Tourism entrepreneurs from Pokhara and China conclude B2B partnership programme

CHENGDU, CHINA: Tourism entrepreneurs from Pokhara and Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, have concluded a Business-to-Business (B2B) partnership and 'Sales Mission' programme. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) facilitated the initiative, which coincided with the first commercial chartered flight from Pokhara International Airport to Chengdu.

The event, organised in collaboration with Pokhara Tourism Council and Nepal's Consulate General in Chengdu, focused on strengthening tourism ties between the two cities. Participants highlighted the importance of regular Sichuan Airlines flights to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Tourism representatives from Chengdu praised Pokhara's natural beauty and stressed the need for infrastructure development to attract more Chinese tourists. Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanraj Acharya expressed enthusiasm about the new flight connection. He said, “The friendly relations between Nepal and China are as high as mountains, as deep as the sea, and as wide as the sky.”

Mayor Acharya further highlighted Sichuan's global attractions, such as its tea, giant pandas, and historic Buddhist heritage. He also mentioned Nepali tourists’ eagerness to explore Chengdu’s offerings. He added that direct flights would facilitate cultural and tourist exchanges, benefiting both cities.

Liu Min, Deputy Director General of Sichuan's Department of Foreign Affairs, expressed confidence that the chartered flights would become regular, further strengthening historical ties between Nepal and China.

Chairperson of Pokhara Tourism Council, Taranath Pahari, viewed the flights as a significant step forward for tourism cooperation. Similarly, Maniraj Lamichhane, NTB Chief for Gandaki Province, emphasised Pokhara’s popularity among Chinese tourists and underscored the necessity of continuing the flights to boost arrivals.

Consul General Suresh Raut assured full support from Nepal's Consulate General in Chengdu to regularise the flights, while Pokhara Tourism Council General Secretary Jeevan Raj Sapkota expressed optimism about increased Chinese tourist numbers in the future.

The partnership is seen as a major milestone in advancing tourism and strengthening stronger ties between Nepal and China.

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