Jhapa. KATHMANDU: Construction of tourism infrastructures has begun at Kakarvitta, the eastern hub of Nepal, to welcome foreign tourists and give a positive first impression of Nepal.

The project has been put forward in collaboration with Tourism Office, Jhapa, Mechinagar Municipality and Mechi Customs Office with an objective of attracting tourists entering Nepal from India and third countries at the border point.

According to Chhabilal Khatiwada, chief of Tourism Office, Kakadvitta, Mechinagar municipality has provided Rs two lakh for the construction in the initial phase and the office has already managed additional budget.

“We have set a target to complete the construction of various structures within the current fiscal year. This infrastructure will increase the attraction of the eastern border and create a positive first impression on the tourists entering Nepal. After the construction of the infrastructure, tourists will be able to stay at the border point for some time, take pictures, use local services and we hope that the local economy will also be revived,” Khatiwada said.

The structure, which is being constructed over an area of around 200 metres, will have various structures reflecting Nepal’s unique culture and national identity. There will be 32 Nepali flags, attractive selfie booths and digital lighting during night time. Currently, the big advertisement boards in the area are being relocated for the construction.

Ram Bahadur Tamang, a local tourism entrepreneur who is leading the construction site, said that this is a long-term need for the eastern border point. He expressed the belief that the financial support and voluntary contribution of the local community would increase ownership towards the project thereby ensuring its sustainability.

“We have been raising the issue for a long time regarding the need of attractive tourism infrastructure along the border. Now that need has reached the stage of being fulfilled. After the completion of the construction of the infrastructure, tourists will have a different and pleasant experience of coming to Nepal as soon as they enter Kakarvitta,” he said.

Along with this, the tourism office has been conducting various programs related to border tourism, ecotourism, photo exhibition, homestay promotion and capacity building of hotels and travel agencies by keeping Jhapa, Ilam, Panchthar and Taplejung as its working areas.

Thousands of foreign tourists enter Nepal through the eastern border point every year.