).

At an elevation of 1,350m (4,430 ft) Tansen has a pleasant “hill-station” climate throughout

the year. Characterized by old artistic Newar houses, temples and cobbled streets, the

municipality’s Shrinagar Hill (1,525m) commands fine Himalayan views from Dhaulagiri to

Ganesh Himal. Magars are the main inhabitants, followed by Brahmin, Chhetri, Newars,

Bhojpuri, Tharu, Gurung, Maithili, Tamang, Limbu and Abadhi. Sital Pati is in the main

square and Baggi Dhoka, the elephant gate, leads to the Tansen Durbar, recently fully

renovated after the 2006 bombing, and designated under MoCTCA for use as a regional

museum.

A district centre with education and hospital training facilities, Tansen is the gateway to the

pilgrimage and historical attractions of Ridi, Rani Mahal, Rambha Pani, Satawati Lake,

Ramdi Ghat, Deule Archale, Achammeshor, Prabhas and Rani Mahal. Recently restored by

the DoA, Rani Mahal will link Tansen to the new North-South Kali Gandaki corridor.

With improved awareness, Tansen has the potential to attract a range of market segments

as a key stopover on the wider cultural circuit, and as an extension of spiritual journeys to

Lumbini. Tansen has a growing inventory of hotels and a number of homestays. Getup



15

Palpa is an active local NGO promoting tourism and Nanglo West, a restaurant in a

converted historic house, is popular with tourists.

When completed in 2021, the new North-South Kali Gandaki corridor highway linking China

via Korala with India via Bhairahawa will open up transport linkiages and tourism

opportunities along its route through Myagdi, Parbat, Baglung Gulmi, Syangja, Tanahu,

Palpa and Nawalparasi districts.

Greater Lumbini, Bhairahawa and Butwal

Although reliable arrival data is hard to find at many cultural sites, Lumbini Development

Trust is an exception in this regard. In 2017, the Buddhist World Heritage Site received a

total of over 1.55 million visitors, growth of 17% over 2016, of which the bulk of 1.25

million were Nepali domestic visitors. Indian visitors increased 14% to 155,444 and third

country international visitors holding passports grew 7% to 145,796 visitors (LDT).

Scoping Study on Tourism Opportunities in Pokhara to Sunauli Economic Corridor, Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator 10 April 2018 16

Table 4: International arrivals to Lumbini 1999 to 2017 with growth and market share

Source: Lumbini Development Trust 2018



17

Table 4 shows that Thailand (27,603) and Myanmar (21,531) visitors accounted for most of

the growth (26% and 41% respectively), with the important Sri Lanka (48,528) and China

(15,770) markets both showing drops of 13% and 3% respectively from 2016. With South

Korea (5,103), these top five nationalities account for 81% of all international arrivals to

Lumbini, whilst Sri Lanka represents one third of all foreign visitors in 2017.

Countries that have shown significant grown in 2017 include Bhutan (241% from a low

base), Singapore (98% likewise), Malaysia (63%), Australia (62%) and Vietnam (44%) (LDT).

However, Greater Lumbini visitor patterns feature short stays, mostly less than one day

visits, and low expenditure, as described in recent studies. Visitors report not enough to do,

poor maintenance and a paucity of information, especially for non-pilgrims.

Lumbini suffers from seasonal constraints due to the hot, humid and wet summer months

from April to October. Air and dust pollution from neighbouring industrial plants and Indian

brick factories is not only unhealthy but undermines the sanctity of the site and threatens

its peaceful spiritual atmosphere. The challenge is not only to extend visitor stay with

improved facilities and attractions, but also to ensure that the local Muslim and Hindu

communities around Lumbini reap benefits from tourism.

International third country visitors stay an average of 1.8 days, 90% overnighters, spending

an average of $67 per visit (day visitors spend an average of $8). In contrast, Indians

average only 0.09 days, just a couple of hours, with 90% being day visitors spending $4 per

visit (overnighters spend $46). The study reports that domestic visitors stay 0.7 days,

average spend by overnighters $31 and by day visitors $6 per visit (2013 GLTPP).

Siddharthanagar Hotel Association Nepal (SHAN) reports a total of 56 tourist standard

hotels and guest houses with a total of 1,057 rooms and 2,424 beds in the Lumbini area in

2018 (Appendix 7). In addition the new internationally-owned Tiger Palace Resort opens

soon, located between Bhairahawa and Butwal in Tillotama Municipality with extensive

resort facilities including South Asia’s largest casino, 102 rooms, two villas and 10 suites,

employing some 1,500 staff mainly Nepalis. An average of 40% occupancy is reported with

strong seasonal swings (MoCTCA). Pilgrims stay in the 28 monasteries (476 rooms, 1,853

beds (LDT see Appendix 8) in and around the main Lumbini area in return for donations.

Sunauli is Nepal’s most popular land border accounting for 82% of all land arrivals to Nepal

in 2016 and used by 147,608 international visitors, an increase of 22% from 2015

(Department of Immigration). This figure reflects arrivals to Lumbini, although it is reported

that many same day foreign visitors to Lumbini crossing at Bhairahawa avoid paying for a

Nepal entry visa and are not recorded. Public transport arrangements from the border to

Lumbini are rudimentary, and most visitors have to arrive on packages with Indian or Nepali

transport operators.

Anecdotally, it seems many businesses in and around Butwal and Bhairahawa are owned by

Indians commuting across the border, tourism entrepreneurs are said to be predominantly

Nepalis. Hotel developments in the Butwal and Bhairahawa area appeal mainly to local

business visitors.

The Greater Lumbini nine site circuit comprises the major destination of Tilaurakot

(Kapilvastu), Prince Siddhartha’s father’s palace remains, with boardwalks, displays, Hindu

shrines, a small museum and recent archaeological excavations. Other sites include Kudan,

Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Aurorakot, Devadaha and Ramagrama, the latter believed



18

to be the repository of one eighth of the Lord Buddha’s remains. There is no arrival data for

these sites, but informal estimates report several hundred visitors daily during the clement

winter months, and many local visitors. The circuit has been developed in response to the

urgent need to extend visitor stay in the Greater Lumbini area, but most sites still lack

displays or appeal for non-Buddhists.

The imperative at Lumbini is to extend the tourism season and attract new higher end

pilgrim and non-pilgrim segments. This can be achieved by providing better facilities

including air-conditioned hotel accommodation, more attractions, improved interpretation,

and better transport. The multi-national monasteries in Lumbini could play a more active

role in tourism, contributing teachings, meditation sessions and other activities for pilgrims

and cultural tourists.

2.5. Dispersing tourism

The map below graphically demonstrates the importance of the Pokhara Sunauli economic

corridor to Nepal’s established tourism patterns.

2.6. Identification of key markets

The following current and potential target market segments have been identified for the

Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor and discussed with stakeholders during the field

visits. Due to lack of data it is not possible to accurately quantify either arrivals or

expenditure, but assumptions have been made based on general Nepal tourism statistics

and industry feedback.

Domestic – leisure, pilgrimage, MICE, business

Nepalis from Kathmandu, local towns and other parts of Nepal on short breaks with

increasing disposable income and time. Often travelling in family groups, couples, or

student / friends / work groups to see their country using domestic flights, self drive in

private vehicles, motorbikes, and organized buses and public transport. Proven demand for



19

pilgrimage visits (1.25 million arrivals to Lumbini, and many to Ridi etc), village homestays,

roadside attractions, nature products, soft adventure, spiritual regeneration. Constrained

by lack of awareness and facilities, future targets to grow domestic patterns include

pilgrimage, family and friends groups and couples, domestic MICE and retreat groups.

Improved products will appeal to new domestic segments. There is future potential for

NRNs and visiting friends and relatives. Domestic visitors are a key segment - many tourism

businesses rely heavily on domestic markets.

Indian –pilgrimage, business, cross border, self drive

Excellent potential with new international air linkages to India and an estimated 35 million

urban middle class Indians living in 11 major cities within eight hours drive of Nepal’s

border. With a tradition of hill station breaks involving cool climate, “atmosphere plus”

shopping, family games, soft adventure, Indians travel as couples, families and groups of

friends, weddings, anniversaries and honeymooners. Currently border towns rely on Indian

business operators, although Indians to Lumbini have the shortest stay and lowest

expenditure, attracting only 155,000 Indians in 2017. Improved products and facilities will

attract new and higher spending Indian segments. The new five star internationally owned

Tiger Palace Resort and casino in Bhairahawa is targeting Indian families and groups as well

as weddings and honeymooners. Other potential for Nepal includes self-drive leisure

visitors, pilgrimage visitors to Lumbini, Ridi, Palpa Gulmi, etc. The important Hindu

pilgrimage site of Muhktinath near Jomosom is a strong driver to attract more Indian

pilgrims through the corridor through increased awareness and amenities - currently

30,000 Indian arrivals reported by ACA, although the real number is likely to be higher.

Nepal knows and understands India markets, but is receiving little benefit from current

visitors to the area.

International pre-booked general interest

Usually travelling with Kathmandu travel agencies pre-booked via international tour

operator networks or directly on the internet, these “high end explorers” from Western

and Asian countries (including expatriates based in Asia) seek authentic heritage and

natural experiences, and care about community benefits and environmental conservation.

Requiring excellent guiding and interpretation, these proven potentially high value markets

are interested in scenery, culture and village life. They currently complain of poor road

conditions and environmental degradation. With proven long stay patterns, historically

strong patterns to Pokhara but with currently low interest in Lumbini, improved products,

services and interpretation will appeal to new segments, and can expand circuit patterns

through the corridor and beyond.

International pilgrims

Buddhist tourism is on the rise and the birthplace of Lord Buddha is one of the world’s most

important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, but Lumbini received only 146,000 international (non

Indian) visitors in 2017 out of a global market of 500 million Buddhists. Future potential for

Greater Lumbini’s nine sites is enormous to attract a wide range of nationalities and new

segments with the international airport at Bhairahawa, a rebuilt Maya Devi temple with

space to prostrate and make offerings, a more suitably spiritual arrival atmosphere, the

completed visitor centre, a revitalised Lumbini museum, and international brand

accommodation. Likewise, visitation to the wide range of important Hindu pilgrimage sites



20

in and around the corridor would be stimulated by increased awareness and improved

facilities.

International special interest

These include groups and individuals motivated by special interest activities that include:

trekking and mountaineering (using Pokhara as a gateway), mountain biking (fast growing

international trends), other soft adventure (such as para gliding, canyoning, micro lights),

bird watching (Pokhara lakes wetlands, Sarus cranes in Lumbini, Jagdishpur) cultural

experiences (festivals and visits to Lumbini Tansen Ridi Muhktinath temples etc), art, palace

and museums groups (Pokhara, Rani Mahal, Tansen Durbar, Lumbini), artisans and

handicrafts, textiles (Dhaka weaving in Palpa) coffee (in Syangja & Palpa), study tours etc.

Although currently a small segment there is good future potential with improved guiding,

information and facilities.

International Foreign Independent Travellers FITs – backpackers, budget explorers

About half of Nepal’s third country (non Indian) foreign visitors travel individually,

comprising a range of Western and Asian market segments. Although most are budget

travellers and trekkers, FITs use public transport and homestays, have long stay patterns

and a proven interest in new adventurous destinations. The Sunauli border crossing shows

strong growth in overland travellers from India (22% in 2016). Building on current strong

trends to Pokhara, targeting a broader range of FITs with increased awareness and

improved information and signage has good potential, especially the corridor’s adventure

and cultural products in Waling Syangja Tansen Palpa. FITs are known to spend on quality

adventure activities.

2.7. Strategic directions for tourism planning

A sensible tourism planning approach in the Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor can be

summarised as follows:

▪ Link Nepal’s two major tourism destinations of Pokhara and Lumbini

▪ Maximise the potential of new international and domestic connectivity with two

of Nepal’s four regional international airport hubs at Pokhara and Bhairhawa

▪ Exploit the proposed Kali Gandaki corridor road opportunities in the longer term

▪ Improve tourism products and interpretation which will attract a broader

spectrum of markets, and encourage current segments to stay longer and spend

more

▪ Expand the current Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan triangle to a cultural circuit with

detours so as to expand Nepal’s core tourism patterns, spread community benefits

and include tourism attractions in Kathmandu, Gorkha, Bandipur, Pokhara,

Muktinath, Syangya, Tansen, Gulmi, Lumbini, Chitwan, Bimphedi

▪ Prioritise the domestic market, building on the proven popularity of the corridor’s

attractions, and to achieve national objectives

▪ Foster potential new segments from India and cross-border tourism



21



22

3. Interventions to boost tourism

3.1. Planning framework

Tourism concept

The Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor comprises Nepal’s two major tourism

destinations of Pokhara and Lumbini in Province 4 and Province 5, linked by the Siddhartha

Highway in the central area of Nepal that runs through the scenic mid-hills through Syangja

and close to Tansen Palpa.

The strategy for EPI’s promotion of tourism in the Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor will

be to:

• Build on current tourism patterns

• Capture momentum from tourism elsewhere in the corridor

• Increase visitor spend and length of stay

• Create stopping places along the Siddhartha Highway to stimulate travel

• Promote Syangja, Tansen and Palpa to attract visitors between the major

destinations of Pokhara and Lumbini

Illustration of Pokhara to Sunauli tourism development concept

Potential drivers

The drivers of such tourism development patterns are varied and might include:

• Infrastructure to improve access, particularly supporting the expansion of Pokhara

and Bhairahawa airports with improved roads to tourism spots

• Community programmes, skills training and initiatives to stimulate small and

medium enterprises, to generate employment, especially for women.



