Himalaya Airlines will commence weekly flights from Pokhara International Airport to Lhasa, aiming to enhance connectivity and attract Chinese tourists. Local tourism entrepreneurs welcome this development but remain cautiously optimistic about the route’s sustainability, highlighting the need for better connections to other markets. Chet Bahadur Karki emphasizes the importance of promoting the route for its viability.

Himalaya Airlines is set to initiate a weekly flight from Pokhara International Airport to Lhasa on March 31, marking a pivotal development for the airport. This flight is anticipated to enhance connectivity between Nepal and China while attracting more Chinese tourists to the region. The airline’s announcement has been met with enthusiasm by local tourism entrepreneurs in Pokhara, who have long awaited international flights from the newly established airport.

While the announcement has sparked excitement, many stakeholders express a cautious optimism regarding the sustainability of the route. Chet Bahadur Karki, the General Secretary of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents in the Gandaki province, acknowledged the anticipation but emphasized the need for ongoing efforts. He articulated concerns regarding alternative connections, stating, “The airline could have connected Pokhara to Chinese cities with better onward connections or labour-intensive markets in the Gulf.”

Despite the concerns raised, Karki remains hopeful about promoting the Pokhara-Lhasa route to foster its viability. This sentiment reflects a broader desire among local businesses to capitalize on the increased tourism that international flights can bring to this picturesque region of Nepal.

The upcoming launch of the Himalayan Airlines flight from Pokhara International Airport to Lhasa represents a significant milestone in bolstering connectivity between Nepal and China. While this initiative is celebrated within the local tourism sector, stakeholders express cautious optimism due to concerns regarding the route’s long-term sustainability. There is a shared commitment to promote this new connection, underscoring the potential for increased tourism and economic growth.

Original Source: www.scmp.com

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