Tourism Entrepreneurs in a campaign to lure more Chinese tourists in Pokhara

The tourism entrepreneurs here are all set to boost infrastructures and investments in a bid to lure more Chinese tourists in Pokhara, one of the ace tourist destinations. In view of the growing number of Chinese tourists in the recent time, the entrepreneurs have launched a campaign how they could augment the amenities of Chinese interests, so that entire tourism landscape would expand, said Laxman Subedi, Vice-Chairman of Western Regional Hotel Association, Pokhara. Although a total year is broken down to two categories as of season and off season in terms of tourists’ arrival in Nepal, Pokhara is always a place of season. According to him, the management of the dishes to match Chinese liking and tourist guide in Chinese language to facilitate conversation are in top priority. To prepare Chinese food and Chinese language guides, trainings are essential for the tourism entrepreneurs. An old experienced hotelier Govinda Raj Pahari said it is very difficult for Chinese to interact in English language, so effective training on Chinese language is a must. Similarly, former member of Nepal Tourism Board Tika Ram Sapkota reiterated that although Pokhara is a famous destination for the Chinese tourists, both the tourism entrepreneurs and Chinese tourists face difficulty on the ground of ineffective communication. He added that the Chinese tourists are fond of their (Chinese) foods, short and easy trekking and paragliding. They are spendthrift and provide huge tips to the attendants. Moreover, former chairman of Pokhara Tourism Council, Surya Bahadur Bhujel said among 100 touristy hotels, only 15 serve Chinese dishes in Pokhara. Earlier, the entrepreneurs were focusing the interests of the US and the UK tourists. They love eggs, bread and pizza. But, the Chinese like meat and noodles. Interestingly, one Chinese easily eat up one chicken at a time. Bearing all these in mind, the entrepreneurs have decided to launch a campaign named ‘Pokhara: Pure and Perfect’, and distribute the pamphlets in Chinese language. Despite this, no agency has kept the record of the arrival of Chinese tourists in Pokhara. The Tourism Ministry’s record shows that as many as 89,000 Chinese tourists visited in Nepal in 2014.