Image courtesy: Biman Bangladesh Airlines social media page. 

An umbrella organisation of tours and travel agencies in Gandaki Province-Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA),Gandaki which was previously called as NAATA Western Regional Association, Pokhara had orchestrated a programme on July 23rd, to discuss the possibility of launching Pokhara - Dhaka direct flights with the five representatives of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, respectively. 

Pokhara. 

The president,Sanjaya Kant Sigdel of NAATA Gandaki,was certain to hold requisite talks with Nepal government,as regards to the operation of the flights.The country manager of the airlines, Ashisur Rahman,shared that, once the international airport in Pokhara will be commencing ,the direct flights between Dhaka-the capital of Bangladesh and Pokhara would prove to be highly effective and further strengthen their ties.He believes that, the citizens of Bangladesh would be captivated by the scenic beauty of Pokhara.

Meanwhile, the tourism entrepreneurs based in Pokhara, who attended the programme were hopeful about this prospect which could kick-start the tourism sector.Of which,Gopi Bhattarai, the President of Pokhara Tourism said that,our industry could propel,assuming,10 per cent Bangladeshi people of 50 million populace would be sojourning.To which, President Bikal Sherchan of Paschimanchal Hotel Association added that,about 50,000 Bangladeshi tourists explore Nepal,annually whereas nearly 20,000 have stopovers at Pokhara.

Picture Courtesy: NAATA Gandaki. 

Meanwhile, the other participants, Basu Tripathi-Past President of NAATA Gandaki,Hariram Adhikari-Vice President of NAATA Gandaki, Ganesh Bahadur Bhattari- Past President of Pokhara Tourism Council, Pom Narayan Shrestha-Vice President of Pokhara Tourism Council,Sushil Raj Poudel-President of TAAN Western Regional Association,Sangita Poudel-Secretary of NAATA Gandaki, among others expressed similar views,regarding the matter.