Gandaki. A joint initiative has been taken to promote tourism under the concept of ‘Silver Triangle’ by incorporating the main tourist destinations of the country, Pokhara, Bharatpur and Lumbini.

Pokhara Metropolitan City of Kaski, Bharatpur Metropolitan City of Chitwan and Lumbini Cultural Municipality of Rupandehi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for tourism promotion, tourism development, exchange of good practices and mutual cooperation.

As part of this, the Bharatpur Metropolitan City on Monday organized an interaction program among the stakeholders in Bharatpur to collect suggestions and discuss the future action plan. The chiefs of the three local levels, people’s representatives, administrators, leaders of the private sector, tourism entrepreneurs and others have expressed common commitment to the promotion and development of tourism in the three destinations which are important from religious and tourism point of view.

On the occasion, Narayan Prasad Adhikari, chief of the District Coordination Committee, Chitwan, said that tourism should be promoted by connecting Pokhara with adventure, Bharatpur with nature and Lumbini with culture. He said that attention should also be paid to cleanliness and environmental cleanliness along with the development of tourism infrastructure.

Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya said that the concept of ‘Silver Triangle’ has been brought to enrich the economy of the three cities through tourism. He said that the promotional program has been included in the policy, plan and program of the metropolis as per the agreement reached between the three local levels last May.

“Now, business-to-business (B2B) and government-to-government (G2G) cooperation should be forwarded in a concrete and tangible manner,” Acharya said, adding that emphasis should be laid on connectivity as well as expansion of tourism facilities so that tourists entering Nepal can visit Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini at the same time. ”

Acting Chief of Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Kalpana Harijan, said that private sector investment should be encouraged for tourism development. He said that everyone should take initiative for the sustainable operation of Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airport.

Gopi Bhattarai, coordinator of Pokhara Visit Year 2025-2026, stressed on collaboration between the private sector and the government for tourism promotion. Stating that tourism has been affected due to natural disasters in recent period, he said that a message should be given to the world that Nepal is open and safe.

Chairman of Pokhara Tourism Council, Hari Bhujel, said that a plan should be made to extend the stay of tourists. Chiranjibi Subedi, president of Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that special attention should be given to the expansion of business network and publicity among the three local levels.

Executive member of the Nepal Tourism Board, Santosh Pokharel, stressed on the need of digital marketing of tourist destinations. Acting Mayor of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Chitrasen Adhikari, said that collaboration and partnership should be made for the promotion of all three cities related to Nepal’s identity. He said that ‘Silver Triangle’ tourism fair (Travel Mart) will be organized soon.

The MoU signed between the three local levels on June 9 has stated that the ‘Silver Triangle Tourism Fair’ (Travel Mart) would be organized on rotational basis every year, business-to-business (B2B) and government-to-government (G2G) meetings would be conducted as per the need and joint tourism promotion and market expansion campaign.

It was agreed to produce and distribute joint brochures, videos and digital content for the promotion of tourism. The agreement also includes a plan to set up a digital information board. Under this, the digital information board installed by Bharatpur Metropolitan City in the office premises was also inaugurated on Monday.

The MoU also includes expanding cooperation and network among tourism entrepreneurs, hotels, travel agencies and local communities, conducting cultural, educational and tourism exchange programs, and coordinating with local, provincial and federal governments, Nepal Tourism Board and development partners for tourism promotion. An integrated tourist package will be developed covering all three destinations.