23

• Promotion of private sector investment in tourism products, from village level

entrepreneurs to international brand hotels

• National and provincial level policy and regulatory interventions aimed at

spreading tourism flows and regional benefits

• Destination planning by resource management agencies coupled with reaching

out to the private sector, such as through tourism concessions and PPP model

• Local, provincial and NTB–led promotion and marketing programmes

Development directions

From our research, we envisage focusing tourism development patterns on three

overarching directions:

• Extending and building on the established domestic and Indian patterns by

products (such as family accommodation, rural homestays, etc.) focused on

Syangja Tansen Palpa along the Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor, with

adventure, pilgrimage and village tourism detours as the road networks improve.

Combining culture, nature and spiritual themes, this pattern will position Pokhara

Sunauli as a favourite domestic holiday destination. Cross-border road trips from

India will feature hill stations, adventure, pilgrimage, and leisure and family casino

products.

• Developing the Pokhara to Sunauli corridor into a destination for adventure and

heritage tourism with both road and air linkages Pokhara to Lumbini, aimed at

Nepal’s core high-spend longer-stay, mainly Western and higher value Asian

markets. Product development emphasis may focus on scenery, soft adventure

and culture, with rural tourism, wellness, spa and spiritual experiences. This could

extend Nepal’s current core tourism “triangle” of Kathmandu, Pokhara and

Chitwan to the ecotourism circuit of Kathmandu, Pokhara, Tansen Palpa, Lumbini

Chitwan, with detours along the route.

• Given Greater Lumbini’s location as a global target for pilgrimage tourism, visitor

flows will dramatically increase with the completion of Bhairahawa’s regional

international airport. In addition to growth in pilgrim arrivals by air, Greater

Lumbini’s appeal will expand to new markets with easier accessibility. Promotion

of the north-south road link between India (Sunauli) and Pokhara could result in

increased length of stay for current pilgrim segments, and appeal to new ones.

Product, accommodation and interpretation improvements at Greater Lumbini

could attract new general interest markets to the economic corridor.

3.2. Issues and potential interventions

The following matrix examines in detail the issues and challenges of each region under the

“areas of concern” column, then addresses them with ideas for possible interventions.

These have been grouped into categories “small scale infrastructure”, “capacity building”

and “new partnerships for planning, products & promotion”. All the proposed interventions

are grounded by market demand and in line with GoN policy.

All the intervention ideas have been discussed during the mission consultations with the EPI

local representatives, municipalities and other stakeholders. Feedback and comments from

EPI Kathmandu and Nepal Tourism Board sharing and validation meetings have been

incorporated.

DRAFT Tourism scoping study Pokhara-Sunauli Nepal Prepared for: Economic Policy Incubator Mar18

24

Table 5: Analysis of areas of concern and possible PPP interventions

CROSS CUTTING AREAS OF CONCERN

Cross cutting - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits

• No visitor facilities or information along Siddhartha Highway

• Low numbers travelling between Pokhara & Butwal Bhairahawa Sunauli

• Mainly Indian pilgrims going to Muktinath (30,000 in 2017 ACAP), some foreign backpackers & a few international groups

• Low awareness of other pilgrimage sites in PSEC

Small scale

infrastructure

Wayside amenities

POTENTIAL GAME CHANGER

• Visitor facilities at stopping places suitably spaced between Pokhara & Sunauli

• Best if combined with a viewpoint or place of tourism interest

• Clean & attractive amenities such as store, food, toilets, handicrafts, local produce, car parking etc. can be managed by locals in partnerships with municipalities

• Will appeal to all visitor segments, especially new self-drive Indian & domestic

• Stopping points can be themed to reinforce the appeal of the attraction

• Provides local employment

• Showcases local produce & handicrafts

• Suitable beauty spots need to be identified

• Currently very few tourist attractions between Pokhara & Bhairahawa except around Tansen

• Fuel facilities can be separate

• Can be replicated throughout Nepal tourism highways

Signage &

information

• Visitor information & interpretative displays at key places of interest

• Responds to the need for better interpretation & visitor information

• Will appeal to all markets especially European & Asian non-pilgrimage segments

• Signage needs to be tasteful & well planned

• Can create new attractions & enrich visitor experience & lengthen stay at existing sites (e.g. poorly marked trails in Greater Pokhara)

• Involves local people in story telling

• New municipalities are under-resourced & unprepared to take on new Federal decentralised responsibilities

• Many development organisations are prioritising good governance

Technical assistance

to strengthen

selected

municipalities for

tourism

• New mayors are keen to develop both international & domestic tourism but don’t know how

• TA & training in selected municipalities to ensure tourism is included in local plans with action plan & budget, building on

• Will address new Federal structure issues and current confusion about responsibilities

• Municipalities have requested tourism assistance

• Success will depend on local



under Federal system, but municipality staff have requested help in tourism & project implementation

• Delays in implementation of projects due to lack of capacity

Capacity

building

POTENTIAL QUICK WIN

experience of tourism component in DDC plans via MLD

• Nepal Tourism Board could be part of the training team

• Include inventory of new municipality market-led products & attractions

• Training will help ensure effective implementation of tourism projects, & implementation of other sectors

• Format could include one week for key representatives per each selected municipality plus bringing them together

commitment

• Technical assistance could include study tours to visit other destinations in Nepal

• Cadre of experienced tourism consultants available to provide training, possibly in association with NTB to provide Nepal destination context

Local guide system

• Introduce, train & organize a system of local guides who can tell the story in their neighbourhoods

• New MoCTCA Municipality category to recognise local guides, if necessary being translated by national guides

• PPP project can collect local stories from the old people & empower local guides with training & interpretative material including laminated information sheets in several languages

• Improved & in depth authentic experiences for domestic & international visitors

• Consider making local Nepali guides mandatory for Indian organised groups arriving on day visits from Sunauli to Lumbini

• Provides increased employment

• Needs integral booking system to be successful

• Creates pride in traditional culture

• Enables local people to engage in tourism benefits

• Depends on local cooperation & suitable people being available for guiding

• If successful, can be replicated throughout Nepal



Homestay training • Training for homestay operators in selected areas can include business management, hospitality, hygiene & cooking etc.

• Practical lessons from experienced operators such as Tansen homestays

• Introduce on line booking system similar to www.cosynepal.com

• Partnerships with MoCTCA, WWF homestays, GetUp Palpa, Sirubari Syangja municipalities etc.

• Will appeal to domestic & some international segments

• Homestays have good potential throughout the economic corridor, especially in selected villages & historic houses

• Strengthens quality of homestay experience

• Better organisation & awareness will provide improved local benefits

• Could include study tours to visit other homestay destinations e.g. WWF Bardia Chitwan etc.

Training in social

media for tourism

marketing

• Training for tourism operators throughout PSEC in websites, apps, facebook, twitter & other social media marketing will improve awareness & customer experience

• Operators will be helped with cost effective way to reach markets

• Will address marketing & low awareness issues, appealing to all segments

• Upskill tourism operators in PSEC

• Boost visitation, especially to more remote destinations in PSEC

• Operators have requested this, but risk included individual commitment

• Lack of coordination between development agencies resulting in duplication of effort

New

partnerships

for planning,

products &

promotion

Forging strategic

partnerships

• EPI can facilitate the formation of strategic partnerships in selected municipalities with other development agencies, donors, NGOs & private sector tourism operators

• Potential partners may include NTB, ADB, BCN, GetUp Palpa, ICF, LDT, RBGE, WWF, ACAP, International Mountain Museum, tourism associations e.g. Pokhara Tourism Council

• Partnerships will avoid duplication, facilitate implementation & leverage synergies

• Risks include lack of interest & lack of funding

http://www.cosynepal.com/


GREATER POKHARA PPP PROJECT IDEAS

Pokhara - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits

• Opportunity of new regional international airport in Pokhara, new domestic routes & extended road networks, despite current poor condition

• Not enough general interest activities for non-adventurers

• Environmental degradation, particularly around lakeside & popular local spots

• Need to bring in new segments to fill new hotels & prevent under-cutting & low pricing

Small scale

infrastructure

Upgrade Prince Charles /

Tiger Tree picnic site

POTENTIAL QUICK WIN

• The Prince Charles /Tiger (sumi) tree above Bijaypur barracks) has recently become a popular picnic site for domestic families & groups

• Spectacular viewpoint site currently degraded with litter & toilet waste

• 30 minute drive & short walk from Pokhara

• Management system in place by Mothers’ Group from village but needs help with picnic tables & managed toilets

• TA can improve picnic site as local model

• Potential model for other viewpoints & picnic sites

• Mothers Group who manage the site would be upskilled & empowered

• Local domestic tourists will be educated in litter management

• With improvements, the site could appeal to broader range of markets

Seti Gorge sky walk


• Highly engineered glass bottomed or see-through walkway delivering the unusual Seti Gorge geological feature

• An exciting, scary but safe built attraction walkway within & overlooking the Seti Gorge will appeal to wide range of markets, especially Asians

• Feasibility study can examine demand, ROI, safety features etc.

• PPP with private sector promoter

• High cost of initial investment

• Highest safety standards are essential

• Environmental impacts must be minimised

• Use DFID’s cantilevered walkway on Manaslu trek circuit

Cycle & walking trails

around & linking seven

lakes

• Site plans to create trails of varying lengths around Greater Pokhara’s seven lakes to extend visitor stay & appeal to wide range of segments

• Improved environmental conservation of the lakes & their wildlife

• Boosted & extended visitation



• Trail can link to Fewa Lake for maximum market impact i.e. include eight lakes

• Targeted at bikers & hikers, not motor cycles or other vehicles to avoid clashing segments

• Developments to include signage, displays & seats at stopping points & local guide system

• These might include managed hiking & biking trails with guide system around Fewa Lake, around Begnas Lake, around Deepang Lake, & a trail from Rupa to Begnas & linking seven lakes

• In partnership with PLMC & conservation NGOs such as WWF, BCN, ITNC etc.

• Lake trails can be designed for accessibility by disabled visitors

• More local benefits from bike rentals & guiding

• New trails might be used for extraction of resources

• NTB & WWF Nepal are keen to cooperate

Development of

Pachbhaiya community

forest

• Development of plan for Pachbhaiya community forest hill areas as a natural park with user groups as identified by EPI report

• Potential for domestic picnics, forest trails & cycle routes

• Discussion includes having small zoo with rescued animals

• Land ownership issues per report

• Zoo idea needs careful management & coordination with NTNC & DNPWC

Hallan Chowk camping

site

• Development of camping site by Fewa Lake, as identified by EPI report

• Feasibility report is needed for vehicle parking & camp management

• Site needs clear demarcation

• Beautification & provision of visitor amenities i.e. water, toilets, power

• Needs organisation to avoid further encroachment

• Owned by municipality

• Opportunity for community management & local benefits

• Market demand needs to be assessed

• Enthusiasm from Lekhnath



residents & CCI

Pokhara Panorama Trek

• Four day trek circuit developed around Pokhara Valley with mountain views & village visits

• Low level new route with potential market appeal for short stay trekkers

• Route needs to be defined, signage & interpretation displayed, guides familiarised & villages prepared for tourism

• Alternative to routes now unavailable due to new roads e.g. Royal Trek

• Demand for soft products such as day walks & shorter easy treks around Pokhara

• Route needs to avoid roads

• Chance of success as championed by NTB & TAAN Pokhara

• Lack of tourism focus that delivers the “essence of Pokhara” lakeside experience

Capacity

building

Developing Ratna

Mandir garden as heart

of tourism focus


• Ratna Mandir is underutilised prime site on the edge of Fewa Lake managed by Nepal Trust

• General opinion favours public access with the royal house open as a museum

• Opportunity to create Pokhara’s one-stop lakeside tourism centre with parking, garden, information, hotel/excursion/guide bookings, food, picnic facilities, handicrafts, local produce, royal museum, historic boat house, horse rides etc.

• EPI feasibility & site planning in partnership with Nepal Trust with PLMC, NTB, ACAP etc. & community entrepreneurs

• Nepal Trust commitment

• Needs buy-in from all tourism stakeholders to work

• Must be carefully managed & developed with environmental sensibility

• Budget source

• Opportunity for 5-star branded hotel concession on the site but no GoN or public appetite

• Insufficient awareness of what there is to see & do in Pokhara

Destination Pokhara

tourism marketing

strategy & action plan

• As Nepal’s number 1 tourism destination, a cohesive Pokhara destination marketing strategy & action plan can be prepared for stakeholders

• Increased visitor numbers & better awareness about what there is to do & see in Greater Pokhara



• Lack of research & poor data to underpin marketing

New

partnerships

for planning,

products &

promotion

• Create sustainable mechanism to publish coordinated tourism data for PLMC

• Led by NTB, building on Paradise Pokhara campaign & consulting all stakeholders

• Promotes orderly development of the sector in Pokhara

• Needs to build on the NTSP & update the approved Integrated Destination Development Plan for Greater Pokhara & surrounding areas

Around Pokhara

transport service

• There is no public transport for getting around Pokhara’s attractions & tourism spots, which are some distance apart

• A well-marked & well-advertised hop on hop off tourist vehicle could ply around the sites & hotels, perhaps based in the new Ratna Mandir tourism centre

• Although some tourist class jeeps are available from Pokhara transport operators, there is no transparent or reliable system for hiring good vehicles

• Partnerships with PLMC & private sector operators could kick start a regular & reliable PPP transport service

• Appeal would be to FITs, domestic & Indians

• Encourage more tourists to visit & to stay longer

• Help the local economy

• Distribute visitors around town & surrounding points of interest

• Provide increased commercial viability for new projects e.g. sky walk


TANSEN PALPA PPP PROJECT IDEAS

Tansen Palpa -Areas of concern

Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits

• Low visitation mainly foreign backpackers, special interest groups & domestic self drive

• Reported low spend & short stay

• Infrastructure constraints discourage tour operators from using wider cultural circuit

Small scale

infrastructure

Rani Mahal walking trail


• Rani Mahal, the scenic Rana palace on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River has recently been restored by the DoA.

