Travel Nepa

Dolphin Festival 2009 observed on far west
With the aim at highlighting the tourism attractions and activities of far western region by showcasing the habitat of unique Gangetic Dolphins in Tikapur region, Tikapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry in coordination with the tourism stakeholders organized a Dolphin Festival-2009.
Hon’ble Member of National Planning Commission Mr. Prem Kunwar inaugurated the festival on August 19 2009 amid a huge gathering of people from Tikapur and neighboring districts. Hob’ble member in his addressing remarks opined that the region has long been deprived of development activities albeit having immense potential on various economic sectors including tourism.”Therefore there is a need to act urgently at national level to develop the region by allocating sufficient budgets” he added.
During the inaugural function, Mr .Hikmat Sing Ayer , Director of NTB also stressed on need for development of an integrated tourism package of the region for tourism promotion with partnerships between NTB and local entrepreneurs.
The festival concluded with great fanfare with traditional Tharu cultural dances and a dozen of dolphin sightings at Patharaiya and Mohana River.
Similarly, an Interaction program on “Integrated Tourism Development in and around Tikapur area” was also organized jointly by Nepal Tourism Board and Tikapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This exercise was aimed to build consensus among the local stakeholders for the integrated tourism development of Tikapur and its surroundings and to update the media and local bodies about Nepal Tourism Board’s plans and programs as well as Nepal Tourism Year-2011 campaign activities.
Mr. Hikmat Singh Ayer- director, NTB in response to the concerns of stakeholders said that NTB would reinforce its commitment towards extending all possible supports to local tourism stakeholders for the development of the region. He urged on the formation of a committee responsible for the integrated tourism development of the whole far- western region. During the program, Mr.K.B Shah, officer of NTB shed light on Nepal Tourism Year -2011 campaign and its activities.