Bandipur Rural Municipality declares “Bandipur Visit Year 2025” to boost tourism

KATHMANDU: With the aim of elevating the status of Bandipur, popularly known as the “Queen of the Hills,” and promoting it as a premier tourist destination, Bandipur Rural Municipality has declared the year 2025 as “Bandipur Visit Year.” The announcement was made during a program held in Kathmandu this morning, where detailed plans to attract tourists, create employment, and boost local economic activities through tourism promotion were unveiled.

The initiative aims to position Bandipur as a leading tourist destination in Nepal, leveraging its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and serene environment. The municipality plans to identify new tourist destinations, enhance existing attractions, and develop supporting infrastructure to ensure the grand success of the Visit Year.

Formation of Visit Year Secretariat

To spearhead the campaign, the municipality has formed a 21-member Visit Year Secretariat under the leadership of tourism entrepreneur Baish Gurung. The Secretariat comprises representatives from various tourism-related organizations, including the Hotel Association, Restaurant and Bar Association (REBAN), Tourism Development Committee, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Home Stay Federation.

Chairperson of Bandipur Rural Municipality, Surendra Bahadur Thapa, emphasized the objectives of the Visit Year. “This initiative is aimed at preserving and developing Bandipur’s natural and cultural heritage while promoting responsible tourism activities. Our goal is to make Bandipur prosperous and culturally rich, attracting at least two hundred thousand tourists annually,” he stated.

Tourism Development Goals

The Visit Year plans to attract an equal mix of domestic and international tourists, with a target of one hundred thousand from each segment. Over the next three years, the municipality envisions increasing the total number of annual visitors to 800,000, using the Visit Year as a starting point.

Baish Gurung, the Secretariat Coordinator, expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to transform Bandipur into a tourism hub. “We are working to double the number of visitors during the Visit Year. The average stay for tourists is expected to be three days, with foreign tourists spending approximately 75 USD daily and domestic tourists spending around 3,000 Nepali rupees,” he stated.

Currently, Bandipur hosts 75 hotels and four homestays, with the entire municipality accommodating 120 hotels and 12 homestays. These establishments have a combined capacity to host 1,700 guests daily. Plans are underway to expand these facilities and enhance the hospitality sector to meet the anticipated surge in tourist arrivals.

Identifying and Promoting New Destinations

The municipality has outlined plans to identify and promote at least five new tourist destinations in addition to existing attractions. A tourism-friendly homestay circuit will also be developed, offering visitors unique local experiences. Efforts will be made to preserve cultural heritage while creating seasonal tourism packages to cater to diverse interests and age groups.

Tourism expert and Chairperson of Sampada Nepal, Harisingh Gurung, highlighted the importance of cultural, religious, and rural tourism circuits in attracting diverse tourist demographics. “During the Visit Year, we will focus on preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism circuits tailored to seasonal preferences. This will ensure a holistic experience for visitors while fostering economic growth in rural areas,” he said.

Infrastructure Development and Environmental Conservation

To accommodate the anticipated influx of tourists, Bandipur Rural Municipality plans to develop essential infrastructure, including roads, accommodations, and public amenities. Environmental conservation will also be a priority under the campaign’s motto, “Earn in the village, Enjoy in the village.” Public participation will be encouraged to ensure sustainable tourism practices and protect the area’s natural beauty.

Financial and Policy Support

The estimated budget for the Visit Year is 4.35 million Nepali rupees, sourced from federal, provincial, and local governments, along with contributions from national and international organizations. Regular programs of Bandipur Rural Municipality will also align with Visit Year initiatives to ensure seamless execution.

Chairperson Thapa expressed confidence that the Visit Year would attract investments in hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses, creating significant employment opportunities and self-employment avenues for the local population.

Towards a Prosperous Bandipur

The “Bandipur Visit Year 2025” campaign is poised to transform the region into a sought-after destination for domestic and international tourists. By promoting responsible tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing infrastructure, Bandipur aims to boost economic activities and uplift the livelihoods of its residents.

As preparations gain momentum, the municipality is optimistic about achieving its ambitious goals, ensuring that the “Queen of the Hills” remains a shining jewel in Nepal’s tourism crown.