• A new road links Rani Mahal with Tansen, but operators report that visitors prefer the day walk, at least one way, & a trail is feasible that avoids the road

• The new Kali Gandaki corridor road will pass Rani Mahal & potentially link Tansen as a desirable “must stop” destination

• Developing the hiking or biking trail to Rani Mahal will attract international & domestic segments, encouraging longer stay & spend

• The mayor is keen to extend stay with overnight Magar village homestays near Rani Mahal in the oval shaped houses

• Extends visitor stay & spend

• Provides attractive iconic product for Tansen

• Links Tansen to the Kali Gandaki corridor traffic

• Municipality can be assisted with design & concept, in partnership with GetUp Palpa & local villagers along the route & close to Rani Mahal

• Good opportunities for local guides at Rani Mahal & surrounding Magar villages

Preserving Tansen’s

cultural heritage

• Tansen Palpa is well positioned as an historic hill town, potentially appealing to all markets. However the integrity of the town’s old houses & cultural atmosphere needs to be retained

• Advocacy for reuse of historic buildings for tourism purposes showing owners examples elsewhere e.g. Swotha Traditional Homes in Patan Durbar Square

• Replacing the street cobbles could mitigate flooding as well as look attractive

• Poor appreciation of cultural values by locals

• Competing vested interests

• Currently weak tourism flows causes discouragement, even though Tansen has national champions

• Potentially costly




Sewage & solid waste in

Tansen Palpa

• Sewage & solid waste remains an issue in Tansen, though the Municipality’s water supply problems have been solved

• Facilitating with development agencies could help solve Tansen’s infrastructure shortcomings

• Would appeal to local residents as well as all other visitors & help new hotel owners etc.

• ADB have been engaged previously

• Lack of experience of how to manage foreign tourists due to visitation

Capacity

building

Capacity building &

training in Tansen, Ridi &

Rani Mahal

• Tourism sensitivity & hospitality training in Tansen town, the pilgrimage destination of Ridi & the beauty spot of Rani Mahal would improve services & attractions

• Homestay pioneers can share their experience

• Tourism awareness training could make market linkages with the major destinations of Pokhara & Bhairahawa / Lumbini

• Domestic family, business & pilgrimage segments, Indian pilgrims & international adventurers

• Municipalities have requested tourism assistance in new Federal environment

• Success will depend on local commitment

• Cadre of experienced tourism consultants available to provide training

• Lack of awareness of Tansen Palpa attractions

• Seasonality constraints due to monsoon road conditions

• Coordination, funding & implementation

New

partnerships

for planning,

products &

promotion

Visitor information with

GetUp Palpa

• GetUp Palpa established 20 years ago, well respected NGO based in Tansen led by Mr Manmohan Shrestha

• Assistance with action plan for the preparation & distribution of visitor information to address low awareness

• Materials can include “what to see & do” brochures, maps & website development

• Marketing materials can position Tansen as historic hill town with culture, pilgrimage & soft adventure

• GetUp Palpa is ready to cooperate with Tansen Municipality & EPI for quick result

• Will expand market interest & showcase Tansen Palpa attractions

• Marketing activities can focus on attracting more visitors & new segments from Pokhara & Lumbini

• NTB support necessary for




POTENTIAL QUICK WIN • Target new segments such as Indian pilgrims, international groups & wider domestic markets

• Currently based in GetUp Palpa but destination information can move to Palpa Durbar museum

success

Tansen Durbar – regional

museum & tourism

centre


• Palpa Durbar has been restored & designated as a regional museum under MoCTCA

• Support is needed to design displays & contents of the Museum

• Opportunities to provide tourism centre with regional visitor information & to showcase historic culture Magar lifestyles, living handicraft displays (e.g. Dhaka weaving, coffee processing, brass making), food & local produce outlets, meeting facilities etc.

• Could be developed using local stories & managed with community support

• Appeal to all markets providing good quality interpretation

• Needs funding & support from MoCTCA & regional municipalities

• Could be model regional museum for other destinations

• Would provide regional tourism focus, information & establish Tansen as centre of Palpa tourism

Tansen Palpa tourism

association

• Although NATTA has a local representative, there is no forum that includes all tourism stakeholders, including Ridi, Rani Mahal etc.

• A Tansen Tourism Association can be formed for all stakeholders involved in tourism including the Municipality, DoA, resource manager representatives, private

• A voice for tourism in Tansen Palpa will assist the orderly development of the sector & advocate for tourism interests

• Could involve national associations

• Relies on commitment of stakeholders




sector operators & community representatives

Greater Palpa integrated

tourism destination

development plan

• The Municipality & stakeholders are keen to develop an integrated tourism development plan for Greater Palpa

• EPI with MoCTCA & NTB could contribute TA to develop plan

• Municipality is keen for a plan to be developed

• Needs to build on NTSP & MoCTA’s promotional plan for Greater Lumbini that includes Palpa

• Could be done as part of crosscutting TA to strengthen municipalities for tourism

GREATER LUMBINI, BHAIRAHAWA & BUTWAL PPP PROJECT IDEAS

Lumbini - Areas of concern Possible PPP interventions Key features & markets Impacts, risks & benefits

• Short length of stay & low spend

• Entrepreneurs from Lumbini hotels looking for ways to extend stay & to deliver benefits to locals

• Opportunity – new regional international airport in Bhairahawa & improved road networks e.g. Butwal-Sunauli 8 lane highway

• Road access & border issues for day visitors

Small scale

infrastructure

Tourism facilities in

Baunna Koti jungle

community forest

POTENTIAL QUICK WIN

• The new Tiger Palace Resort are keen to forge links with the community & provide activities for their guests

• Facilitate the development of Baunna Koti jungle community forest in PPP with Municipality, forest user groups & private sector with picnic spots & network of jogging, bike & hike trails

• For Tiger Palace guests exclusive jogging, biking & hiking trails in the forest adjacent to their resort

• Picnic spots in southern end of Baunna Koti for Butwal Bhairahawa residents & visiting

• Addresses complaints that there is not enough to do in Butwal Bhairahawa area

• Promotes PPP partnerships necessary for success

• Involves 5 star properties in local tourism & community development

• Clashing segments – locals & five star guest facilities would be best kept separate



• Hotel expansion (e.g. Budhimaya, Pawan) five star hotels are not appealing to international FDI or brands

• Government restrictions regarding casinos in Bhairahawa hampering development (Tiger Palace & Nansc Resorts)

• Environmental degradation - pollution & air quality from expanding factories

• Inadequate water supply & sewerage systems

domestic visitors

Development of Queen

Maya’s Path


• Development of guided bikes & hikes trail between Tilaurakot & Lumbini following ancient historic pilgrim route (36 kms?)

• Current archaeological team from DoA & Durham university have already defined the ancient pilgrim route – adapted to visit villages, temples & other places of interest for modern visitors

• Could be mandatory to use local guides for international groups

• Self guided with signage, displays, apps & promotional map for domestic & individuals

• Solid market demand

• Already has some traction, proposed “Mother Mayadevi Sutkeri Marga” by Prof Basanta Bidari

• Would extend length of stay & attract new segments

• Has the potential to be an iconic flagship game-changing product for Greater Lumbini, involving community

• Provides rationale for conservation of remote archaeological sites & local pride

• Mandatory guides would provide local employment

• Could involve villagers, settlements & smaller archaeological sites in tourism activities

• Seasonal constraints due to heat & rain

Lumbini Biodiversity

Education Garden

• Within the LDT area a Lumbini Biodiversity Education Garden can be developed with TA from Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), similar to the Nepal Biodiversity Education Garden in Godavari

• Plants & display boards can feature native flora, & those common at the time of Lord Buddha

• EPI to facilitate PPP with LDT & RBGE & other stakeholders

• The garden could lengthen stay & attract new international & domestic visitors, including school & college groups

• RBGE are keen to provide TA

• Approximate cost of development is estimated at US$150,000

Beautification &

organisation of Lumbini

• The municipalities & other stakeholders need assistance to improve the cross border experience & beautify the approach

• Improving environmental & air pollution from brick factories & other industrial activities could



approach from airport

& Sunauli border

to the sacred site of the birthplace of Lord Buddha

• TA planning can improve the entrance procedure at Sunauli with truck, bus, tourist vehicle & pedestrian lanes, NTB visitor information & organisation of truck stop & bus park

• Facilitate the controlling of industrial emissions with private owners & ICIMOD

• Awareness programmes with local communities along the route from Sunauli & airport to Lumbini could improve beautification & an appropriate sense of peace & pilgrimage for all segments

• Border incentives with free & discounted visas to encourage longer & overnight stays in Nepal can be investigated with Department of Immigration

• Appeal would be to cross border Indian & international pilgrimage markets

reverse the current major negative impact on all visitors

• Benefits for local residents & private entrepreneurs

Wildlife tourism

improvements at

Lumbini crane

sanctuary & Jagdishpur

Tank

• Lumbini needs to broaden its product appeal

• Good potential for bird watching (area 120 species, 4th best area in Nepal) including crane sanctuary within LDT area

• Tourism facilities need to be upgraded in the crane sanctuary with maintenance of trails, blinds & viewing tower, & guide system

• Jagdishpur Tank is a Ramsar site i.e. wetland of international significance &

• Provide local employment & conservation benefits

• Can lengthen stay & increase spend

• Developments would need to be closely coordinated with resource managers & guardians i.e. DNPWC, International Crane Foundation, Bird Conservation Nepal etc.

• Can be coordinated with wildlife



scenic interest

• EPI could help Municipality offer concession for international wildlife camp at Jagdishpur & facilities in Lumbini

• Would appeal to wide range of current & potential markets including international special interest, FIT, domestic families & groups

activities at Janakinagar (see below)

Large scale restaurant

& picnic spots for day

visitors to Lumbini

• Lumbini attracts busloads of visitors on cross border day trips

• Many are reported to bring their own food & stay less than a few hours, especially Indians

• Visitors picnic by the road side & within the LDT area contributing to litter & toilet waste

• EPI could help improve visitor facilities around the main Lumbini sites by brokering a PPP large restaurant with parking & toilets

• Would appeal to Indian, domestic & some international group day visitors, & some overnighters

• Provides much needed amenities for Lumbini day pilgrims, encouraging them to stay longer by improving the visitor experience

• Land acquisition might be a problem, unless LDT can use some of their new buildings for this purpose or municipalities can provide site

• Dependent on finding a private sector partner

• Would provide local employment & outlet for produce & handicrafts

• Limited benefits to surrounding communities.

• Inadequate or inappropriate on-site interpretation, visitor centre, signs, tour guiding, car parking & road linkages between Lumbini & associated pilgrimage sites - Indian guides giving “wrong

Capacity

building

Improved

interpretation at nine

sites, particularly

Tilaurakot & Ramagram

• Higher value & international visitors demand quality interpretation & are not happy with current mixed messages, incomplete visitor centre & poor quality facilities

• This includes signage visitor centres, displays, local guides system telling the agreed traditional stories

• Will impact on & enhance all visitor markets, increasing satisfaction & increasing length of stay

• Relies of support of all stakeholders, especially LDT & UNESCO

• UNESCO is responsible for WHS,



information”

• Within LDT area, ADB-assisted visitor centre is unfinished with no displays, Lumbini museum is neglected. Existing infrastructure and facilities are not maintained, whilst new LDT buildings proliferate with no clear function. Visitors report the feeling that “nobody cares”

• Locals report Indian guides are notorious for giving “wrong information”

• New archaeological discoveries by DoA, LDT & Durham University are of international interest & the ancient stories can be featured in all displays

• EPI would contribute to the quality of all market segments’ satisfaction with Greater Lumbini if stakeholders can be brought together to achieve uniform design & high quality of interpretation

• In addition to Lumbini, Tilaurakot & Ramagram have international appeal if the stories can be well told

but LDT & monasteries are not always supportive. Coordinating the design & quality of signage & displays is a daunting task

• ADB visitor centre contract needs to be successfully completed

• Other outside interested parties can be approached for support

Handicrafts training • Handicraft training for the village people around the Greater Lumbini area could include quality & design elements

• Featuring local materials & skills, designs could introduce new products that appeal to target segments

• Training can include distribution, marketing as well as outlets at Lumbini e.g. in museums, visitor centres, hotels etc.

