Govt mulls over maintaining paragliding in Pokhara: Minister Shrestha

Minister Shrestha said at a press conference organized by the Samajwadi Press Organization in Pokhara on Wednesday that efforts will be made to maintain the paragliding business without affecting the safety of the aircraft.

The concern that the current paragliding will be displaced after the international airport comes into operation has worried the tourism professionals here. Minister Shrestha said, “Since Pokhara has become a brand, tourism professionals have demanded the protection of paragliding. No compromise should be made on the safety of the aircraft. We are determined that the paragliding business should be maintained as long as there is a solution without affecting safety.”

Minister Shrestha said that Pokhara International Airport will be put into operation from the coming English New Year. He informed that the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) decided a few days ago to bring the airport, which is 98 percent completed, into operation from January 1, 2023.

Minister Shrestha said that the work of cutting Rithepani hill and landfill site management, which is a problem for the operation of the airport, will be started soon.

He said that the government plans to establish the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management colleges (NATHM) in all seven provinces within one year. Minister Shrestha said that initially there is a plan to establish the college in Gandaki, Lumbini, and Madhesh provinces.

Minister Shrestha believes that because the demand for skilled manpower in the tourism sector is increasing, NATHM will achieve success and that those who want tourism education will have to go to Kathmandu. He informed that an agreement has been reached with Kathmandu University for the establishment of NATHM College in the province.