Breakthrough Bhaktapur launched to promote tourism in Bhaktapur

The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), collaborating with with Hotel Association of Bhaktapur (HAB), has launched ‘Breathtaking Bhaktapur,’ a tourism promotional book showcasing various tourist attractions and information related to Bhaktapur.

HAN President Binayak Shah and HAB President Satya Ram Suwal launched jointly jointly launched the book amidst a function in Bhaktapur. The main objective of the book launch was to promote the awe-inspiring city of Bhaktapur to foreign and domestic visitors and extend their stay in the ancient city.

In terms of tourism, Bhaktapur is an easily accessible destination along with Kathmandu. Now the number of tourists coming to visit and stay in Bhaktapur is in-creasing.

“It is necessary to increase the numbers further,” remarked Shah at the book launch event. “We have published the book to give information on the identity and itinerary of Bhaktapur so that new packages can be developed.”

While the number of tourists who visit the city is increasing, the number of tourists staying overnight is still low. “Additional steps are required to extend the stay of tourists in Bhaktapur,”Shah said.

According to Shah, Bhaktapur’s Doleshwar Mahadev temple, Durbar Square, Changunarayan, Nagarkot, Ranikot, Pilot Baba, Suryavinayak and other areas are attractive tourist spots and should be prompted to increase the stay of tourists in Bhaktapur. Similarly, HAB President Suwal said that the book will provide tourists with comprehensive information and travel details of Bhaktapur. “The book aims to increase the number of visits and prolong the stay of tourists by developing the lifestyle and traditions of Bhaktapur as a tourism product.

He informed that efforts are being made to extend their stay in Bhaktapur as it is in close proximity with Kathmandu, has vari-ous monasteries and temples, and is a tourist destination.

“Tourists can stay in Bhaktapur for two-three days and visit nearby destinations and participate in various activities. Preparations are also being made to establish a dedicated night street at Bhaktapur Durbar Square to further increase tourism activities in the area,” he pointed out.

On the occasion, Sajan Shakya, vice-president of HAN, informed that the preparation of attractive packages has been started in collaboration with various hotels to further promote Bhaktapur. “We have launched the book ‘Breathtaking Bhaktapur’ to promote tourism alongside showcasing the importance of the old city which is also nicknamed ‘the living heritage of Nepal’,” he said. At present, more than 100 hotels, resorts, and homestays are operating in Bhaktapur.

According to Jeewan Gosai, owner of Hotel Central Bhaktapur, only half of the tourists visiting Bhaktapur stay overnight in the city. “While many tourists have been coming to Bhaktapur, their itinerary includes a half-day of sightseeing of Bhaktapur durbar square and nearby streets. As Bhaktapur is rich not only for its durbar square but also for its cultural and traditional significance, we are hopeful that they will choose to stay in Bhaktapur for at least one night,” he shared.

‘Breathtaking Bhaktapur’ consists of a brief history of Bhaktapur, the existing culture and traditions, and festivals and events celebrated here. The book also provides tourists with a list of tourist attractions around the city, a walkthrough itinerary, hidden tourist destinations, and practical information related to transportation and accommodations.