• Provides employment & supplementary income for adjacent communities

• Promotes pride in traditional culture

• Builds on work by previous projects i.e. TRPAP basket making

• Cadre of skilled handicraft practitioners & exporters are available as trainers

• Lack of focus of tourism activity to deliver the core Lumbini experience for non-pilgrims

• Conflicts between industry & monasteries – latter do not see themselves as part of tourism whilst hoteliers feel they are

New

partnerships

for planning,

products &

promotion

Daily Maya Devi

Temple opening &

closing ceremony

• Organise a solemn blessing ceremony at fixed times at sunrise & sunset when the Maya Devi temple opens & closes

• Delivers a core spiritual tourism experience & focus of tourism activity

• Rotate the task around all the monastery monks, lamas & Venerables, with LDT

• Involves the monasteries in daily tourism activities

• Extends visitor stay & further encourages overnight visits

• Provides focus for non-pilgrims

• Once the ceremony is established, suitable organised night activities



stealing bednights

• Market demand – general lack of appeal other than for pilgrims, and even pilgrim segments are limited

• Visitor satisfaction issues: pilgrims cannot prostrate or make offerings - disappointing visitor experience for non pilgrims

• Transport syndicates result in lack of quality vehicles from Sunauli, & in and around the nine sites

• Seasonality constraints due to hot weather, dust & rain. Underutilised after dark - the Sacred Garden is closed at night

POTENTIAL QUICK WIN

security staff

• Appeals to non-pilgrimage markets as well as religious visitors

could extend the WHS use e.g. yoga, guided meditation, special prayer sessions

Global architectural

competition to replace

Maya Devi Temple

building

POTENTIAL

INTERNATIONAL GAME

CHANGER

• Facilitate a feasibility study & stakeholder consultations to replace the current temporary Maya Devi Temple building

• Would require oversight by “honest broker” e.g. UNESCO with LDT & involve all Buddhist & conservation partners on selection panel

• Winning design must protect the resource fabric, as well as address needs of pilgrims & other visitors

• New design would appeal to all markets

• Potentially a major international event promoting major global interest

• May prove a controversial proposal for some stakeholders

• Funding would be significant but could include donations from Buddhists & interested parties

Master plan for

Janakinagar Park

POTENTIAL LOCAL

• Janakinagar is a large forest & grassland GoN site on Rohini River between Butwal & Bhairahawa that is currently being developed as an irrigation dam project

• The lake that will be formed & the surrounding forest has excellent potential as a multi use domestic leisure facility for Tillotama Municipality

• Will have high appeal for domestic &

• Leisure complex under discussion at Tillotama Municipality includes swimming pool, stadium, amphitheatre & small zoo

• Facilitating a master plan could realign the leisure complex with local demand & facilities appropriate to the site



GAME CHANGER perhaps Indian segments

Tourism transport

system from Sunauli to

Lumbini & around nine

sites

• For arrivals at the Sunauli border there is no transparent or reliable system for hiring good vehicles, although some tourist class vehicles are available from Bhairahawa transport operators

• There is no public transport for getting around Greater Lumbini’s nine sites, which are some distance apart

• Partnerships with the municipalities & private sector operators could kick start a regular & reliable PPP approved transport service to & from the border, as well as around the nine sites

• Appeal to FITs, business, domestic & Indian segments

• Encourage more tourists to visit & to stay longer

• Helps the local economy & hotel owners

• Distributes visitors around the sites & surrounding points of interest

• Provides increased commercial viability for new projects e.g. Janakinagar

Greater Lumbini

tourism association

• Although SHAN is active in Bhairahawa, there is no forum that includes all the Greater Lumbini tourism stakeholders

• A Greater Lumbini tourism association can be formed for all stakeholders involved in tourism including LDT, DoA, monastery, the relevant municipalities, private sector operators & community representatives

• A voice for tourism in Greater Lumbini will assist the orderly development of the sector & help advocate for tourism interests in the management of the nine sites

• Depends on commitment of stakeholders


3.3. Priority interventions

Analysis of long list of possible PPP interventions

Table 6 provides analysis of the long list of 37 intervention ideas measured 1-5 against a range of selection criteria. Highlighted in grey are the most highly

ranked interventions, which can be interpreted as immediate quick win interventions and longer term potential game changers.

Table 6: Analysis of long list of possible PPP interventions against selection criteria

POSSIBLE PPP INTERVENTION

CRITERIA Potential

for success

Value proposition & catalytic

effect

Impact on

poverty & job

creation

Supports Federal

structure & GoN policy

Appeal to

domestic & Indian markets

Appeal to high value

Western & Asian

Significance to

pilgrimage tourism patterns

TOTA

L

RA

NK

Cross cutting

Wayside amenities 3 5 5 4 5 5 4 31 =4

Signage & information 3 4 3 4 5 4 4 27

Strengthen selected municipalities for tourism 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 34 =1

Local guide system 2 4 4 4 4 5 2 25

Homestay training 4 4 4 3 5 3 4 27

Training in social media for tourism marketing 4 4 3 2 5 4 2 24

Forging strategic partnerships 4 4 3 5 4 4 3 27

Greater Pokhara

Upgrade Prince Charles / Tiger Tree picnic site 5 5 5 5 5 3 3 31 =4

Seti Gorge sky walk 4 5 4 4 5 5 3 30 =5

Cycle & walking trails around & linking seven lakes 4 5 4 4 5 5 2 29

Development of Pachbhaiya community forest 3 4 3 3 4 1 1 19

Hallan Chowk camping site 3 4 3 3 4 1 1 19

Pokhara Panorama Trail 3 3 4 3 3 2 1 19

Developing Ratna Mandir garden as heart of tourism focus 4 5 3 5 5 5 4 31 =4

Destination Pokhara tourism marketing strategy & action plan 3 4 4 4 4 4 2 25

Around Pokhara transport service 2 4 3 4 4 3 4 24

Tansen Palpa

Rani Mahal walking trail 4 5 5 4 5 4 3 30 =5


POSSIBLE PPP INTERVENTION

CRITERIA Potential

for success

Value proposition & catalytic

effect

Impact on

poverty & job

creation

Supports Federal

structure & GoN policy

Appeal to

domestic & Indian markets

Appeal to high value

Western & Asian

Significance to

pilgrimage tourism patterns

TOTA

L

RA

NK

Preserving Tansen’s cultural heritage 2 4 4 5 4 5 3 27

Sewage & solid waste in Tansen Palpa 2 3 3 5 3 3 2 21

Capacity building & training in Tansen, Ridi & Rani Mahal 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 27

Visitor information with GetUp Palpa 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 34 =1

Tansen Durbar – regional museum & tourism centre 4 5 4 5 5 5 4 32 3

Tansen Palpa tourism association 4 3 2 3 2 2 2 18

Greater Palpa integrated tourism destination development plan 3 4 4 4 3 4 3 25

Greater Lumbini, Bhairahawa & Butwal

Tourism facilities in Baunna Koti jungle community forest 5 4 4 5 5 5 3 31 =4

Development of Queen Maya’s Path 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 34 =1

Lumbini Biodiversity Education Garden 4 4 3 3 5 5 5 29

Beautification Lumbini approach from airport & Sunauli border 2 5 4 5 4 4 5 29

Wildlife tourism at Lumbini crane sanctuary & Jagdishpur tank 4 4 4 4 4 5 2 27

Large scale restaurant & picnic spots for day visitors to Lumbini 4 4 3 3 5 1 5 25

Improved interpretation at nine sites, Tilaurakot & Ramagram 3 5 4 4 4 5 4 29

Handicrafts training 4 4 4 4 1 4 2 23

Daily Maya Devi Temple opening & closing ceremony 5 5 4 4 5 5 5 33 =2

Global architectural competition to replace Maya Devi Temple building 4 5 4 5 5 5 5 33 =2

Master plan for Janakinagar Park 4 3 3 4 5 1 2 22

Tourism transport system from Sunauli to Lumbini & 9 sites 2 4 4 4 3 1 4 22

Greater Lumbini tourism association 4 3 2 3 2 2 2 18

Source: Study team

Criteria for selection

The selection criteria in Table 6 have been defined for prioritization and rated 1-5 as follows:

Potential for success

1 = Difficult to implement successfully


5 = Very high chance of success

Value proposition & catalytic effect

1 = Would generate limited added value to the destination or activity

5 = Adds substantial value and will be a “game-changer” to the destination or activity

Supports Federal structure & GoN policy

1 = Not closely aligned to new Federal structure or GoN policy

5 = Closely supports Federal goals and GoN policy and agendas

Impact on poverty and job creation

1 = Limited potential to reduce poverty and create jobs

5 = High potential to relieve poverty and generate employment

Appeal to domestic and Indian markets

1 = Minimal interest for target domestic and Indian market segments

5 = Strong appeal to domestic and Indian visitors

Appeal to high value Western & Asian markets

1 = Minimal interest for target high value Western & Asian markets

5 = Strong appeal to high value Western & Asian visitors, responding to known preferences

Significance to pilgrimage tourism patterns

1 = Minimal significance to pilgrimage tourism patterns

5 = Strong appeal to pilgrims and pilgrimage visitor patterns


4. Next Steps

4.1. Quick win recommendations

The ranking against criteria in Table 6 highlights interventions that are likely to be most successful for EPI implementation. From these, the following five are

recommended for further investigation as quick win options.


Table 7: Quick win recommendations

Quick win PPP intervention Key features & markets (as

above)

Impacts, risks & benefits (as above)

Potential partners Tentative cost Action points

Technical assistance to strengthen

selected municipalities for tourism

New mayors are keen to develop both international and domestic tourism but don’t know how

TA and training in selected municipalities to ensure tourism is included in local plans with action plan and budget, building on experience of tourism component in DDC plans via MLD

Nepal Tourism Board could be part of the training team

Include inventory of new municipality market-led products and attractions

Training will help ensure effective implementation of tourism projects and implementation of other sectors

Format could include one week for key representatives per each selected municipality plus bringing them together

Will address new

Federal structure

issues and current

confusion about

responsibilities

Municipalities have

requested tourism

assistance

Success will depend on

local commitment

Technical assistance

could include study

tours to visit other

destinations in Nepal

Cadre of experienced

tourism consultants

available to provide

training, possibly in

association with NTB

to provide Nepal

destination context

Provincial,

municipality & rural

municipality planners

and staff in areas

concerned with

tourism

NTB and MoCTCA to

ensure links with

overall Nepal

destination

positioning,

promotion & product

development

Rs. 1-5 million

depending on

study results

and levels of

interest

Study to determine the

relevant municipalities and

needs analysis to confirm

relevance of the training

requested

Likely to include tourism

awareness, sustainable

tourism planning, responsible

destination management,

and strengthening of project

implementation abilities

Study tours to neighbouring

tourism destinations



above)



Upgrade Prince Charles / Tiger Tree

picnic site

The Prince Charles /Tiger

(sumi) tree above Bijaypur

barracks) has recently

become popular picnic site for

domestic families and groups

Spectacular viewpoint site

currently degraded with litter

and toilet waste

30 minute drive and short

walk from Pokhara

Management system in place

by mothers’ group from

village but needs help with

picnic tables and managed

toilets

TA can improve picnic site as

local model

Potential model for

other viewpoints &

picnic sites

Mothers Group who

manage the site would

be upskilled and

empowered

Local domestic tourists

will be educated in

litter management

With improvements,

the site could appeal to

broader range of

markets

Lekhnath

Municipality, local

mothers group,

community forest

user group, current

restaurant,

International Trust

for Nature

Conservation (ITNC)

& Tiger Mountain

Pokhara Lodge

NTB and Pokhara

operators when

facilities suitable for

international visitors

Rs. 2-4 million

for training and

site planning.

Some facilities

already on site

Ensure current custodians

are receptive to training and

assistance to transform the

picnic site into model

natural, sustainable,

ecotourism model

Training workshops with all

stakeholders to ensure

sensitivity to natural values

of the site

Site planning for

improvements, rationalising

current buildings, ensuring

appropriate materials for

new structures and ongoing

maintenance



above)



Visitor information with GetUp Palpa

GetUp Palpa established 20

years ago, well respected

NGO based in Tansen led by

Mr Manmohan Shrestha

Assistance with action plan

for the preparation and

distribution of visitor

information to address low

awareness

Materials can include “what

to see & do” brochures, maps

and website development

Marketing materials can

position Tansen as historic hill

town with culture, pilgrimage

and soft adventure

Target new segments such as

Indian pilgrims, international

groups and wider domestic

markets

Currently based in GetUp

Palpa but destination

information can move to

Palpa Durbar museum

GetUp Palpa is ready

to cooperate with

Municipality and EPI

for a quick result

Will expand market

interest and showcase

Tansen Palpa

attractions

Marketing activities

can focus on attracting

more visitors and new

segments from

Pokhara and Lumbini

NTB support necessary

for success

Nepal Tourism Board,

GetUp Palpa, Tansen

and other relevant

municipalities, Palpa

tourism operators

MoCTCA when future

of Tansen Durbar

Museum is decided

Rs. 0.5 million Needs analysis for visitor

information for Palpa (and

possibly Syangja if

interested) with NTB and

GetUp Palpa e.g. maps

brochures website, and

homestay booking system

similar to

www.cosynepal.com

Quality control material and

distribution with GetUp Palpa

and Syangja




above)



Tourism facilities in Baunna Koti

jungle community forest, Tillotama

Municipality

The new Tiger Palace Resort

are keen to forge links with

the community and provide

activities for their guests

Facilitate the development of

Baunna Koti jungle

community forest in PPP with

Municipality, forest user

groups and private sector

with picnic spots and network

of jogging, bike and hike trails

For Tiger Palace guests

exclusive jogging, biking and

hiking trails in the forest

adjacent to their resort

Picnic spots in southern end

of Baunna Koti for Butwal

Bhairahawa residents and

visiting domestic visitors

Addresses complaints

that there is not

enough to do in Butwal

Bhairahawa area

Promotes PPP

partnerships necessary

for success

Involves 5 star

properties in local

tourism and

community

development

Clashing segments –

locals and five star

guest facilities would

be best kept separate

Baunna Koti

community forest

user group, other

community groups,

Tillotama

Municipality, Tiger

Palace Resort,

Bhairahawa tourism

industry

NTB once facilities

are ready

Rs.10 m or less

with partner

Preparation of detailed site

plan, management

mechanism and facilities for

hiking/biking trail and local

picnic facilities

Discussions with Tillotama

Municipality, community

forest user group and Tiger

Palace Resort GM Mr Brett

Model

Promotion once facilities are

ready



above)



Daily Maya Devi Temple daily

opening and closing ceremony

Organise a solemn blessing

ceremony at fixed times at

sunrise and sunset when the

Maya Devi temple opens and

closes

Delivers a core spiritual

tourism experience and focus

of tourism activity

Rotate the task around all the

monastery monks, lamas and

Venerables, with LDT security

staff

Appeals to non-pilgrimage

markets as well as religious

visitors

Involves the

monasteries in daily

tourism activities

Extends visitor stay

and further

encourages overnight

visits

Provides focus for non-

pilgrims

Once the ceremony is

established, suitable

organised night

activities could extend

the WHS use e.g. yoga,

guided meditation,

special prayer sessions

Lumbini

Development Trust,

Buddhist

monasteries in LDT

area, wider Buddhist

community in

Lumbini, Nepal and

Indian tourism

operators, Nepal

Tourism Board

Rs.0.1 million

Prepare concept plan and

implementation mechanism

in workshops with LDT,

monastery representatives,

Lumbini tourism industry

Promote to stakeholders



50

4.2. Potential game changers

The following PPP interventions were highlighted in the ranking as having catalytic

value as potential game changers, with more ambitious objectives and long term

timelines. These ideas are recommended for further feasibility and investigation.

