The highly anticipated ‘Village Tourism Mart 2083’ concluded in the scenic hills of Bandipur, issuing a robust 10-point declaration aimed at fundamentally transforming the region’s rural economy. Operating under the slogan “Samriddha Gaun, Sashakta Paryatan” (Prosperous Villages, Empowered Tourism), the event brought together 30 distinct homestays from across the Gandaki Province to showcase indigenous culture, authentic hospitality, and local products.
Jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Gandaki Province and Bandipur Rural Municipality, alongside VITOF Gandaki, the mart set out a clear roadmap for sustainable tourism. Mani Raj Lamichhane, Head of NTB Gandaki, highlighted that rural tourism is now being elevated as a key pillar of the national economy.
Among the standout resolutions in the 10-point masterplan is the mandatory establishment of a ‘Koseli Ghar’ (Souvenir House) in every homestay to aggressively market local agricultural goods and handicrafts. To spark competitive excellence, a new ‘Best Homestay of the Year’ award will be rolled out. The declaration also prioritizes sweeping hygiene and capacity-building training, youth entrepreneurship to curb migration, and the creation of joint travel “packages” among rural destinations. Riding on the success of this year’s event, organizers announced that Gorkha Municipality will host the fifth edition of the Mart next year, turning the spotlight onto Nepal’s historical tourism.