Pokhara: The bustling tourist hub of Pokhara is witnessing a significant increase in visitor numbers as the Nepali New Year approaches. Both domestic and international tourists are flocking to the city, signaling a revival in tourism activity and other related businesses. Tourism entrepreneurs are expressing optimism in light of the growing tourist movement.

Lakshman Subedi, President of the Pokhara Hotel Association, reported that hotel occupancy rates have surged to 50 percent in recent days. "On Fridays and Saturdays, hotel occupancy reaches up to 60 percent," he remarked, adding, "We anticipate reaching 90 percent occupancy during the New Year celebrations."

During the months of December to January, considered the off-season for tourism, hotel occupancy in Pokhara was less than ten percent. President Subedi expressed confidence that tourist numbers will continue to rise, especially with the upcoming "19th Phewa New Year Festival" being organized at Lakeside to mark the New Year 2081 BS.

To encourage tourism during the festival, President Subedi announced a 30 percent discount on hotel accommodations. He mentioned that Pokhara's hotels have the capacity to accommodate 40,000 tourists daily, but currently, only around 20,000 domestic and foreign tourists visit the city each day. "To fully utilize the capacity of our hotels, we need to attract 40,000 tourists daily," he stated.

Overall, hotel entrepreneurs are delighted to witness the resurgence of tourism after a prolonged period of stagnation, while other business owners are eagerly awaiting better days ahead.