• Wayside amenities along Siddhartha Highway

• Seti Gorge sky walk Pokhara

• Developing Ratna Mandir garden as heart of tourism focus Pokhara

• Rani Mahal walking trail Tansen

• Tansen Durbar – regional museum & tourism centre

• Development of Queen Maya’s Path Tilaurakot to Lumbini

• Global architectural competition to replace Maya Devi Temple Lumbini

• Master plan for Janakinagar Park near Butwal

4.3. Organising for destination management and marketing



51

4.4. Implications of new Federal structure

The practical modalities of the new Federal structure are presenting challenges. National

organisations such as the Nepal Tourism Board have expressed concern as to their roles and

responsibilities under the new three tier structure of federal (central), state (provincial) and

local (municipalities and rural municipalities). This lack of clarity is not unique to the

tourism sector.

The new state and local government representatives have demonstrated their keenness to

engage in tourism, including with newly appointed Provincial tourism ministers, marketing

campaigns (e.g. Rara Karnali Visit Year), and proposed new local taxes and entry fees. It

seems likely that each province will take control of destination management. Although

desireable that tourism features in the provincial and municipal annual plans and budgets,

reservations have been expressed about their capacity and the expertise required to carry

out these tasks. Many have limited experience working with community-based

organisations (CBO) and the private sector.

For the orderly development of tourism, it is desirable that provincial destinations reinforce

the national market image and positioning to present a cohesive picture of Nepal tourism

to the outside world. The “devolve not dissolve” approach advocates building on solid

foundations without losing past gains. In the tourism sector this might mean consolidating

the social and economic advances made in national tourism management, “building back

better” after the earthquakes, and adopting international best practice. Tourists and

tourism operators do not think in terms of provincial, municipality and rural municipality

boundaries.

Under the regulatory authority of MoCTCA, the Nepal Tourism Board is an experienced

private public partnership charged with destination marketing and product development

for the entire country of Nepal. As highlighted above, Nepal has a great deal of experience

in this area. Led by the NTB, mechanisms can be developed for regular exchanges of

information and technical support between the various players including provincial and

local government bodies, NGOs, CBOs and the private sector tourism industry.



52



53

Appendix 1: Documents consulted

ADB (2004) South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Tourism Development

Plan Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal & Sri Lanka, published ADB Manila

ADB (2008) South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Tourism Development

Project Bangladesh, India & Nepal Final Report, Manila

ADB MoCTCA (1999), Ecotourism Project - TA No. 3332 - NEP, Final Report, Vol I, II, III,

Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Kathmandu, Nepal

DNPWC (2072), Policy and Legal System in Nepal Regarding Conservation Area

Management and Wildlife Conservation (Collection of Acts, Regulations, Policy, Working

Policy, Guidelines and Directives), Government of Nepal, Department of National Parks and

Wildlife Conservation, Kathmandu

Economic Policy Incubator (2017) Economic Development Plan of Pokhara-Lekhnath

Metropolitan City Report, Kathmandu

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) (2007) Study on Positioning

India as a hub for Buddhist Tourism, ICRA Management Consulting Services, New Delhi

GHTDP (2009), Great Himalayan Trail Development Program Concept Paper, Great

Himalayan Trail Development Programme, West Nepal, SNV – Nepal

GoN (1995), Tourism Policy, 2065, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil

Aviation, Sangha Durbar, Kathmandu

GoN (2008), Tourism Vision 2020, Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and

Civil Aviation, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu

GoN (2017) Nepal Tourism Statistics 2016, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation,

Kathmandu, Nepal

IFC & Investment Board Nepal (2013), Identifying Investment Opportunities for Cultural

Tourism in Nepal Final Report including projects in Tansen Palpa and Greater Lumbini,

Kathmandu

IFC & GoI (2013) Investing in the Buddhist Circuit 2014-2018, New Delhi

IFC Nepal (2012), Lumbini Tourism Scoping Mission Report, Kathmandu

MoCTCA ADB (2010) South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Programme (SATIDP),

Manila

MoCTCA ADB (2014) SATIDP Tourism Promotion Plan for Lumbini & Adjoining Areas 2015-

2024, Kathmandu

MoCTCA IFC (2016) Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for Pokhara and

Surrounding Areas, Kathmandu

MoCTCA IFC IBN (2016) Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for Western

Nepal, Kathmandu

MoCTCA Lumbini Development Trust (2017) Terms of Reference for Study to Prepare a

Document on Buddhist Circuit of Nepal (BCN) as a Premier Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism

Product 2017-2018, Kathmandu



54

MoCTCA (2016) National Tourism Strategic Plan 2016 – 2025, Kathmandu

MoCTCA NTB (2001), National Ecotourism Strategy and Marketing Programme of Nepal,

Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu

MoCTCA (2018) Nepal Tourism Statistics 2016 and 2017, Kathmandu

NTNC (2018), Tourism Statistics 2018, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)

Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal

ODI Overseas Development Institute Centre for Inclusive Growth, Harry Jones (2013), Entry

Points for Developing Tourism in Nepal, What can be done to address constraints to

inclusive growth, London

PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) (2017) Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2017-2021,

Bangkok

PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) (1975) Pokhara-Nepal, Development of a Secondary

Destination, Bangkok

PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) (1988) Pokhara 1988, Bangkok

PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) (1990) Pokhara: Historic Resources Study and

Proposal for a Conservation District Pokhara, Nepal Bangkok

TRPAP (2003), Participatory District Tourism Development and Management Plan of

Rupandehi 2004 – 2009, UNDP/Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme,

NEP/99/013, MoCTCA/UNDP/DFID/SNV

TRPAP (2007), Lessons Learned: Nepal’s Experience Implementing Sustainable Tourism

Development Models, UNDP/Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme,

NEP/99/013, MoCTCA/UNDP/DFID/SNV

UNDP UNESCO (2013) Lumbini The birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal. Completing the

Kenzo Tange Master Plan. Lumbini Support Project, Kathmandu

UNESCO IUCN (2012) Environmental Impact Assessment of Industrial Development Around

Lumbini, the Birthplace of Lord Buddha, World Heritage Property, Kathmandu

UNESCO (2012) Strengthening conservation and management of Lumbini, the birthplace of

Lord Buddha, World Heritage property" Kathmandu

UNWTO (2017) Tourism Highlights 2017, Madrid

UNWTO (2017) World Tourism Barometer Jan 2018, Madrid

World Bank (2013) Greater Lumbini Tourism Cluster Competitiveness Strategy Tourism

Cluster Analysis for Nepal Competitive Industry Diagnostic, Washington DC

World Bank (2012) Nepal’s Investment Climate, Leveraging the Provate Sector for Job

Creation and Growth, Washington DC

WWF Nepal (2010) The Green Lumbini Initiative, Kathmandu

http://www.cosynepal.com, http://www.hotelassociationnepal.org.np,

https://mailchi.mp/pata/the-quarterly-tourism-monitor-1q2017-is-now-available-

961417?e=84b9114284 , http://www.nepalmountaineering.org/, http://www.taan.org.np/

http://www.tourism.gov.np/ ,


http://www.hotelassociationnepal.org.np/

https://mailchi.mp/pata/the-quarterly-tourism-monitor-1q2017-is-now-available-961417?e=84b9114284

https://mailchi.mp/pata/the-quarterly-tourism-monitor-1q2017-is-now-available-961417?e=84b9114284

http://www.nepalmountaineering.org/

http://www.taan.org.np/

http://www.tourism.gov.np/



55

Appendix 2: Persons consulted

NAME ORGANISATION DESIGNATION CONTACT

Kathmandu

Mr Dandu Raj Ghimire MoCTCA Joint Secretary [email protected]

Mr Deepak Raj Joshi Nepal Tourism

Board

CEO [email protected]

Ms Nandini Thapa Nepal Tourism

Board

Senior Director

Marketing &

Promotion

[email protected]

Mr Udaya Bhattarai Nepal Tourism

Board

Senior Manager

Product

Development

[email protected]

Mr Sunil Sharma Nepal Tourism

Board

Officiating Director

Research Planning

& Monitoring

[email protected]

Mr Sarad Pradhan Nepal Tourism

Board

Media Consultant [email protected]

Mr Laxman Gautam Nepal Tourism

Board

Senior Manager

Public Relations &

Publicity

[email protected]

Mr Nabin Pokharel Nepal Tourism

Board

Officiating Director

Tourism Marketing

& Promotion

[email protected]

Ms Raihana Rabbany IFC World Bank Private Sector

Development

[email protected]

Mr Volkar Treichel IFC World Bank Principal Economist

South Asia

[email protected]

Mrs Ambica Shrestha Dwarikas Chair [email protected]>

Ms Sangita Einhaus

Shrestha

Dwarikas MD [email protected]>

Mr Bikram Pandey Buddhist

Circuits.com

Founder [email protected]

Mr Rajendra Bajgain Silver Heritage

investment

Nepal partner [email protected]

Dr Ghana Shyam

Gurung

WWF Nepal Country

representative

[email protected]

Ms Krinisha Shrestha WWF Nepal Tourism officer [email protected]

Mr Umesh Chandra Rai Yeti Airlines & Tara

Air


Mr Daman Pradhan Yeti Holidays &

Hotel Hokke


Ms Sumnima Udas Buddha Foundation Museum specialist [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]







56


Mr Rabi Jung Pandey LDT MoCTCA

Buddhist Circuits

Nepal project

Team leader [email protected]

Mr Ram Chandra Sedai LDT MoCTCA

Buddhist Circuits

Nepal project

Tourism products

specialist

[email protected]

Dr Shankar Sharma DFID MoF Economic

Policy Incubator

(EPI)

Team leader [email protected]

Mr Harry Jones EPI Programme

Director

[email protected]

Mr Keshav Acharya EPI Senior Programme

Advisor

[email protected]

Mr Hiramani Ghimire EPI Senior Project

Advisor

[email protected]

Mr Strahan Spencer DFID UKAid Head of the

Humanitarian and

Livelihoods Team

[email protected]

Mr Ram Khadka DFID UKAid Economic Advisor [email protected]

Bhairahawa, Butwal, Lumbini

Mr Rajendra Bandhu

Aryal

Economic Policy

Incubator

Regional Project

Coordinator

[email protected]

Mr Chitra Bhandari Tiger Palace Resort Chief Concierge [email protected]

Mr Paraswar Sahray Tillotama

Municipality

Engineer

Mr Urgit Singh Godar Custodian Janakinagar Park

site

Mr Deependra

Chowdhury

LDT Custodian Ramagram

International Scientific Committee, Lumbini 21-23 Feb 18

Mr Durga Prasad

Dawadi

Director General Department of the

Environment

[email protected]

Dr Bhupesh Adhikary ICIMOD Senior Air Quality

Specialist

[email protected]

Prof Yukio Nishimura University of Tokyo Professor Urban

Conservation &

Design

[email protected]

Ms Tomoko Mori University of Tokyo Research Fellow [email protected]

Mr Paolo Pagnin UNESCO Italy Advisor for

Conservation

Prof Robin Coningham University of Professor of

Archaeological

[email protected]



57


Durham Ethics & Practice

Mr Christian Manhart UNESCO Country

Representative

[email protected]

Dr Roland Lin Chih-

Hung

UNESCO World Heritage

Centre Paris

[email protected]

Ms Nabha Basnyat

Thapa

UNESCO Project Coordinator [email protected]

Ms Sujata Khanal UNESCO Project Assistant [email protected]

Mr Thomas Schrom UNESCO Consultant [email protected]

Ms Claire Burkert Crafts development Consultant [email protected]

Mr Saroj Bhattarai Lumbini

Development Trust

Project Chief [email protected]

Mr Gyanin Rai Lumbini

Development Trust

Chief

Administrative

Officer

[email protected]

Mr Rajan Basnet Lumbini

Development Trust

Information Officer 071404040

Ms Swosti Rajbhandari

Kayastha

Lumbini Buddhist

University

Lecturer [email protected]

Dr Mark Watson Royal Botanic

Gardens Edinburgh

Head of Major

Floras Research

Programme

[email protected]

Ven. Bhikkhu

Vivekananda

Lumbini Meditation

Centre

Director

[email protected]

Lumbini consultation, 22 February 2018

Mr Hari Dhoj Rai Lumbini

Development Trust

Communication

Officer

[email protected]

Mr Amarika Kohan Lumbini

Development Trust

Visitor Centre 9847386643

Mr Lilamani Sharma Siddhartha Hotel

Association Nepal

SHAN

Chairman Lumbini

Chapter

[email protected]

Mr Fanindra K.

