Koshi Province’s Tourism Potential Remains Untapped Despite ‘Koshi Tourism Year

Published on December 8, 2025

The Koshi Provincial Government had high hopes for the year 2082, declaring it the ‘Koshi Tourism Year’ to attract tourists to the region and boost the local economy. However, despite the announcement, Koshi Province has yet to see any concrete tourism promotion programs being implemented. As the first four months of the year have already passed, the region’s tourism industry remains stagnant, with local stakeholders expressing concerns about the lack of progress.

The Promise of Koshi Tourism Year

Koshi Province, located in eastern Nepal, is home to several natural, cultural, and historical attractions that make it a potential tourism hotspot. From the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site known for its diverse birdlife, to the stunning Sunkoshi River, and the cultural heritage sites in towns like Ilam and Dharan, the region offers a wide range of opportunities for eco-tourism, adventure travel, and cultural exploration.

When the Koshi Tourism Year was declared, it was seen as an opportunity to showcase these attractions to both domestic and international visitors. The tourism industry hoped to see improved infrastructure, better marketing campaigns, and new programs that would drive visitors to the province, thereby boosting the local economy. With such natural resources and cultural gems, many believed that Koshi had the potential to become a top destination for tourists visiting Nepal.

Lack of Action: No Concrete Programs Implemented

However, despite the high expectations, the reality of Koshi Tourism Year has been underwhelming. With just a few months into the year, no major tourism-related events or initiatives have been launched. Key areas such as marketing campaigns, infrastructure development, and the introduction of new tourism services remain largely untouched.

Local businesses, tour operators, and hospitality providers in the region have noted a lack of government-led initiatives, which has resulted in missed opportunities to capitalize on the designation of Koshi Tourism Year. Many of these businesses had hoped for increased government support in the form of promotions, improved transportation links, and better facilities for tourists. However, the delay in implementing any significant measures has left them feeling disappointed and uncertain about the future.

Regional Attractions: What Could Have Been Promoted

Koshi Province has several attractions that could have benefited from tourism promotion during the year. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, famous for its bird watching and home to the endangered wild buffalo, offers unique eco-tourism experiences. The region is also known for its rich biodiversity, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Ilam, famous for its tea gardens and rolling hills, could have been promoted more heavily to attract tourists seeking natural beauty and tranquility. Known as the ‘Queen of the East’, Ilam offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas and is an excellent base for trekking and nature walks.

Additionally, Dharan, one of the largest cities in Koshi, is rich in cultural and religious heritage. With sites such as Buddha Stupa and Pindeshwor Temple, the city could have attracted spiritual travelers and those interested in Nepal’s diverse culture.

Other potential destinations in the region, such as the Sunkoshi River, which is popular among adventurers for rafting, could have been better promoted for adventure tourism. Despite these opportunities, there has been little to no effort from the provincial government to market these sites or develop the necessary infrastructure to support an influx of tourists.

The Impact on Local Businesses and Tourism Operators

The lack of action in promoting Koshi as a tourism destination has also had a significant impact on local businesses. Tour operators, hotels, and guesthouses that were counting on increased tourism during Koshi Tourism Year have seen little to no change in visitor numbers. Many have voiced concerns that without proper marketing or the establishment of tourism infrastructure, their businesses will continue to struggle.

Additionally, transportation has been a key barrier to tourism in the region. Many tourists who may have been interested in visiting Koshi are deterred by the lack of convenient travel options. Public transportation networks and road conditions in some parts of the province need significant improvement to make travel easier and more comfortable for visitors.

Challenges and Opportunities for Koshi Tourism

While the Koshi Tourism Year has gotten off to a slow start, there are still plenty of opportunities for growth in the region. Improving local infrastructure, such as roads, transport services, and accommodations, could help make the province more accessible to tourists. Additionally, investing in digital marketing campaigns to promote the region’s diverse attractions could help draw both domestic and international visitors.

Given the current lack of tourism promotion, the provincial government and local stakeholders must take immediate action to capitalize on the potential of the region. By implementing targeted marketing efforts and improving infrastructure, Koshi could still establish itself as a key player in Nepal’s tourism industry.

Moreover, sustainable tourism should be a priority in Koshi’s development, particularly given the natural and cultural significance of many of the region’s attractions. Focusing on eco-tourism and community-based tourism could provide long-term benefits for both visitors and residents.

Conclusion: Time for Action in Koshi Province

While Koshi Tourism Year was announced with much anticipation, the province’s tourism potential has yet to be realized. Local businesses, government authorities, and stakeholders must act quickly to implement effective tourism programs and infrastructure improvements. With the right initiatives, Koshi can still become a top destination for eco-tourism and cultural exploration in Nepal, but time is running out to capitalize on this opportunity.