Mani R. Lamichhane is a seasoned tourism professional with over two decades of experience spanning both private and public sectors. Currently serving as the Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board’s Gandaki Province Office, he has played a pivotal role in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism development in Nepal. With a strong background in tourism product development, crisis management, and community-based initiatives, he is recognized for pioneering innovative programs like the ‘World Tourism Day Village’ and leading impactful projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Holding multiple master’s degrees in business, tourism, and international relations, he also contributes to the industry as a guest lecturer and licensed guide.
Can you walk us through your journey in the tourism sector and how it led to your current role as the Chief of NTB Gandaki Province Office?
I’ve started my journey in tourism since 1998. I’ve worked in the private sector including in trekking, tours, hotels, and resorts in different roles. Primarily engaged in sales and marketing of adventure tourism products, jungle resorts, and luxury tours until 2008.
I joined as a Manager in Nepal Tourism Board in 2008 in my thirst to work for the public (government sector) in the tourism industry. I served as a Tourism Product Development Manager for almost 7 years. During the HR related crisis at NTB, I had served as the head of the Tourism Products & Resources Development Department – responsible department for domestic tourism products development, tourism HR development, project development, event and tourism activities creation and promotion for almost 3 years (2015 - 2018). I’ve also served as the head of Corporate Services Department for some time (6 months) looking after Corporate Affairs mainly HR & Admin related issues.
I am the first founding Director of the Provincial Office of NTB in Gandaki Province, where I’ve served as the Province Office Chief for a year (2018 - 2019).
I’ve then headed the Research, Planning, and Monitoring Department at NTB until 2025 from 2019 along with the responsibility of the Information Officer and Joint Spokesperson.
I’m now again serving as the Chief of NTBs Gandaki Province Office for the second time as per the requests of the tourism fraternity of Pokhara and Gandaki Province. Together with the tourism fraternity of Gandaki province, I will work hard to increase the tourist’s arrivals here in the province by increasing the tourism activities. We will work hard to have more international flight at the Pokhara International Airport.
Id’ pioneered the concept of declaring the 'World Tourism Day Village' during the World Tourism Day on 27th September in association with Village Tourism Promotion Forum – Nepal (VITOF Nepal). This initiative was began in 2013, with declaring Chitlang as the first ‘World Tourism Day Village’
On my first tenure at NTB Gandaki, I introduced the Street Numbering Program in the busy Lakeside area of Pokhara, which is now expanding not only in Lakeside but almost in all places of Pokhara as well as in Chitwan, Lumbini and Gorkha.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I played a key role in developing the ‘Tourism Crisis Communication Strategy’ in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). I’ve also led the ‘Immediate Livelihood Support Program for Vulnerable Workforces in Tourism’ with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal, which provided short-term jobs to over 300 workers in the tourism sector. The program evolved into the Sustainable Tourism for Livelihood Recovery Project (STLRP) in 2021, impacting over 6,000 individuals in its first year and training more than 3,000 people nationwide. The STLRP initiative has won three PATA Gold Awards in the year 2021, 2022 & 2023. I’ve served the project in the capacity of National Project Coordinator until 2023.
In my free time, I take guest lectures on tourism as well as in management in different colleges. I’m also a licensed trekking as well as tour guide and is the founding member of HR Society Nepal.
I’m holder of Master’s in Business Studies (MBS), Tourism Management (MTM), and International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD).
What first inspired your passion for tourism, and what are some of the most memorable moments from your career so far?
My passion for tourism began right here in Kathmandu. Growing up, I would often see tourists walking through the bustling streets of Thamel, exploring ancient temples, admiring the intricate architecture, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of Durbar Square. There was something fascinating about watching people from all over the world discover the beauty of my city — their eyes full of wonder, their cameras constantly clicking, and their eagerness to understand our culture.
At first, I was just observing. But soon, I found myself wanting to be part of that experience — to help people feel welcome, to show them the hidden gems only locals know, and to be the person who makes their visit unforgettable. That’s what led me into tourism as a career.
Now that I work in the field, I love being able to turn those early observations into action. Every time I assist a visitor or help someone connect more deeply with the culture here, I remember what first inspired me: that simple joy of seeing people discover something new.
Whether it's helping travelers find their way, sharing the best local food spots, or explaining the cultural significance of a festival, I take pride in being an ambassador for my city. Every positive interaction reminds me why I chose this path.
Tourism, to me, is more than just travel — it's about connection, understanding, and creating moments people carry with them forever. And being part of that is something I’m proud of every day.
Declaring Chitlang as the ‘World Tourism Day Village’ in 2013 on the wake of World Tourism Day – 27th September, is the most memorable day from my career. This is the year when I was able to declare my village where I’ve spent my early childhood and is my ancestral home. This is something which I’m always proud of. Another moment is installing the Street Numbers in the LakeSide of Pokhara City. Another one is working with UNDP Nepal in creating the short term jobs for the most vulnerable workforces in tourism during COVID 19.
You’ve worked across both the private and public sectors in tourism. How have these diverse experiences influenced your vision for tourism development in Nepal?
Working in both the private and public sectors in tourism has given me a well-rounded perspective on the opportunities and challenges we face in Nepal. Each sector plays a unique role, and having experienced both has helped me develop a more balanced and inclusive vision for sustainable tourism development.
In the private sector, I learned the importance of innovation, customer service, and responsiveness. Whether it's designing unique travel experiences or adapting quickly to tourist trends, the private sector is where creativity thrives. I saw how small businesses — from trekking agencies to homestays — are the backbone of Nepal’s tourism economy. They bring destinations to life and offer travellers authentic, local experiences. I worked closely with local entrepreneurs, guides, and businesses to co-create tourism products that resonate with modern travelers while staying true to Nepal’s rich cultural and natural heritage. It taught me how innovation and agility are essential for attracting new market segments and staying competitive.