Neupane

Lumbini Buddhist

University

Central Campus [email protected]

Mr Achyut Aryal Haryana Professor [email protected]

Mr Najuruddin Local leader LDT Board Member 9812922820

Bhairahawa Butwal consultation, 23 February 2018

Mr Hari Bahadur Aryal BUCCI Representative [email protected]

Mr Ram Prasad Aryal Butwal sub metro Representative [email protected]

Mr Bal Krishna Acharya DAO Rupandehi Representative [email protected]



58


Mr Bhim Bdr Chhetri MoCTCA office Representative [email protected]

Ms Uma Kaphle Siddharthanagar

Municipality

Deputy Mayor 9847060342

Mr Yam Bdr Kunwar Siddharthanagar

Municipality

Representative [email protected]

Mr Dol Raj Gaire Tillotama Chamber

of Commerce


Mr Chandra P Shrestha SHAN Bhairahawa Chairman MD

Nansc Hotel

[email protected]

Mr Samundra G.C Hotel Association

Rupandehi

Member 3857039388

Mr Sunil Bista Siddharthanagar

Transport

Bista International

Traders

9857011790

Mr Suraj Raj Bista Siddharthanagar

Transport

MD Bista

International

Traders

[email protected]

Mr Yubaeraj Acharya Buddha Tours &

Travels


Mr Dhruba Dhital FNCSI Rupandehi Representative [email protected]

Mr Kanhai Kasudon FNSCI Rupandehi Representative 9857023104

Mr Madav Khatiwada SEZ Supervisor [email protected]

Mr Rakesh Yadav SEZ Office Assistant

Mr Khum Bahadur Bist TIC-NTB Representative [email protected]

Mr Anil Khyanice OIC Rupandehi Representative 9857015192

Tansen Palpa consultation 20 February 2018

Mr Ashok Kumar Shahi Tansen Municipality Mayor [email protected]

Mr Manmohan

Shrestha

GetUp Palpa Principal [email protected]

Mr Dhanishwar

Bashyal

Horizon Homestay MD [email protected]

Mr Pradeep Prasad

Udaya

NATTA Chapter

Palpa

President [email protected]

Mr Kamal Karki Crown Hotel Owner [email protected]

Mr Ram Prasad Pandey DCC Palpa Representative [email protected]

Ms Laxmi Pathak DCC Palpa Deputy Mayor 9857068337

Mr Devendra Khadka Hotel Taj, Palpa MD [email protected]

Mr Sagar Man

Maharjan

TMP Ward Representative [email protected]

Mr Ram Bahadur Raut HTEDC Palpa Representative [email protected]

Mr Kamal Prasad Raj DCDA Palpa Representative [email protected]



59


Khanal

Mr Jagdish Battarai Journalist Freelance [email protected]

Mr Govinda Bhattarai Gaunle Deuvrali

Weekly

Journalist [email protected]

Mr Kiran Kaushal FMJ Palpa Representative [email protected]

Mr Daya Raj Bashyal DCC Palpa Representative 9857060052

Mr Meg Raj Sharma Deurali Weekly,

Tansen

Journalist 9847029152

Mr Bhimarjun Pandey Government

Service

Engineer [email protected]

Mr Mahesh Lal Shakya Tansen No 3 Representative 9847047018

Mr Bhimsen Kharki Tansen No 3 Representative [email protected]

Mr Rajashwar Udaya Tribhuvan

University Campus


Mr Diwarkar Dakota Retired government

service

Retired [email protected]

Mr Buddhi Prasad

Sharma

Tansen 2 Representative [email protected]

Mr Ramesh Thapaliya DUDBC Director of office [email protected]

Dr Puran Bajracharya Provinceradesh 5 Member 9847099233

Pokhara and surrounds

Mr Pashupati Subedi Economic Policy

Incubator

Regional Project

Coordinator

[email protected]

Mr Marcus Cotton Tiger Mountain

Pokhara Lodge

Managing Director [email protected]>

Mr Umesh Thapa

Magar

Shangrila Hotel

Pokhara

Resident Manager [email protected]

Mr Vikal Tulachan HAN Pokhara President

Pokhara consultation, 26 March 2018

Mr Raju Timilsina Pokhara Representative [email protected]

Mr Buddhi Nath

Pandey

Fewa Boat

Association


Mr Prem G.C Sarangkot Tourism

Dev Com

Representative 9856021265

Mr Babar Jung Gurung Tourism Transport

Association


Mr Karna Bahadur

Gurung

Machapuchre Rural

Municipality


Mr Pitambar Poudel REBAN Representative 9856038444

Mr Bishnu Prasad Gupteshwor Cave Representative 9856029896






60


Poudel &Tourism Com

Mr Ram Kaji Gurung Panchase

Municipality Office


Mr Chau Bahadur

Gurung

REBAN Pokhara Representative 9856032504

Mr Krishna Prasad

Acharya

Mahendra Cave

Dev Committee

Chair [email protected]

Mr Deepak Raj

Adhikary

TAAN Pokhara President 9856029973

Mr Damodar Bhakta

Thapa

HAN Lekhnath President [email protected]

Mr Saurya Thapaliya Nepal Tourism

Board

Director [email protected]

Mr Narayan Pd. Subedi Trekking Equipment

Support Association


Mr Yogesh Bhattarai Nepal Air

Association


Mr Krishna Kafle Nepal

Mountaineering

Association


Mr Kedar Nath Sharma Pokhara Tourism

Council (PTC)

Chairman 9856020232

Mr Ram Chandra

Sharma

PTC Representative 9856035706

Mr Krishna Prasad Tim 9856036544

Mr Nawaraj Ojha Rupa Municipality Representative 9856084009

Mr Hari Bahadur

Bhujel

Rupa Municipality Representative [email protected]

Mr Uddip Gajurel EPI Consultant [email protected]

Mr Lalsubba Gurung Rupa Municipality Representative 9856084008










61

Appendix 3: Mission diary

Date Activities 15-Jan-18 1430 Start up briefing meeting in EPI office with Dr Shankar Sharma team leader and

Ms Pratistha Swar research associate. Work planning and background documents, UNESCO coordination ref Lumbini etc

31-Jan-18 1430 Meeting with Christian Manhart UNESCO representative

1-Feb-18 1400 EPI office with Pratistha to discuss field trip details

2-Feb-18 0930 Rabi Jung Pandey team leader of LDT MoCTCA Buddhist Circuits Nepal project. Discussions with Ram Chandra Sedai team member. Data collection & research

5-Feb-18 Data analysis. 5pm Meeting with Bikram Pandey Chairman Himalaya Expeditions, Buddhist operator

6-Feb-18 1400 with Pratistha Swar meetings with Deepak Raj Joshi CEO NTB plus Sarad Pradhan Media and Sunil Sharma Director Research Planning & Monitoring NTB & Nabin Pokhrel Off Dir Tourism Marketing and Promotion. 3pm MoCTCA Mr Danduraj Ghimere Jt Sec Planning to introduce project, understand GoN priorities and request guidance.

9-Feb-18 0915 Pratistha Swar to discuss documents for field trip etc. Research analysis and field trip preparation

12-Feb-18 Research and analysis

14-Feb-18 Pokhara site visit seeing old town bazaar, Badrakali temple, Managi gompa, Sitakali temple, ACAP Museum, DK Singh Bridge Seti Gorge, Gorkha Museum, Annapurna View Hotel, CIWEC Clinic, Lakeside, Peace Stupa, Devi's Fall, Robotic Museum, Guptashwar Mahadev cave temple, International Mountain Museum, airport and Shangrila Hotel. Discussions with Mr Umesh Thapa Magar, Resident Manager

16-Feb-18 Research and analysis, coordinating with team, finalising powerpoint presentations, preparation for field visit

18-Feb-18 LDT Technical Advisory Group briefing and progress updates of BCN study by consulatnt team Nepal Tourism Board led by Rabi Jung Pandey

19-Feb-18 0900 Fly Ktm Pokhara. Met by Pashupati Subedi Regional Project Coordinator Pokhara. Discussions ref EPI plans and consultations. Visit NTB office. 1230 Depart Pokhara by car (Madhu Shreshta Amrit Trekker) to Tansen Palpa. Discussions with Man Mohan Shrestha GetUp Palpa. Visit historic town and durbar. Dinner Nanglo West. Disturbed night with bomb blast. Overnight Crown Hotel Tansen

20-Feb-18 Visit town & Palpali Chhen guesthouse. Discussions with Mr Ashok Kumar Shahi Mayor of Tansen. 0900 Palpa workshop with 23 participants in Crown Hotel. Drive to Butwal. Delayed by bandh. Bhairahawa Workshop postponed. Visit Tiger Palace Resort and discussions with Chitra Bhandari Chief Concierge (Rajendra Bajgain Nepali partner Silver Heritage Pvt Ltd). Visit Sunauli border crossing. Discussions with Rajendra Bandhu Aryal, EPI Regional Project Coordinaror Bhairahawa. Overnight Nirvana Hotel Bhairahawa

21-Feb-18 0800 with Rajendra & Pratistha to Janakinagar Park irrigation dam site with Paraswar Sahray Municipality engineer & Urgit Singh Godar local custodian. Pass Baunna Koti jungle community forest. Drive to Lumbini. Attend LDT DoA UNESCO International Scientific Commitee meeting at Kasai Hotel Lumbini. Discussions with Professor Robin Coningham, Durham University archaeologist, Dr Mark Watson Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh, lunch with Dr Mahedra Subba ADB team leader & Mr Padma Mainalee Dep DG Dept of Urban Development & Building Construction. Visit Sacred



62

Date Activities Garden. Dinner Christian Manhart UNESCO Representative etc. Overnight Kasai Hotel

22-Feb-18 Participate in LDT DoA UNESCO International Scientific Commitee meeting, speak on tourism develooment. 3pm Lumbini EPI consultations workshop 7 participants in Buddha Maya Hotel Palace. Site visits to monastic zone seeing museum, vistor centre, arrival area, Korean and Chinese monasteries, Japanese stupa and crane sanctuary. Dinner hosted by LDT at Hokke Hotel. Lumbini Overnight Kasai Hotel

23-Feb-18 8am With UNESCO group site visit to Dahani and Tilaurakot led by Prof Robin Coningham and Kosh Prasad Acharya. Break away from group and visit parking area, new museum, Kudan site. Drive from Taulihawa to Bhairahawa. Visit Pawan Hotel. 4pm Bhairahawa tourism workshop 23 paricipants in Hotel Nirvana. Overnight Nirvana Hotel Bhairahawa

24-Feb-18 0800 With Rajendra and Pratistha drive to Ramagram - discussions with Dipendra Chowdhury LDT village custodian. Visit SEZA Special Economic Zone Authority with Mr Madav Katiwada supervisor. Discussions with HE WS Perera Sri Lankan Ambassador and manger of Sri Lankan Pilgrim Rest hotel in Lumbini. Fly Bhairahawa to Kathmandu. End of field mission

25-Feb-18 Follow up analysis on policy & project ideas, inc with RBGE, WWF etc. Preparation of material to share with EPI.

27-Feb-18 1pm EPI office with Pratistha. Sharing of initial analysis of findings presentation and feedback/ discussion with Dr Shankar Sharma Team Leader, Mr Keshav Acharya Senior Programme Advisor, Mr Hiramani Ghimere Senior Project Advisor, Mr Harry Jones Programme Director, Mr Strachan Spencer DFID, Mr Ram Khadka DFID.

7-Mar-18 Working on research, project details and report



12-Mar-18 Finalise and submit report planning framework and interventions - work in progress

26-Mar-18 Prepare and conduct Pokhara Stakeholders consulation with 27 participantsin NTB Tourism Centre Pokhara 2pm with Saurya Thapaliya NTB Pratistha and Pashupati Subedi EPI. Visit Tiger Tree proposed site

27-Mar-18 Follow up & work on report

30-Mar-18 Discussions with Dr Ghana Shyam Gurung Country Representative WWF Nepal and Ms Krinisha Shrestha tourism officer WWF Nepal ref cooperation on Pokhar lakes. Daman Pradhan Yeti Holidays & Umesh Rai Yeti Airlines ref Pokhara & Lumbini plans. Work on report and appendices

2-Apr-18 1430 Validation meeting at NTB with Deepak Raj Joshi CEO, Ms Nandini Thapa Senior Director of Marketing & Promotion, Mr Laxman Gautam Senior Manager Public Relations & Publicity, Mr Udaya Bhattarai, Senior Manager Product Development & Mr Sarad Pradhan Media Consultant with Pratishta. Meet with Ms Sumnima Udas ref Lumbini Museum upgrade. Work on report

4-Apr-18 Work on report and appendices

10-Apr-18 Finalise and submit report and appendices



63

Appendix 4: Consultation discussion participants

Tansen Palpa 20 February 2018



64

Lumbini 22 February 2018



65

Bhairahawa & Butwal 23 February 2018



66

Pokhara 26 March 2018



67

Appendix 5: Discussion paper for stakeholder consultations

SCOPING STUDY ON TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES POKHARA SUNAULI ECONOMIC CORRIDOR Purpose of this paper

To introduce our study and to ask stakeholders to contribute with feedback on their interests and aspirations in regard to the future of tourism in the Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor.

Background to our study

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation’s (MoCTCA) guiding policy document is the 10 year National Tourism Strategy Plan (2015 – 2024) for the whole of Nepal. The strategy has identified a set of interventions for future tourism development in Nepal with priority nodes, clusters and subsectors. Greater Pokhara and Greater Lumbini are ranked 1st and 2nd Nepal’s 6 priority Tourism Development Areas. Greater Pokhara reinforced as cultural, natural and MICE destination, with community-based opportunities, & improved current tourist attractions in central Pokhara. Diversify current tourism offering with soft activities to attract more visitors, increase length of stay and spend. Greater Lumbini new regional international airport with Lumbini as central attraction spreading tourist activities to Palpa, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Kapilvastu and Pyuthan districts. Attract investments to Lumbini in facilities including quality accommodation, more attractions, improved interpretation of the archaeological sites, and better product offerings. Monasteries could contribute teachings, meditation etc. Pilgrimage markets targeted to increase length of stay and spend & maximize economic benefits to local communities. National Tourism Strategic Plan (NTSP)

Various agencies are assisting MoCTCA to implement aspects of the National Tourism Strategy Plan. In the case of this study, agencies include:

i) UKAid-funded Economic Policy Incubator (EPI) managed by the Palladium Group ii) IFC Trade and Competitiveness Global Practices of the World Bank Group, iii) UKAid-funded Samarth Nepal Market Development Programme (Samarth‐NMDP) iv) UNESCO Nepal relating to World Heritage Sites v) Lumbini Development Trust (LDT)

Approach Our approach is: i) read all previous studies; ii) consult widely with stakeholders in the Pokhara to Sunauli economic corridor who have a strategic viewpoint about tourism; and iii) visit tourism sites, especially Pokhara, Tansen Palpa and Lumbini. We will present ideas for interventions in mid March 2018. A round of consultations to validate findings will follow, and a final report presented mid April 2018.

