KATHMANDU, June 5: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday presented recommendations for developing Sudurpaschim into a sustainable and inclusive tourism destination.
According to the ADB, the recommendations were part of the Sudurpaschim Integrated Economic and Tourism Development Study which was presented at the Tourism Symposium and Pre-Investment and Development Summit. The ADB unveiled its recommendations amid a program organized in Dhangadhi of Sudurpaschim Province.
The study brought together envoys, heads of development agencies, federal and provincial government representatives, and private sector leaders to explore investment opportunities in Nepal’s far-western region.
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Based on its study, the multilateral lending institution has come up with the key findings emphasizing the need for enhanced infrastructure to improve accessibility and promote visitor dispersion, the development of integrated tourism circuits and eco-friendly destination hubs, and cross-sectoral support to strengthen governance, build a skilled tourism workforce, and attract private investment.
The Study by ADB was conducted at the request of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation and builds on the 2022 Provincial Tourism Master Plan. “The province’s natural beauty and cultural heritage are exceptional, yet its tourism potential remains largely untapped,” said ADB Country Director for Nepal Arnaud Cauchois. “The ADB study shows that targeted investments in connectivity, destination hubs, and workforce capacity can transform Sudurpaschim into a thriving tourism economy. We are proud to support this vision.”
“As we work to develop tourism in the region, we must carefully consider how to do so in a way that preserves its natural beauty and protects the environment for future generations,” said Cauchois.
Cauchois commended the Government of Sudurpaschim Province for hosting the summit and reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to continue to support Nepal’s development. He noted that the event provided a valuable platform to align development strategies, foster public-private partnerships, and promote regional and international collaboration.