On the other hand, my time in the public sector showed me the value of long-term planning, infrastructure development, and policy-making. Public institutions are essential for creating the framework that supports tourism — things like transportation, heritage conservation, and destination branding. I also gained insight into how tourism can be used as a tool for regional development and cultural preservation when guided by the right strategies.
Together, these experiences have shaped my vision: a tourism industry in Nepal that is sustainable, community-driven, and globally competitive. I believe we must continue to support local entrepreneurs while also investing in infrastructure, digital promotion, and policies that protect our natural and cultural heritage.
Ultimately, tourism in Nepal shouldn’t just be about increasing visitor numbers — it should be about increasing impact: for local communities, for the environment, and for our national identity.
As the NTB Chief for Gandaki Province, how do you envision Gandaki Province contributing to the national tourism goals of Nepal?
As the Chief of the Nepal Tourism Board in Gandaki Province, I see our province as a key driver in achieving Nepal’s national tourism goals — especially in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism development.
Gandaki is not only home to iconic destinations like Pokhara, the Annapurna Circuit, and Mustang, but it also has immense untapped potential in cultural tourism, spiritual journeys, wellness, adventure, and community-based experiences. Our province naturally aligns with the national goal of diversifying tourism products and spreading economic benefits beyond a few hotspots.
Our strategy in Gandaki is built around four key contributions to national tourism development:
Destination Diversification:
Beyond Pokhara and Annapurna, we are actively promoting lesser-known but equally rich destinations such as Ghandruk, Bandipur, Nawalpur (Kawasoti), Baglung and rural areas of Lamjung and Syangja — helping reduce pressure on over-visited sites while opening up new economic opportunities.
Product Diversification:
We are expanding beyond traditional trekking routes to promote cultural tourism, spiritual tourism, adventure sports, wellness, and agro-tourism. This directly supports Nepal’s goal of diversifying tourism offerings and attracting both domestic and international markets year-round.
Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism:
We are investing in community-based tourism models that ensure local ownership, environmental stewardship, and benefit-sharing. Empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities is central to our approach — echoing national objectives for equitable tourism growth.
Human Resource and Service Excellence:
With my background in human resource development, I’m committed to building a skilled, professional, and service-oriented tourism workforce in Gandaki. Training, certification, and capacity-building initiatives directly contribute to improving Nepal’s tourism quality and global competitiveness.
Domestic and Regional Tourism Promotion:
Gandaki is also leading the way in promoting domestic and regional tourism, particularly through short-haul markets like India, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia, supporting the national strategy to reduce dependence on long-haul travelers and seasonality.
Resilience and Innovation:
Gandaki is at the forefront of integrating technology, digital marketing, and disaster preparedness into tourism planning. We’re also exploring green infrastructure and nature-based tourism aligned with Nepal’s climate commitments.
Ultimately, I envision Gandaki Province as a model for balanced tourism development — where natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community voices come together to create sustainable impact. By aligning our provincial initiatives with national policy, Gandaki will not only boost Nepal’s visitor numbers but also set a standard for responsible, high-value tourism that reflects the true spirit of our country.
In what ways has Pokhara’s designation as Nepal’s official ‘Tourism Capital’ reshaped tourism development strategies and priorities within Gandaki Province?
Pokhara being declared Nepal’s official ‘Tourism Capital’ has had a profound influence on how we shape tourism strategies across Gandaki Province. This designation has elevated Pokhara not just as a major destination, but as a gateway and guiding force for tourism development throughout the province.
Here are key ways it has reshaped our priorities:
Integrated Regional Planning
Pokhara now serves as the central hub in a hub-and-spoke model, where we are actively developing surrounding districts — such as Lamjung, Tanahun, Parbat, Syangja, and Mustang — as complementary destinations. This supports the national goal of spreading tourism benefits beyond urban centers.
Investment in Infrastructure and Accessibility
The designation has strengthened our case for increased investment in connectivity, urban infrastructure, and visitor amenities, including enhancing access to the new Pokhara International Airport and improving road networks to rural attractions.
Experience-Based Product Development
Our focus has shifted toward curated tourism experiences—from soft adventure and wellness retreats to heritage trails and lake tourism—that reflect Pokhara’s brand identity as a relaxed, nature-rich, and diverse destination.
Human Capital and Service Quality
With growing visibility and visitor expectations, there is a renewed push to improve hospitality standards, workforce training, and digital readiness — particularly among SMEs, guides, and service providers.
Sustainable Urban Tourism Management
The designation also brings responsibility. We are working closely with city authorities to promote sustainable tourism practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection and cultural integrity — setting a model for other growing tourism cities.
Stronger Provincial-National Collaboration
Pokhara’s elevated status has fostered deeper alignment between provincial strategies and national tourism policy, particularly in marketing, investment promotion, and tourism governance.
In essence, Pokhara’s status as Tourism Capital has catalyzed a more strategic, balanced, and future-focused approach to tourism in Gandaki — positioning the province not only as a leading tourism zone within Nepal, but also as a globally competitive destination in South Asia.
Could you elaborate on the core objectives and anticipated outcomes of the “Visit Pokhara 2025” campaign, and how the Nepal Tourism Board is partnering with key stakeholders to ensure its success?
The “Visit Pokhara 2025” campaign is a visionary initiative designed to reposition Pokhara as a premier, year-round, international tourism destination, and to significantly contribute to Nepal’s national tourism revival and growth targets. As the Tourism Capital of Nepal, Pokhara is poised to lead the country’s tourism revival post-pandemic, while also setting new standards for sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
Also Read