Our team for this assignment Lisa Choegyal, Consultant 9851025690 - email: [email protected]




68

Pratistha Swar, Economic Policy Incubator 9843817379 [email protected]

Our field trip plans are 19 -24 February 2018 Tansen Palpa / Butwal / Bhairahawa / Lumbini 26 March 2018 Pokhara

Background research so far

We have read many previous studies and initiatives associated with Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor. Perhaps the most important for this study are:

• National Tourism Strategic Plan (2016 – 2025)

• IFC Integrated Tourism Destination Development Plan for Pokhara and Surrounding Areas 2016 MoCTCA

• ADB SATIDP South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Programme 2010-2015

There are many others:

• Lumbini Development Trust - Kenzo Tange Master plan 1978

• PATA (Pacific Asia Tourism Association): Pokhara-Nepal, Development of a Secondary Destination 1975, Pokhara 1988 and Pokhara: Historic Resources Study and Proposal for a Conservation District Pokhara, Nepal 1990

• ADB Ecotourism Project 2000-2001

• UNDP / SNV / DFID Tourism for Rural Poverty Alleviation Programme (TRPAP) MoCTCA and NTB 2001-2005

• ADB South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Tourism Development Plan 2004, Tourism Development Project 2008 etc. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal & Sri Lanka 2003-2009

• IFC Nepal, Lumbini Tourism Scoping Mission Report 2012

• IFC & Investment Board Nepal, Identifying Investment Opportunities for Cultural Tourism in Nepal 2012-13 including projects in Tansen Palpa and Greater Lumbini

• IFC & Government of India, Investing in the Buddhist Circuit 2014-18

• World Bank Tourism Cluster Analysis for Nepal Competitive Industry Diagnostic, Greater Lumbini & Palpa, and Manaslu & Gorkha clusters 2013

• MoCTCA SATIDP Tourism Promotion Plan for Lumbini & Adjoining Areas 2015-2024

• EPI Economic Development Plan of Pokhara-Lekhnath Metropolitan City 2017

• 2017-2018 LDT MoCTCA Buddhist Circuits of Nepal (BCN) Tourism development themes

From our initial research, we envisage focusing our search for possible tourism development patterns on three overarching themes:

1. Developing the Pokhara to Sunauli corridor into a destination for adventure,

trekking and heritage tourism with both road and air linkages Pokhara to Lumbini, aimed at Nepal’s core high-spend longer-stay, mainly Western and higher value Asian markets. Product development emphasis may focus on scenery, soft adventure and culture, with rural tourism, wellness, spa and spiritual experiences. This could extend Nepal’s current core tourism “triangle” of Kathmandu Pokhara and Chitwan to the ecotourism circuit of Kathmandu Pokhara Tansen Palpa Lumbini Chitwan, with detours along the route.




69

2. Extending and building on the established domestic and Indian patterns by products (such as family accommodation, rural homestays, etc.) along the Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor, with adventure, pilgrimage and village tourism detours as the road networks improve. Combining culture, nature and spiritual themes, this pattern will position Sunauli Pokhara as a favourite domestic holiday destination and for cross-border road trips from India.

3. Given Greater Lumbini’s location as a global target for pilgrimage tourism,

visitor flows will increase with the completion of Bhairahawa regional international airport, currently scheduled for 2020. In addition to growth in pilgrim flows by air, Greater Lumbini’s appeal will expand to new markets with easier accessibility. Promotion of the north-south road link between India (Sunauli) and Pokhara could result in increased length of stay for current pilgrim segments, and appeal to new ones. Product, accommodation and interpretation improvements at Greater Lumbini could attract new general interest segments to the economic corridor.

Potential drivers development

The drivers of such tourism development patterns are varied and might include:

• Infrastructure to improve access, particularly supporting the expansion of Pokhara and Bhairahawa airport with improved roads to tourism spots

• Community programmes, skills training and initiatives to stimulate small and medium enterprises, to generate employment, especially for women.

• Promotion of private sector investment in tourism products, from village level entrepreneurs to attracting international brand hotels

• National and provincial level policy and regulatory interventions aimed at spreading tourism flows and regional benefits

• Destination planning by resource management agencies coupled with reaching out to the private sector, such as through tourism concessions and PPP model

• Local, provincial level and NTB–led promotion and marketing programmes

Our request: You have been given this discussion paper because we have reached out to you. Having read this paper, could you please write a quick email to us with:

1) Your name and the organisation you represent 2) A concise statement of your wishes and aspirations in regard to the future of

tourism development in the Pokhara Sunauli economic corridor 3) Helping us with any area you feel we have neglected

In this way we plan to include many stakeholder voices in our report. Thank you for participating. Lisa Choegyal [email protected] 9851025690 EPI Consultant




70

Appendix 6: Meeting notes

Date: 6 February 2018

Venue: Nepal Tourism Board, Brikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, Province Number 3

Time: 1400

Attendees: Mr Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO, NTB

Mr Sunil Sharma, Director Research Planning & Monitoring, NTB

Mr Nabin Pokhrel, Officiating Director Tourism Marketing and Promotion

Mr Sarad Pradhan, Media consultant

Ms Pratistha Swar, EPI Kathmandu

Ms Lisa Choegyal, Tourism Consultant

Discussions held on the following key points:

- To introduce EPI and the scoping study objectives

- To understand GoN priorities and request guidance

- To explore areas of cooperation


Venue: Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation, Singha Durbar, Kathmandu,

Province Number 3

Time: 1500

Attendees: Mr Danduraj Ghimere, Joint Secretary Planning, MoCTCA




- To introduce EPI and the scoping study objectives

- To understand GoN priorities and request guidance


Venue: Hotel Crown, Tansen Municipality, Palpa District, Province Number 5

Time: 09:00am

Attendees: 23 tourism sector and municipality participants including:

Mr Ashok Kumar Shahi, Mayor Tansen Municipality

Mr Manmohan Shrestha, GetUp Palpa



After the presentation, discussions held on the following key points: - Siddhartha highway connects Pokhara-Tansen-Lumbini.

- Lack of information to the local public and also to tourists in terms of attractions.

- Planning for Tansen tourism master plan is important.

- There is no tourism association in Tansen despite government having it in its

strategy.



71

- It’s important to involve local communities especially the Magars who are large in

number comprising 50% of population and have a rich culture to reflect. These

people can be trained further to run tourism at village levels.

- Tansen is a very beautiful hill station located between Lumbini and Pokhara. It

takes 4 hours’ drive from Pokhara to Tansen. The pilgrimage tourists from

Bhairahawa and Lumbini can be the target as Tansen is cooler and has its own

benefits of seasons as they say they have natural AC in the air.

- There is no direct bus that comes to Tansen straight from Lumbini or Pokhara,

which is one of the biggest constraints to attract tourists.

- Tansen also has many historical temples with historical stories, since there are lots

of pilgrimage tourists coming to Lumbini, opportunities to bring tourists including

Indian pilgrimage tourists to Tansen.

- Tansen Durbar, which was restored after Maoist insurgency’s attack and was

serving as district administration headquarters, is now a museum under Ministry of

Tourism. The local municipality officers and participants shared that if the durbar

can be renovated and populated with ancient local culture, handicrafts it can

benefit. The durbar can be a tourist hub where tourists will spend one whole day in

and around Durbar and next day can go for small treks. This will increase the stay

for tourists.

- Tourism promotion strategy and awareness is much needed.

- Capacity building of hoteliers.

- Old houses in Tansen having archaeological importance needs to be saved as there

are very few left to see.

- Tansen is famous for local handicrafts like Dhaka, weaving baskets and special brass

utensils etc. which can be promoted as local tourism product contributing directly

to economy. Suggestions were received to create a separate hastakala (handicraft

area) focusing on tourists.

- People in Tansen believe that Srinagar is another hill station after Nagarkot and has

to be promoted in a similar manner.

- There are rural municipalities in Palpa which should be involved in promotion of

tourism.

- There is a need to think about preservation of old cultural sites in Tansen.

- Tansen has been featured in the Lonely Planet number of times.

- Rani Mahal, Taj Mahal of Nepal, has been left behind without any proper caretaker.

It has been a concern for both locals and the government. It is situated on the

banks of Kali Gandaki River and has a great potential to attract tourists in the area.

Currently, a lot of visitors visit the place but it is not maintained properly and there

is nothing much to do around the site. Despite the government’s efforts in making

Rani Mahal a beautiful place to attract tourists, it is still in the same condition and

only study tour buses from different schools visit the area. There is a plan from

local people to build a walking trail to Rani Mahal and this can be a great

opportunity to contribute together with the local government and private sector. It

is under Dept. of Archaeology today.

- There is a need to create more attractions for local tourists so that they spend at

least a day in Tansen and around villages.



72

- There is no Tourist Information Centre in Tansen because of which there is also a

lack of actual data of tourist flow in the area. NATTA chapter in Tansen tried

working in collecting the data but has not been able to come to conclusion.

- Training and orientation is important for tourism stakeholders.

- While planning, strategies should be action oriented.

- More public advertisement pamphlets should be developed.

- Holding trade fair in Tansen is another way of attracting tourists.

- NATTA mentioned some of the outdoor activities that took place in Tansen some

years ago and which also attracted many tourists, like downhill cycling race

competition and paragliding but they could not be sustained due to financial

constraints and other many reasons.

- There is a need for an entertainment places for people to enjoy during evening

hours.

- Management of sewage and landfill is a problem as most of the locals dump their

waste in the forests.

- Tansen is also becoming very active in providing Homestay services and there are a

lot in number at the moment-management and further capacity required.

- Currently, there is a lot of investment in the hospitality sector (especially hotels)

and new hotels are coming up in the area with international standards.

- 2018 Tourism Theme: Experience cuisine and culture.


Venue: Buddha Maya Hotel Palace, Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Rupandehi District,

Province Number 5

Time: 15:00pm


Mr Hari Dhoj Rai, Lumbini Development Trust



After the presentation, discussions held on the following key points: - The current Master Plan for Greater Lumbini prepared by Kenzo Tange is about to

finish and only 16 elements (30% according to LDT) are left to complete which is

ongoing. The deadline to finish this is another 5 years.

- LDT planning for new master plan for the greater Lumbini areas like Ramagram,

Tilaurakot and so on.

- The LDT shares that funds have never been their problem but management and

manpower has been an issue to them.

- There is one new 5 star hotel coming up in Lumbini (Pawan Hotel).

- Recommendations were received to draft such policies where visitors visiting

Lumbini will have to visit other places like Tilaurakot and Ramagram.

- Lack of awareness and marketing.

- Tourist information centres and signage is very weak in and around Lumbini area,

which needs to be addressed.



73

- Indian tour operators who bring the Indian pilgrimage groups to Lumbini are not

qualified enough and provide wrong information to Indian tourists. Work with local

government to make it compulsory to have one Nepali guide while entering from

the border area. Some even shared that Buddhist University in Lumbini provides

guide courses to their students and this can be done in partnership with the

University as well. This will also provide employment opportunities to the locals.

Government should address this from the policy level so that it is easier.

- Lack of coordination between Lumbini University, Lumbini Development Trust and

Local Municipality.

- Some also shared that we do not have enough activities or new products to

increase the length of stay for tourists.

- Recommendations to introduce activities like Village Tour in Lumbini- especially to

increase the length of stay. Some hotels have already started. Hotel association

people shared that tourists in their hotels do ask if there are any activities they

have, so this might be an opportunity as a new product.

- Capacity building of local government.

- Suggestions were received to include local people and key tourism stakeholders in

the planning and decision making phase-especially with LDT.

- The main gateway to Lumbini (the birth place of Buddha) -the entry point is not

managed properly. Siddharthanagar municipality should have some strategy to

overcome these challenges.

- 7-8 villages in Lumbini area have started ‘Holiday Pilgrims’ where they provide

village walk and cycling activities for tourists, coordination is needed to bring them

together.

- Capacity building of tour operators.

- There are no toilets or first aid facilities in the world heritage sites area for visitors.

- The free visa system or minimum days of visit ceiling for visitors should be

addressed through policy level-maybe by keeping some special clauses.

- Suggestions were received to increase the length of stay for tourists by having a

small ceremony before opening the main door of Maya Devi temple and also

before closing down in the evening (involving Buddhist Monks). This might be of

interest to the people visiting the site and might make them stay a day longer for

that. This is just one idea as many are pilgrimage tourists and this kind of activity

will be of great interest for people visiting the area.

- There was equal enthusiasm among the hotel associations to increase tourism in

the area.

- Some infrastructural development in creating theme parks having water sports

activities will be a good idea for a hot place like Lumbini (both domestic and

international tourism).

- There is a lack of spiritual activities in Lumbini for visitors, despite having so many

different monasteries there are not enough activities provided - all the main

heritage sites are closed after 7pm which leaves people with nothing to do.

- Museum not maintained at all.



74


Venue: Hotel Nirvana, Bhairahawa Siddharthanagar Municipality, Rupandehi District,

Province Number 5

Time: 16:00pm


Mr Chandra Shrestha, SHAN

Mr Rajendra Bandhu Aryal, EPI Regional Project Coordinator, Bhairahawa



After the presentation, discussions held on the following key points: - Gateway of Lumbini (birth place of Buddha).

- Need to focus more on what can be done to increase the length of stay.

