'Run for fun' to boost Pokhara tourism

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb 13: Nepal Tourism Board is promoting "Pokhara Marathon - 2058" being held at the Pokhara Stadium on February16, 2002, with the slogan "Run for Fun". The Nepal Amateur Athletic Association and Nepal Ex-sportsman Forum are the co-organisers of the event.

A press release of the Nepal Tourism Board said that the event is being organised to bring Pokhara to international limelight not just as a scenic destination but also as an adventure destination.

The Pokhara Marathon aims not just to organise an annual city run as done in many of the major cities of the world but also to promote the Annapurna Cross Country Marathon that is scheduled for September/October 2002, NTB said.

The Annapurna Marathon while presenting a challenging course to the participants will be more than just a test of will. The marathon will also aim to provide participants with the opportunity to know more about the culture, heritage and lifestyle of the people in the different villages that will fall on the route. This marathon will take place in Annapurna Conservation Area and will help to raise awareness about the fragile ecosystem of the land.

Even as Nepal has always been known as an adventure tourism destination, there has been very few innovative efforts to actually promote this section of the market.

Meanwhile, the Nepal Tourism Board organised a familiarisation trip of 12 eminent tourism and travel journalists from China.

This fam trip was co-ordinated by NTB’s Marketing PR for China and B & B International, Beijing.

Considering the declaration of Nepal as an outbound destination for Chinese tourists, this fm trip assumes a great significance in making the Chinese tourists aware about the diverse natural and cultural attractions Nepal offers to the prospective Chinese visitors.

The Royal Nepal Airlines has provided free air tickets to the fm trip members. During their visit, the Chinese journalists visited various tourism sites of Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini. They also held talks with officials of the Nepalese government and representatives of travel and tourism enterprises.

Likewise, the Nepal Tourism Board in association with the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation on February 13 unveiled a weeklong Destination Nepal Campaign in Bangalore to enhance awareness and knowledge about Nepal among travel agents, industry partners, media and the public. The campaign will also be launched in other cities of South India.