Kathmandu — The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Secretariat of Koshi Tourism Year 2082 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and strengthen tourism promotion in Koshi Province. The agreement was signed at the Nepal Tourism Board office in the presence of Koshi Province Minister for Tourism, Forests and Environment, Sadananda Mandal. The MoU was signed by NTB Chief Executive Officer Deepak Joshi and Ministry Secretary Indra Sapkota.
Speaking at the program, Minister Mandal said he had realized the need to prioritize emotional development before physical development in tourism. “I have come to understand that tourism development must be connected with emotions,” he said. “I have been leading the ministry for a year, but I have not been able to do as much as expected. However, my focus and emotions are now strongly aligned with tourism. During this period, I have learned many things. Now, significant work will be done to promote tourism in the eastern region. This cooperation with the Tourism Board, which has long experience in the sector, will also help build our capacity.”
Minister Mandal added that although the eastern region is rich in natural, religious, and cultural assets, these resources have not been properly utilized. “We are naturally, religiously, and culturally rich, but now we must connect these strengths with tourism,” he said. “Destinations like Chitwan and Pokhara are already well established. Now it is Koshi’s turn. For this, the government and the private sector must work together.”
Highlighting the ease of attracting Indian tourists, Minister Mandal noted that destinations like Bhedetar in Nepal are only about 60 kilometers from Indian territory, whereas similar locations in India require travel of 500 to 700 kilometers. “If we can bring those Indian tourists to Nepal, it will make a big difference, he said. “Tourism activities will increase, and the Koshi Province government is already working in this direction.
Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Forests and Environment of Koshi Province, Indra Sapkota, said that although he is new to the ministry, tourism has been given high priority. “Compared to forests and environment, the Koshi Province government has invested more in tourism,” he said. “However, the expected results have not yet been achieved, indicating the need for further work. We have a strong team, and I believe we can achieve a lot together. This cooperation with the Tourism Board will help us learn more and move toward success.”
Secretary Sapkota added that even though he is not an expert in tourism, as a tourist himself he believes that Koshi has what tourists need, and with proper promotion, significant success can be achieved.
Nepal Tourism Board CEO Deepak Joshi stated that since the board works closely with the private sector and focuses on promotion, it will further strengthen cooperation with the Secretariat of Koshi Tourism Year 2082. He said the board would work side by side across various areas of cooperation, including marketing, resource mobilization, and promotional activities, with full commitment.
Joshi also informed that the Tourism Board is currently implementing Swiss and American projects covering four trekking trails, and efforts will be made to operate these projects in Koshi Province as well.
At the program, Krishna Shah, Co-Coordinator of the Koshi Tourism Year Steering Committee, said that cooperation with established institutions working in tourism development would be highly beneficial, and that coordination between the federal and provincial governments would further increase. Another Co-Coordinator, Bhavesh Shrestha, noted that political and social challenges had prevented expected progress during the Tourism Year period, but emphasized that cooperation with tourism-related organizations has now begun.
He also requested that arrangements be made for Koshi Province to have stalls at all promotional events and tourism marts held in India.
The program was attended by department heads of the Nepal Tourism Board and officials from the Secretariat of Koshi Tourism Year.
News Report by Rabindra Kumar Yadav