- There are no such attractions in Bhairahawa, it is a gateway to Lumbini and every

visitor will have to come by that road - the entrance to Lumbini gate needs to be

more clean and welcoming for visitors

- Participants also stressed need to increase non-pilgrimage and domestic tourism in

the area- new tourist attraction needed.

- Development of new products necessary to increase average spending ratio.

- There is a new 5 star hotel between Butwal and Bhairahawa opened targeting

Indian tourists who come by road- casino and wedding destination for 35 million

Indians living 6 hours’ drive from Nepal- great opportunity.

- Air connectivity should increase.

- Government should support entrepreneurs by providing subsidies and conducive

environment for investors.

- Many private business houses shared that with growth, stability is also necessary.

- Suggestions for managing tourists (Indian) coming from border area- keeping data

of tourists coming to Nepal is important.

- Suggestions were received to place a (Welcome to Nepal) board near the border

area so that Indians and other people entering know that they are entering Nepal.

Lot of dissatisfaction from the private sector.

- Road connectivity in the Bhairahawa-Lumbini area has improved a lot but there’s a

lot of pollution-more than Kathmandu is what some studies show.

- The chaos in the border area needs to be solved.

- Requests from private sector to involve them in the planning phase with the

municipality was received.

- Some challenges are similar to other places we visited, like the guide problem and

not having entertainment outlets etc.

- Deputy Mayor from Siddharthanagar municipality shared that they will be happy to

work with EPI in developing tourism strategy for Siddharthanagar Municipality.


Venue: EPI Office, Kathmandu, Province Number 3

Time: 13:00pm

Attendees: Dr Shankar Sharma, EPI Team Leader

Mr Keshav Acharya, EPI Senior Programme Advisor

Mr Hiramani Ghimere, Senior Project Advisor

Mr Harry Jones, EPI Programme Director



75

Ms Pratistha Swar, EPI Research Associate

Mr Strachan Spencer, DFID

Mr Ram Khadka, DFID



- Presentation sharing initial findings, early analysis and intervention ideas

- Feedback and discussion with EPI team

Date: 26 March 2018

Venue: Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Tourist Centre, Damside, Pokhara Lekhnath

Municipality, Kaski District, Province Number 4

Time: 14:00pm

Attendees: 26 tourism sector and municipality participants including

Mr Saurya Thapalya Director, Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara

Mr Pashupati Subedi, EPI Regional Project Coordinator, Pokhara



After the presentation, discussions held on the following key points: - Lack of proper tourism strategy/guideline for stakeholders, despite having many

studies for Pokhara, the stakeholders share that they are unaware of any guiding

document for tourism promotion in Pokhara. Insufficient awareness among the

stakeholders in GoN’s initiatives.

- Lack of proper infrastructure.

- Encroachment in the Fewa Lake with many controversies involved.

- Lack of marketing strategies in the national and international market.

- Lack of proper data and information on the arrival of tourists to Pokhara via road

(especially Indians travelling to Muktinath). The private sector says it’s

government’s job and government has not been doing anything so far to keep the

data updated. It is very important to keep these data for any further planning and

interventions.

- Lack of efforts in promoting cultural tourism (homestays).

- Promotion activities are only limited to Lakeside area, there is a need to develop

other areas to increase the length of stay of tourists

- Building new hotels in and around lakeside should be controlled through policy

level now. Every year, almost 50 new hotels are being built in Pokhara which is

hampering hotel businesses and others. Currently there are 400 hotels (registered

and unregistered) with more than 5000 beds in Pokhara.

- Need for a garden (concept like garden of dreams in Thamel) in Pokhara and having

an entry fee could be a new product for tourism.

- NTB stresses the need to think beyond conservation.

- Lack of supplies to the main trekking routes- ABC and others.

- NTB also shared that the tourism stakeholders in Pokhara are very traditional and it

might take time for them to look at the bigger picture. Until then, NTB representing

tourism in Pokhara can work on new developments



76

- Panchase Municipality Mayor said that he will be delighted to work with EPI to

promote tourism in his area. He said that if we will be able to prioritize anything in

his area, he is willing to work together in promoting tourism.

- The Rupa Rural Municipality head, shared that he has already been welcoming and

promoting investors in his municipality by providing incentives and said that some

activities have already started like development of cycle path, reviving the old

trekking trails, setting up new camping sites and others. He also shared that he is

willing to work with EPI in prioritizing agenda for tourism growth.

- One of the participants who is currently responsible for looking after ‘Gupteshwor

Mahadev Cave’ shared that they receive almost 5 lakh domestic and Asian tourist

and 1 lakh foreign tourists in a year which is a huge number, but the cave is very

low maintained and there are no extra activities around the cave. There is a need to

maintain the cave which contains a huge stalagmite worshipped as a Shiva Linga

and has a lot of potential to attract tourists (especially pilgrimage tourists). The

entry fee for the cave is Rs. 50 currently which needs to be revised as well.

Gupteshwor Cave has not been captured in the maps of Pokhara too which limits

tourists getting more information on the product.

- Similarly, Mahendra Cave needs to be well maintained as they receive 10,000

international tourists, 50,000 SAARC countries and 2 lakh domestic tourists every

year. There is a lack of good hotels and services for tourists in the area. Need for

solar lights in those natural tourist attraction sites is very important.

Date: 2 April 2018

Venue: Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu, Province Number 3

Time: 1430

Attendees:

Mr Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO NTB

Ms Nandini Thapa, Senior Director of Marketing & Promotion NTB

Mr Laxman Gautam, Senior Manager Public Relations & Publicity NTB

Mr Udaya Bhattarai, Senior Manager Product Development

Mr Sarad Pradhan, Media Consultant, NTB




- Introduction of EPI by Pratistha.

- Lisa made powerpoint presentation of study activities, findings and proposed

interventions for validation and feedback.

- Positive comments were received including requests supporting specific

interventions i.e. to be mindful of providing Accessible Trails for disabled visitors

such as linking Pokhara’s seven lakes, agreement to solve Pokhara’s lack of tourism

statistics, need to upgrade Lumbini environment and spiritual atmosphere, request

to include adventure activities in Syangja District as well as Palpa, and discussions

on implications of new Federal structure.

- Areas of cooperation with EPI and NTB in the future were discussed.



77

Appendix 7: Hotels in Lumbini area 2017

SN

Name of hotel,

guesthouse, lodge

or resort

Total

rooms

Room types Total

beds Facility Phone number AC Non

AC

1 Buddha Maya

Resort 76 152

Café +

Bar

071580220

2 Siddhartha

Guesthouse 21 45

Café 071580238

3 Shakya Guesthouse 25 60 Café 9857020064

4 Hotel New Chrystal

Garden 72 156

Café 071580145

5 Hotel Annanda Inn 24 57 Café 071580324

6 Buddha Bhumi

Guesthouse 15

40

Café 9841237358,

9841580326

7 Mirage Inn 19 45 Café 071580083

8 Hotel Stupa 18 40

Café 071580432,

9844768119

9 Seven Steps

Guesthouse 14

38

Café 071580218

10 Hotel Wandanna 10

30 Café 071580338

11 Akash International Under

constructi

on

9857021614

12 Buddha Palace 15

45

Café 071580272,

9857010311

13 Maya Devi

Guesthouse 21 45

Café 9857020732,

071580354

14 Manakamana

Guesthouse 7

20

Café 9804433448

15 Ashoka Guesthouse 7

20 Café 071580099

16 Lumbini Peace

Guesthouse 10

30

Café 071580372

17 Lumbini Garden

Lodge 20

45

Café 071580146

18 Lumbini

Guesthouse 26 60

Café 071580156,

9847031068



78

SN

Name of hotel,

guesthouse, lodge

or resort

Total

rooms

Room types Total


AC

19 Rahul Guesthouse 6

12 071580176

20 The Lumbini Village

Lodge 13

26

071580432,

9847030634

21 Lotus Guest House 9

25 Café 071580373

22 Royal Guest House 8

20 071580172

23 Hotel Basil 20 50 Café 071580069

24 Sunflower G. House 12 30

Café 071580004,

071580228

25 Hotel Little Buddha 22 45

Café 071580270,

9851063299

26 Paradise

Guesthouse 10 20

Café

27 Hotel Buddha

Residency 8 20

Café 9857062196,

9857062165

28 Hotel Peace Land 21 45

Café 071580286,

071580210

29 Lumbini Bamboo

Resort 40 90

Café 071580310,

071580311

30 Hotel Zambala 50 100

Café 071580359,

9857010568

31 Hotel Sharashree 52 110 Café (Opening soon)

32 Shanti Guesthouse 10

40 Café 9847322808

33 Hotel Peace Zone 22 50 Café (Opening soon)

34 Lumbini Buddha

Garden 35 80

Café 071404004,

9851198328

35 Lumbini Village

Resort 8 20

Café 071229774

36 Hamro Guesthouse 8

20 Café

37 Sudeep Lodge 8

20 Café

38 Veri Guesthouse 8

20 Café 9847023102

39 Downtown

Guesthouse 8

20

Café



79

SN

Name of hotel,

guesthouse, lodge

or resort

Total

rooms

Room types Total


AC

40 Manasi Guesthouse 10

30 Café 9847322997

41 Hotel Hokke 27 56 Café 071404056

42 Hotel Kashai 36 72 Café 9847023739

43 Shreelanka

Guesthouse 25

100

Café

44 Hotel Green View 22 50 Café 9847039436

45 Hotel Gautam

Buddha 17 40

Café 071404059,

9847021539

46 Gautam Buddha

Lodge 15

40

Café 071580138

47 Hotel Lumbini

Center Lodge 8

30

Café 9847180325

48 Rubi Guesthouse 10

30 Café

49 Buddha Maya Hotel

Palace 23 60

Café +

Pool

071404078

50 Mahima

Guesthouse 16

40

Café

51 Everest Guesthouse 7

15

52 Hotel President 15 35 Café 071580363

53 Osho Jetwana

Village 10 20

Café 9857010123,

9804460662

54 Prakash

Guesthouse 15 35

Café (Opening soon)

9857020064

55 Hotel New Center

Point 15

45

Café 071404087

56 Tanahu Guesthouse 8

25 Café

Total 1,057 2,424

Source: Siddharthanagar Hotel Association Nepal 2018


Appendix 8: Monasteries in Lumbini Development Trust area 2018

SN Name of monastery Country Year

established Total

Rooms

Room types

Total beds

Internet facility

Meeting/ Conference

Hall Area Remarks AC

rooms Non-AC

rooms

1 World Peace Pagoda Japan 1993 4 4 20 New Lumbini Village

2 The Royal Thai Monastery

Thailand 1994 42 42 168 limited East Monastic

Zone

Dharma Hall

3 Cambodian Monastery

Cambodia 2006 8 8 100 limited Dhamma Hall

East Monastic

Zone

4 Mahabodhi Society Temple

India 1994 7 7 50 East Monastic

Zone

5 Dhamma Janani Meditation Centre

Nepal 2001 54 54 100 East Monastic

Zone

Meditation center

6 Myanmar Golden Temple

Myanmar 1993 12 6 6 156 East Monastic

Zone

6 VIP rooms

7 International Nun's Temple

Nepal 1994 15 15 75 East Monastic

Zone

8 Sri Lankan Monastery

Sri Lanka 1996 4 4 15 x x East Monastic

Dharma Hall



established Total

Rooms

Room types

Total beds

Internet facility

Meeting/ Conference


rooms Non-AC

rooms

Zone

9 Manang Sewa Samaj Stupa

Nepal 2000 4 4 8 West Monastic

Zone

10 Karma Samtenling Monastery

Nepal 2007 16 16 32 West Monastic

Zone

11 Dharmodaya Sabha Temple

Nepal 1994 West Monastic

Zone

Under Constructio

n

12 Drubgyud Choeling Monastery

Nepal 1993 16 2 14 35 West Monastic

Zone

13 Panditarama Vipassana Meditation center

Myanmar 1999 20 20 20 West Monastic

Zone

Meditation center

14 Korean Mahabodhi Society Monastery

Korea 1995 82 82 492 West Monastic

Zone

15 Chinese Monastery China 1996 45 In use 30

45 120 West Monastic

Zone

16 Geden International Temple

Austria 2003 4 4 8 West Monastic

Zone



established Total

Rooms

Room types

Total beds

Internet facility

Meeting/ Conference


rooms Non-AC

rooms

17 Vietnam Lumbini Buddha Bhumi Vihar

Vietnam 1993 60 2 58 90 West Monastic

Zone

18 United Trungram Buddhist Temple

Nepal 2006 18 Double 16

Single 2

18 34 West Monastic

Zone

Dharma Hall

19 Linhson Buddhist Monastery

France 1999 12 12 48 West Monastic

Zone

Dharma Hall

20 Tara Foundation (The Great Lotus Stupa)

Germany 1999 15 15 200 West Monastic

Zone

21 Sokyo Monastery Japan 1992 West Monastic

Zone

Under Constructio

n

22 France Buddhist Stupa (Association Lumbini Shechen Stupa)

France 2006 2 2 4 West Monastic

Zone

23 Urgen Dorje Chyiling Monastery

Singapore 2011 4 4 14 West Monastic

Zone

Dharma Hall

24 Tri Buddha Mahavihar


Zone

Under Constructio

n



established Total

Rooms

Room types

Total beds

Internet facility

Meeting/ Conference


rooms Non-AC

rooms

25 Nepal Bajrayana Vihar


Zone

Under Constructio

n

26 Dharma Swami Maharaj Vihar

Nepal 1968 8 8 16 Sacred Garden

27 Rajkiya Buddha Vihar

Nepal 1954 Sacred Garden

28 Tashi Rabten Ling Monastery

Nepal 1999 24 24 48 Outside LDT Area

TOTAL - - 476 71 405 1,853 14/28 14/28

Source: Lumbini Development Trust 2018